Believe it or not, cats can get stressed out just like people can.
Many people think of stress as something only people deal with, but in reality, our pets can also get stressed too, particularly our cats
. The first step to helping to ease your cat’s stress is recognizing that it exists in the first place, and in our last blog, we went over a few signs of stress in cats. Here are a for more signs that your cat might be stressed:
#6. Your cat has been meowing at you more than usual.
Some cats are more vocal than others, but you know how much your cat typically meows at you. If your cat’s vocalization has increased, or it’s happening more and more often, they are probably trying to tell you something, like they are stressed out or there is something physically wrong with them.
#7. Your cat has digestive problems.
Stress can manifest itself in many different ways, including digestive problems. If your cat has started having constipation, diarrhea or any other digestive problems, stress might be the cause. However, stress isn’t the only culprit for cat digestive problems, so be sure to consult your veterinarian.
#8. Your cat is sleeping more.
Cats sleep a lot. In fact, a cat can sleep up to 20 hours in a single day. However, as a cat mom or dad, you’ll get used to your cat’s sleep schedule, and if your cat has started sleeping more than usual, or is less active than usual, talk to your veterinarian.
What can you do about it?
As we mentioned, the very first thing that you should do when you notice a change in your cat’s behavior or habits is to visit your veterinarian. Here are a few other things you can do to to eliminate your cat’s daily stress:
- Play with your cat regularly – Physical activity is a great stress reducer in most people and cats. Playing with your cat and exercising them regularly can help to keep them healthy and reduce their stress.
- Feed your cat high-quality food – Feeding your cat a high-quality diet is essential for their health and happiness. If you aren’t feeding your cat an appropriate diet for their needs, it can lead to stress and anxiety, as well as other health issues.
- Create a safe space for your cat – Although your cat is an important part of your life, sometimes, there will be things happening in and around your home that cause them stress, and they need a place to get away from those things. For example, if you have people over or it’s storming outside, your cat needs a place to hide where they’ll feel safe.
Schedule your appointment with our veterinarian today!
Before you do anything else to ease your cat’s stress, schedule your appointment with our veterinarian in South Bellmore today. Not only can we help to rule out illness and injuries that could be causing your cat’s change in behavior, but we can give insight in how to relieve your cat’s stress.