Is Your Cat Stressed?

Cats are fairly mysterious creatures, and it’s not always easy to tell when they are stressed.

When most people think about stress, they think about deadlines at work or utility bills that are past due. What most people don’t realize is that our cats can get stressed too, and just as chronic stress is bad for people, it’s also bad for our feline friends. But how do you know if your cat is stressed out? .

#1. Your cat is isolating themselves.

Many people are under the common misconception that cats are loners, when in fact, they are actually social creatures. Of course, some cats are more social than others, and you know your cat best. If your usually social cat has started to isolate themselves, it’s a sure sign that there’s a problem, and if there’s nothing physically wrong with your cat, then stress could be to blame.

#2. Your cat has been urinating outside of their litter box.

When your cat suddenly starts having accidents in your home, your initial reaction might be to punish them, but if this behavior is unusual for your cat, they could be stressed. Cats, particularly those that are especially jumpy, can become stressed out if you rearrange the furniture, their litter box isn’t clean or your home is unusually loud. Keep in mind that sudden accidents could also be an indicator of certain health issues, so your first step should be to visit your veterinarian.

#3. Your cat is acting aggressively towards other cats or people.

Has your normally calm and loving kitty starting growling at you or other people, or acting aggressively towards your other pets? If so, this is a sure sign that something isn’t right. The culprit could be stress, but it could also be injury or sickness. If you notice any kinds of change in mood like this, it’s always smart to consult your veterinarian.

#4. Your cat has started to groom obsessively.

Cats are known for being very hygienic creatures, so it’s completely normal for your cat to groom themselves. However, there’s a major difference between normal grooming and obsessive grooming that leaves your cat with bald or raw spots. This kind of obsessive behavior is a clear indication that something is wrong with your cat, and it very well could be stress.

#5. Your cat’s appetite has decreased.

Cats don’t worry about their weight, and they don’t diet or go on fasts like people do. If your cat stops eating as much, or they stop eating altogether, there’s a good chance that there’s a reason behind it. Stress is a common reason why a cat’s appetite may decrease, but it could also be a sign that there is something physically wrong with them. Make sure you schedule an appointment with your veterinarian if your cat’s appetite changes.

If you think that your cat might be stressed out or is in need of veterinary care, please don’t hesitate to schedule your appointment with our veterinarian in Levittown today. And to learn more signs of stress in cats, make sure to stay tuned for our next blog.

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.