Although it can be hard to tell if your cat is feeling off, anxiety in cats is not as uncommon as you might think. A simple change in their environment like new people or pets hanging around can be triggering to your cat’s comfort level.
These are just some of the stressors that may be affecting your cat, others could include injury, a traumatic encounter, overstimulation, and even seasonal changes. So if any of these common causes are the reason for your cat’s stress, know that there are proven methods that can help.
Here are just a few simple remedies on how you can help keep your cat comfortable in times of distress.
- Tend to Your Cat’s Nose
Since cats have such hypersensitive noses, the simplest changes in odor can cause them to become anxious. New people entering the home, remodeling or redecorating, and even the smell of another pet can be triggering to your kitty.
It can be difficult to manage scent distress, especially if it’s you tracking in an unfamiliar scent that can trigger their response. Simple sprays and diffusers of scents your cat responds positively to can be the key to their serenity. A nice and consistent scent to your home will make your cat feel comfortable and safe.
- Play With Your Cat
Anxiety can definitely result from overstimulation, but did you know that minimal stimulation can be just as troubling? Some cats like their space but others love attention and require it to feel comfortable in their normal playtime routine.
When a cat who craves physical touch or just some playtime isn’t getting it, they can become stressed and take out their frustrations around the house causing damage to furniture or even instigating aggressive behaviors. It is never a bad time to check in on your kitty and see if they need some love or healthy activity.
- Maintain Your Cat’s Health
In addition to the usual at-home grooming, be sure to pay good attention to your cat so you can pick up on any behaviors that seem off and may require attention. You don’t want to miss anything when it comes to helping keep your cat healthy. Take them to their usual vet visits to maintain good physical and mental health boundaries in your pet.
A lingering health condition in your cat can be a huge source of anxiety so picking up on it sooner rather than later can lead to better treatment options and a better quality of life.
- Give Them Privacy
Even the most playful and loving cats need their privacy too. A lot of times cats can get anxious when too many people are around them, their personal space is invaded, or even when they are just trying to go to the bathroom in peace. If you notice a negative reaction when you walk into the room or get too close, it is probably best to leave your cat alone at that moment.
If you notice they are having bathroom anxiety maybe think about a litter box that would be right for your cat in terms of privacy and comfortability. Many cat owners have made the switch to automatic litter boxes with hooded designs such as the AutoEgg by ChillX or ScoopFree by Pet Safe that quietly self clean the litter box so your cat is never forced to endure a dirty litter box when using the bathroom.
The removable hooded designs offer a secure space for cats to retreat to their bathroom territory in peace and keep clear of unwanted company.
- Steady Diet
Providing your cat with a comfortable constant like their favorite food can be a great help with easing your cat’s anxiety.
Even in their more stressed out moments, they know that their food will be there and make them feel comfortable. If this is the case, be sure to monitor how much your cat is eating so that they don’t get too comfortable by becoming dependent on their food more often than usual.
- Consistent Training
Cat’s can become stressed when one person tells them “no climbing on the table,” and another house member doesn’t say anything. These mixed signals of what’s allowed and what isn’t can be confusing and alarming for your cat.
That’s why people in the house need to be consistent with enforcing the rules on your cat to avoid any confusion or anxiety in their pet. Unhealthy and inconsistent methods of reprimanding and aggressively training your cat can cause them to panic and will confuse them even further.
- Healthy Environment
Cat’s are not shy to let you know when they are upset or stressed out. Clear signs like howling, aggression, hissing, hiding, and more can tell you if your cat is feeling anxious. This may be because of new people or simply not enough space for your cat to be comfortable in their home environment.
If your cat shows a dislike of certain people, perhaps try your best to avoid encounters between them like being in separate rooms. If your cat is getting anxious from not having enough space to lounge comfortably, think about what else you can offer as their caretaker.
Cat’s like vertical playscapes, high hang out spots, and private hideouts. Consider this a possibility next time your cat is stressed and explore what your options are to create a more comfortable home for them.
- Supplements and Special Diets
The final tip in helping reduce your cat’s anxiety is providing them supplements like chews and treats that contain ingredients such as Vitamin B1, L-Theanine, L-Tryptophan, and milk whey proteins. Supplements have the potential to stabilize their nutrients and keep them feeling content.
Another remedy can be a calming collar that releases relaxing pheromones to calm your cat throughout the day.
Our Thoughts
Don’t be too scared if your cat is showing any of the signs of anxiety that we discussed. Know that you can help to make changes to relieve your cat at any moment.
Pay attention to how your cat reacts to certain things and adjust their environment accordingly. Use some of these tips to aid your pet and put them back in their comfort zone as soon as possible.