Is your cat stressed and scared? These tricks can help.
The term “scaredy cat” exists for a reason. Cats can be curious, funny, endearing, and independent, but they can also experience some negative emotions that are relatable. Do not try to punish your cat for behaving negatively, nor write off your cat as having an aggressive personality. If you suspect that your cat is stressed, Everhart Veterinary Medicine is here to help in central Maryland. Check out these cat stress relief methods below to help at home.
Know the Signs of Cat Stress
First, it’s important to understand the signs of cat stress, which can look like:
- Hiding
- Not eating
- Hissing, swatting, and biting
- Growling
- Tail whipping
- Not playing
- Not showing affection
The more you spend time with one cat or more, the easier it will be to read cats better.
Understand the Cause of the Stress
There are many things that could stress out a cat. It could be an unfamiliar environment, a new member of the household, a lack in its daily life, or a medical issue. In general, the cause could be external or internal.
Stay Calm
Avoid feeling stressed out, even if your cat has an unexplained bout of aggression. If you remain calm, firm, and cautious, it will be easier to de-escalate your cat’s stress and manage it without any injuries on either side.
Create a Safe Retreat for Your Cat
If your cat has a safe space to call its own, it will have some stress relief. A cat carrier is a great safe space for cats, especially since they need to get used to seeing a veterinarian for a routine checkup. Using a cat carrier will also make travel of any kind less stressful.
Call Your Vet If It Is a Medical Issue
If you believe your cat’s stress is coming from physical pain, look for other symptoms to back this up. These symptoms could include any signs of illness, such as a visible wound, vomiting, lethargy, dizziness, or lack of appetite. Call your vet if your pet becomes ill.
Address Any Lifestyle Needs
If your cat is stressed because of a new household member, like a new pet, separate them and reintroduce them in a safe, controlled environment when they are calm. If you have moved recently, you can create a safe cat space so your cat can adapt quickly. A stressed cat could also be a bored cat, which means you could spend more time with it.
Use Cat Stress Relief Tools
Soothing music for cats, synthetic pheromone sprays, and catnip are all tools you could use to help calm your cat as well. If you have any questions about them concerning your cat’s health, please contact your local vet.
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With three Maryland locations in Baltimore, Pasadena, and Cross Keys, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131, 410-793-7670, or 443-470-6790! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!