Managing Stress in Cats

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Last updated 8/2/2025

cat stress
feline health
pet care
anxiety management
stress relief

Understanding Feline Stress

Stress isn't just a problem for humans; our cats can feel it too. While we might wear busy schedules as a badge of honor, our feline friends don't have a choice. Cats are also great at helping us relax. So, it's only fair to help them manage stress too!

Why Stress Happens

Stress and anxiety help us survive. They give us energy from adrenaline to fight or flee from danger. But too much stress is harmful. It can weaken the immune system over time. That's why relieving stress is important.

Common Signs of Stress in Cats:

  • Spraying (even if neutered)
  • Going outside the litter box
  • Pacing along fences
  • Loss of appetite
  • Pulling out fur
  • Trembling
  • Excessive meowing
  • Hiding under beds or behind curtains
  • Physical symptoms and illness

What Causes Cat Stress?

  • Too many cats in the house
  • Moving to a new home
  • Traveling
  • New family member (human or pet)
  • Parties or visitors
  • Cat shows
  • Health problems or injury
  • Being stuck inside
  • New neighborhood cat
  • Any change in routine
Cats react differently to stress. Some handle change easily, while others get very upset.

Ways to Help Your Cat

Managing stress involves three main steps:
  1. Changing the stressful situation
  2. Changing the cat's response
  3. Using a mix of both

1. Change the Situation

Try removing the source of stress. If a cat is stressed by a specific situation, like too many cats around, consider re-homing to a more suitable environment.

2. Change the Cat's Response

Vet-Prescribed Solutions:

For example, some vets may prescribe **Amitriptyline** to help reduce anxiety in cats.

Non-Vet Methods:

  • **Feliway**: A synthetic pheromone for comforting cats, especially those who spray or urinate inappropriately.
  • **Aromatherapy**: Use lavender essential oil in a well-ventilated space to relax your cat.
  • **Massage and T-touch**: Gentle touches can calm cats and strengthen your bond.
  • **Herbal and Flower Remedies**: Valerian and Bach flower extracts, like Rescue Remedy, can help calm cats.
  • **Nutritional Supplements**: B vitamins and tryptophan can reduce stress.
  • **Behavioral Therapy**: Teach new responses with conditioning, associating scary things with something nice or relaxing.

3. Using a Combination

Trying several methods often works best. Sometimes the cat continues to feel stress even after removing the stressor. Experiment with different tactics to see which helps your cat the most, especially tactile methods like massage. They also help you relax while strengthening your friendship. Remember, cats can sense our stress. Helping ourselves manage anxiety is also vital in keeping our cats calm and happy.