To learn about solutions that may prevent or better manage feline stress, we reached out to Stephanie Borns-Weil, DVM, Director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.Īccording to Dr. While a traumatic event may have provoked these reactions, some cats may continue to react fearfully to even less extreme events. Pica behavior may be caused by lack of attention, boredom or separation anxiety.Īgitation: Stressed cats can frighten easily and get jittery and anxious at insignificant movements or sounds. This behavior is extremely dangerous because it can cause an intestinal obstruction, choking or GI upsets. They may suck on wool, eat plastic, and chew on rubber, wood and other inedible items. Pica (eating non-food items): Although the cause of pica remains a mystery, cats that are chronically stressed may start chewing and consuming non- food items to self-soothe. On the other hand, cats that are stressed may completely stop grooming. Oriental cats appear to be more genetically predisposed to this condition. But when cats are chronically stressed, they will often seek solace by compulsively overgrooming. Because licking releases endorphins, this behavior is comforting and self-soothing. Overgrooming/under grooming:Chronic stress or a series of stressful events can cause cats to overgroom. High blood pressure may also cause incessant howling. These changes in a cat’s normal means of communication can be a sign of feline stress caused by an underlying medical condition such as cognitive dysfunction or thyroid disease. They may wander aimlessly around the house howling and crying when they are separated from their favorite person for even a few minutes.Ĭhanges in the cat’s vocalization: It can be troublesome when a normally chatty cat abruptly stops communicating and is withdrawn, or conversely when a cat that is usually quiet begins constantly howling or vocalizing. Velcro cats:Stressed cats may start being clingy, sticking to their caretaker like glue, following them around the house begging for attention. Emotional stressors may include the death of a closely bonded caretaker or family pet, jealousy/rivalry and boredom. Physical stressors include illness, trauma, obesity, parasites and fleas and surgical procedures. Environmental stressors can include excess confinement, abrupt changes in daily routine, moving to a new house, a new baby, too many animals in the home or an owner going to work. Their goal is to distance themselves from whatever is causing their anxiety. Hiding: Stressed cats often seek hiding places under a bed, in dark closets or disappear onto high and remote places around the house. Common stressors are dirty litter boxes, litter that is unacceptable, medical problems, alterations in the interactions among other household cats, diversions in household routines, spying roaming neighborhood cats or other animals through the window or moving to a new house. Stress can often bring about inappropriate elimination and/ or spraying. Inappropriate elimination: It is obviously very frustrating when a cat stops using the litter box. Conversely, some signs of feline anxiety are clearly observable and warrant prompt veterinary intervention. Stress can cause insecurity and engender litter box avoidance and territorial urine marking behavior.īecause cats are masterful at hiding anxiety, signs of feline stress may often be overlooked. Stressed cats may lose their appetite, or chew on or consume non-food items such as wool or plastic (this is known as pica). Stress can be responsible for a multitude of behavioral issues such as aggressive behavior toward other animals and people, depression, over grooming or not grooming, obsessive-compulsive behavior and flat-out withdrawal. Upper respiratory infections and other serious medical conditions can be traced to chronic feline stress. Although fleeting bursts of stress can actually save the cat’s life, continual stress can cause deleterious effects. Adrenaline is also released during sudden stress, causing the heart rate to escalate and preparing the cat for a flight or fight response. It regulates several body processes, including the immune and the metabolism response. Cortisol assists the cat’s body respond to stress. Cortisol is a hormonal steroid produced by the adrenal glands. When a cat feels cornered or threatened, cortisol is released into her system. Sudden changes in the environment, family makeup or even an owner going back to work can cause even the easiest-going cat to become “unglued.” What repeated stress can create Cats can get stressed with any slight change in routines. While brief periods of stress can help cats to survive dangerous situations, recurrent or prolonged stress can be harmful for them both physically and emotionally.Ĭats are creatures of habit they depend on regular routines more than any other any animal. Much in the same way that stress affects humans, it can also affect cats.
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