Anxiety can be a real challenge for your cat. As sensitive creatures, sudden changes in environment, health issues, trauma, or any number of other factors can send them spiraling into chronic anxiety. Nobody wants their cat to live in a constant state of stress and fear.
This is why it's important for us to understand what's going on when our cats are feeling anxious. In this article, we are going to explore the various causes of cat anxiety, so you can better support your kitty when they're feeling stressed or scared.
By learning about the different factors that can potentially contribute to your cat's anxiety, you will be better equipped to help them feel more comfortable, creating a happier, healthier, and more secure life for them. So, let's dive in and learn more about cat anxiety and its causes!
What Are the Signs of Cat Anxiety
It's crucial for us to recognize the signs of anxiety in our cats. Even though they can’t speak to us with their voice, they still have ways of communicating when they're feeling stressed or scared. Being on the lookout for these signals will enable us to better intervene when needed. So, let's take a closer look at the various signs and symptoms of cat anxiety and learn how to support them.
Mild Anxiety Symptoms
Mild anxiety in cats is often subtle and can be easily overlooked. However, recognizing these mild signs can help you address the issue before it escalates into something more serious. Mild anxiety signals can include…
1 - Avoiding eye contact: A cat with mild anxiety may avoid making direct eye contact with people or other animals.
2 - Shifting body or head away: An anxious cat might shift their body or head away from a perceived threat.
3. Holding their tail close to their body: Anxious cats often hold their tails close to their bodies as a sign of insecurity.
4 - Slight tail flicking: Mild anxiety can cause a cat to flick their tail slightly as a sign of discomfort or unease.
5 - Partially dilated pupils: A cat's pupils may become partially dilated when they are experiencing mild anxiety.
Moderate Anxiety Symptoms
When a cat's anxiety level increases, their behavior and body language can become more pronounced, signaling moderate anxiety. Moderate signs of anxiety can include behaviors like…
1 - Ears flattened to the side: Everyone knows that when a cat’s ears are pinned back, they’re either afraid or angry. But did you know that their ears appearing to flatten to either side, sticking out sideways, is a sign of anxiety?
2 - Increased dilation of the pupils: A cat's pupils may dilate further as their anxiety level increases.
3 - Increased respiratory rate: An anxious cat may breathe more quickly than usual.
4 - Looking at the stimulus: A moderately anxious cat may focus their attention on the source of their anxiety. Be especially aware of any other anxiety signals when your cat is hyper focused like this.
6 - Crouching and leaning away: A cat experiencing moderate anxiety may crouch down and lean away from the source of their stress.
7 - Pooping or peeing outside of the litter box: Anxiety is one of the primary reasons for a cat to avoid their litter box. Often if the box is in a loud or busy area of the house, or they have associated pain with the box (which can happen if your cat gets sick), their box can be a source of anxiety for them.
Severe Anxiety Symptoms
Severe anxiety in cats leads to extreme behavioral changes. This is obviously distressing for both you and your cat. If you notice these signals, you should take immediate action to soothe your cat’s symptoms and address whatever is causing the issue. Severe anxiety symptoms can include behaviors like…
1 - Trying to escape or completely freezing in place: A severely anxious cat might attempt to flee the situation or freeze in place, unable to move. They will be panicked and obviously distressed
2 - Fully dilated pupils: In severe cases of anxiety, a cat's pupils may become fully dilated.
3 - Holding their ears back: A cat may hold their ears back flat against their head when experiencing severe anxiety.
4 - Hair standing up: A severely anxious cat's hair may stand on end, making them appear larger as a defensive mechanism.
6 - Aggression: In some cases, a cat may display aggression, such as hissing or swatting, when they are severely anxious.
7 - Vocalization: A severely anxious cat will often begin to loudly vocalize. Loud, drawn out meows are common, even hissing if they feel they need to defend themselves for some reason.
Causes of Cat Anxiety
Just like humans, anxiety can significantly impact their quality of life. There are various factors that can contribute to the development of anxiety in cats, ranging from health issues to past traumatic experiences, improper socialization and separation anxiety.
Illness or Physical Pain
Cats are known for their stoicism, often hiding signs of illness or pain. However, underlying medical conditions can contribute to feelings of anxiety in cats. Conditions such as dental pain, arthritis, gastrointestinal issues, or even neurological disorders may lead to increased discomfort and stress. When a cat is in pain or not feeling well, they may become more sensitive to their surroundings and exhibit behaviors consistent with anxiety. Regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring your cat for any changes in behavior, appetite, or activity levels can help detect and address any health issues that might be causing anxiety.
Trauma
Traumatic events can leave a lasting impact on a cat's mental well-being, leading to anxiety and fear. Cats that have experienced accidents, abuse, or natural disasters may develop long-lasting anxiety as a result of the trauma. They may be more prone to fear and stress in situations that remind them of the traumatic event or when exposed to unfamiliar environments or stimuli. Providing a safe and nurturing environment, along with patience and understanding, can help traumatized cats recover and regain their confidence.
Improper Socialization
Cats that have not been properly socialized during their early developmental stages may be more prone to anxiety. Socialization involves exposing kittens to various people, animals, and environments in a controlled and positive manner. If a cat has not had these experiences, they may be more fearful and anxious when encountering new situations, people, or animals. To help prevent anxiety in cats, it is essential to socialize them properly from a young age, exposing them gradually to various stimuli while ensuring positive experiences.
Separation Anxiety
Although less common in cats than in dogs, separation anxiety can still be a major issue. Cats that form strong attachments to their owners may experience anxiety when left alone or separated from their human companions. This can manifest as excessive vocalization, destructive behaviors, or even inappropriate elimination. Gradually increasing the time they spend alone and providing them with a stimulating environment can help them become more comfortable when their owners are not present.
Managing Cat Anxiety
Managing cat anxiety requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses both the emotional and environmental factors contributing to the issue. You can employ strategies to comfort your cat, create a safe space, use dietary and environmental supplements, implement behavior modification techniques, and even use medications in extreme cases and with a vet’s prescription.
Comforting Your Cat
Providing comfort and reassurance to your cat during times of anxiety is crucial. Be patient, gentle, and empathetic to your cat's needs. Speak softly, offer soothing touches, and avoid any sudden movements or loud noises that may exacerbate their anxiety. Remember that punishment should never be used, as it can worsen your cat's fear and anxiety.
Creating a Safe Space
Designing a stress-free environment for your cat is essential in managing anxiety. This involves:
Removing litter boxes from chaotic areas: Ensure that your cat's litter box is placed in a quiet, easily accessible location. This helps reduce anxiety associated with elimination and can help prevent inappropriate elimination behaviors.
Feeding cats separately: To minimize competition and anxiety during mealtimes, feed your cats separately. Provide each cat with their own food bowl and space, allowing them to eat without feeling threatened.
Providing exercise and stimulation: Keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated through play, exercise, and interactive toys. This can help alleviate anxiety by providing an outlet for pent-up energy and promoting relaxation.
Medications and Supplements for Cat Anxiety
In some cases, medications or supplements may be necessary to help manage your cat's anxiety. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations on appropriate medications or supplements, such as anti-anxiety meds, pheromone diffusers, or calming treats. Supplements are simple to add into a diet or environment. We carry many different options at all of our locations. For medications however, always consult with your veterinarian and follow their guidelines for administering treatment.
Behavior Modification Techniques
Behavior modification techniques can be highly effective in reducing cat anxiety. These techniques include:
Counterconditioning: This method involves changing your cat's emotional response to a stimulus from negative to positive. For example, pairing a feared stimulus with a treat or praise can help your cat associate the stimulus with a positive outcome, thereby reducing anxiety.
Desensitization: Desensitization involves gradual, controlled exposure to the anxiety-provoking stimulus. By slowly increasing the intensity or frequency of exposure, your cat becomes more accustomed to the stimulus and less likely to react with fear or anxiety.
Alternative Remedies for Cat Anxiety
While managing cat anxiety often involves a combination of environmental adjustments and behavior modification techniques, there are alternative remedies that can provide additional support for your anxious cat. These remedies can complement traditional treatment methods and contribute to your cat's overall well-being.
Cat trees and scratching posts
Providing your cat with a cat tree or scratching post can help alleviate anxiety by offering a safe place to escape, exercise, and engage in natural scratching behaviors. Cat trees and scratching posts allow your cat to climb, perch, and observe their surroundings from a safe distance, promoting a sense of security and reducing stress.
Simulating hunting activities
Engaging your cat in hunting-like activities can help reduce anxiety by fulfilling their innate need to stalk, chase, and pounce. This can be achieved through interactive play with toys that mimic prey, using food puzzle toys, or creating a "treasure hunt" with small portions of food hidden around your home. These activities can help your cat burn off excess energy, stimulate their natural instincts, and reduce stress and anxiety.
Scent-based remedies, such as Feliway
Scent-based remedies like Feliway can help alleviate anxiety by mimicking the natural pheromones produced by cats. Feliway is a synthetic feline pheromone that helps create a sense of familiarity and security in your cat's environment. It is available as a diffuser or spray and can be used to ease territorial or environmental stress, promoting a sense of calm and reducing anxiety in your cat.
CBD oil for cats
CBD oil has gained popularity as a potential, all-natural treatment to ease anxiety in pets. While research on the safety and efficacy of CBD oil for cats is still limited, anecdotal reports suggest that it may help some cats cope with stress and anxiety. If you’d like to know more about how CBD oil can help your cat, stop by your local Kahoots! We’d love to talk to you.
Wrapping Up
As responsible pet owners, it is essential to understand the various causes, signs, and symptoms of cat anxiety in order to provide appropriate care and support. By recognizing the potential secondary conditions related to anxiety, we can further ensure the health of our cats and address any issues that may arise.
A long-term commitment to managing and treating cat anxiety is crucial for the well-being of our beloved pets. This includes not only traditional approaches such as environmental management and behavior modification techniques, but also considering alternative remedies like CBD oil and scent-based therapies. By tailoring our approach to suit the unique needs and preferences of our cats, we can help them overcome their anxieties and lead happier, healthier lives.