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It may surprise cat parents to know that just like us humans, cats can suffer with anxiety too. Cats can be unpredictable at the best of times, so spotting anxious behaviours can be quite difficult. But if your cat seems especially erratic and a little more nervous than your regular mog, it may be worth a trip to the vets in case they are suffering with anxiety.
Anxiety can develop over time, especially if your cat has been through a traumatic event or a change in environment. Anything from moving house, taking on a new pet or even simply redecorating can cause our furballs some distress, especially in their first year of life, though anxiety can develop at any time.
What are anxiety symptoms in cats?
Though it can be tricky to spot, there are some key behaviours to look out for if you suspect your slinky to be a little stressed.
Anxiety symptoms in cats include:
- Excessive grooming
- Accidents outside of the litter box
- Aggressive behaviour
Less common things to look out for:
- Hiding
- Pacing
- Trembling
- Excessive chatting
- A decrease in appetite
- Anxious body language such as ears back or a tight tail
How to treat anxiety in cats
The best way to treat anxiety in cats is usually with a combination of medical treatments as well as adapting their environment. Patience and consistency is key as it isn’t always an easy fix, and may take months to really calm your cat to a manageable level.
It will differ case to case and cat to cat, but if your cat is suffering, your vet may prescribe them with anti-anxiety medication. Some medicines will be a quick fix to help in particularly stressful situations, such as a trip to the vets (oh the irony), but some will be more regular and long lasting, a daily dose acting as a sort of anti-depressant for your puss.
Another super helpful way to calm your nervous kitty is by using pheromones. Natural chemicals released by cats when they’re feeling positive and relaxed help to self soothe your housemate. Plug-ins, sprays and diffusers are all available and mimic these natural scents which can help to reassure your pal and ease up their anxiety.
Anxiety is of course a natural response in certain situations, but can develop and become super stressful for your cat in day to day life. If you’re concerned for your kitten, don’t hesitate to pop down to your vet and see what they can do to help.
