Does your cat always run and hide when strangers come home? Many cats do this if they are not well socialized. But does that mean that your cat suffers from anxiety? Let’s talk a little more about it in the following lines.
What are the causes of anxiety in cats?
If your cat is a rescued animal, you probably don’t know what he experienced before he came to live with you. If it had been well treated, your new pet and life partner would probably not show symptoms of anxiety. However, abuse is only one possible cause of anxiety in cats. It is important to emphasize that anxiety in cats can also be due to other causes:
- Traumatic experience
- Abandonment.
- Neurological disease
- Pain.
- Aging.
If your cat is nervous, fearful, does the needs of him outside his litter box, does not eat or drink as he should, call us for a wellness check. Your pet should be thoroughly examined by your trusted veterinarian before diagnosing and treating anxiety.
Cats don’t like change
No kind of change! And they like the living room chair exactly where it was before moving it to sweep. Cats don’t see the world like humans. Because they are predators, they calculate movement. Changes in their environment, even small things, can upset them and cause anxiety. Reassure your cat with cat love and treats to distract him from reacting to changes in his world.
Cats like routine
They may ignore you when you’re home or seem interested in you only when it’s time to eat, but the fact is, they probably don’t like you when you leave the house. They can get by if you come in and out at around the same time every day. If you leave them for a weekend, even with lots of food and water and a neighbor watching over them, your cat might feel anxious. Comfort and calm your cat; never scold him for his anxious behavior.
Symptoms of anxiety in your cat
Your cat may show new and unwanted behaviors after you’ve gone on a trip or the whole family has moved to a new home. A new baby in the family can also annoy your cat because the household routine changes and humans become more nervous.
Once your cat has gotten used to the changes, his behavior can return to normal. If anxiety behaviors persist, you will want to seek treatment.
Here is a short list of symptoms to watch out for:
- Don’t use your litter box to relieve yourself.
- Hiding more than usual.
- Changes in eating and drinking habits.
- Excessive meowing
- Excessive grooming.
- Escape attempts.
- Aggression.
Anxiety Behaviors in Cats May Indicate Serious Health Problems
Maybe nothing has changed in your home, but your cat is acting strange. Your pet could have an illness or injury that you may not be seeing. Persistent abnormal behaviors are always reason enough to visit the vet for a full health and wellness check.
Can Anxiety in Cats Be Treated?
Yes! After a thorough examination of the animal to rule out any underlying causes of the behavior, the vet may prescribe feline anti-anxiety medication. In addition, you can also seek a meeting with an animal behavior specialist to help redirect your cat’s energies towards more positive behaviors. With professional help and love and support from family, your cat should be on the right track to feeling and behaving better.
Contact us if you have questions about cat anxiety and other pet health issues. The staff and vets at Hospital Veterinari Glòries are here to support the health and happiness of your entire animal family!