Cats are often seen as a great low-maintenance pet for busy parents, and while that’s true in a sense, they still need plenty of love and care.
While cats are easier to care for than dogs and some other high-maintenance pets, such as birds, they do still need a lot of care and attention in order to survive and thrive in their environment.
With over 10.8 million pet cats in the UK, it’s clear that cats are a popular pet for many families and individuals, but if they’re not kept correctly, then they can be prone to stress and other health issues.
These problems can reduce your cat’s quality of life and make them an unfriendly pet to be around, which can also hinder your own happiness.
Stress is common among pet cats, and there are many signs and reasons for it. In extreme cases, stress can cause significant health problems for your pet and reduce their quality of life.
Common Causes Of Stress In Cats
So, if you’re concerned that your pet is exhibiting signs of stress, then here are some of the main causes of this and how you can work to overcome them.
Boredom
If cats don’t have proper enough activities to do, then they can easily get bored. This can cause them stress and lead to symptoms such as destroying furniture. To overcome these issues, you should try to create a stimulating environment for your cat, particularly if you keep them indoors permanently. Keeping a cat indoors can be very beneficial, as it can keep them safe and make cleaning and managing your home easier. However, you need to make sure that they are stimulated and happy. Try to give them plenty of toys and treats to keep your cat occupied and intellectually stimulated. If you need to find new toys and keep a good supply of tasty snacks for your cat, then check out the all-in-one pet online superstore Time For Paws. They have everything you need to keep your cat occupied and keep them from getting bored, even when you and your family aren’t around.
Significant Changes To Their Routine
Like many people, cats love routine, and any major changes to their normal schedule can throw them off track and lead to stress. Changes such as a move to a new home, the introduction of another family member or development in the family’s schedule, such as school holidays, can be stressful for your pet. While these changes can’t be completely avoided, you can reduce their impact on your cat’s mental wellbeing. For example, you can keep as many parts of their daily routine, such as feeding time and playtime, the same. If you have to go back to work after the lockdowns, you should help your cat to adapt, perhaps by video calling them or making sure they have enough distractions during the day. You should also keep an eye on your pet and try to help them to navigate life changes where necessary.
Rough Handling
Many cats love to play and interact with people, but they can become stressed if they are handled roughly. As such, you need to make sure that you’re gentle with your cat and that you ensure that everyone who handles them does so in the correct way. If your cat seems stressed at any time while you are interacting with them, then you should immediately stop and let your cat move to a safe space. This is particularly important for parents, as kids can sometimes play rough with cats or ignore signs that their pets want to be left alone. Teach your children how to handle your cat and for very young children, consider only allowing them to play with your pet when properly supervised. This will reduce stress in your cat and help you and your entire household to get along with them.
Competition In The Form Of Other Cats
Owning more than one cat might seem like a fun way to keep your pet entertained and give them some company, but it can actually have a negative effect on their mental wellbeing. Living with another cat can cause stress for your pet, so you need to consider carefully before you add a new cat to your household. Cats can feel stressed if they don’t get on with a new kitten or if they worry that resources such as food, bedding and toys might run out now there’s a second feline in your home. So be aware of your cat and think hard before you add a new cat to your household. If you already own a second cat or multiple feline friends, and you think that this could be causing stress in one of your pets, then you could try separating them temporarily to see if this alleviates the situation. You can give your stressed cat reassurance that they will always have everything they need by giving them their own room in your house, where other cats aren’t allowed.
In Summary: Be Proactive And Watch Out For Signs Of Stress In Your Cat
Cats can make rewarding and loving pets, but only if they’re cared for correctly. These tips should help you to spot signs of stress in your cat and deal with them before they become significant issues. This proactive strategy will help you to keep your cat happy and healthy, leaving you with a loving and contented pet. If you are concerned about any symptoms of stress that your cat is exhibiting, then you should consult your vet. They will be able to make sure that the issue isn’t affecting their physical health and offer professional advice that’s tailored to your pet’s specific needs. These tips will show you some inspiration and ideas for how to deal with stress in your cat, but you need to make sure that you do everything in your power to ensure that they stay healthy and happy at all times. A happy cat means a happy household, so use these tips to start working to identify and reduce the impact of feline stress on your beloved pet.
