Despite common beliefs, pets experience stress. While some stressors that send our furry friends into a state of high anxiety are easy to recognize, such as moving to a new home or adjusting to a new family member, others are less noticeable. Cats, in particular, can experience stressors that often go undetected by humans. Many times, owners assume that a cat’s stress behaviors are personality quirks, failing to recognize the underlying causes. Common stressors in cats include too much time alone, separation anxiety, and boredom. Yes, boredom can lead to stress in cats. Just like other creatures, a cat’s mind requires a certain amount of stimulation daily. Without it, a cat’s mind can become overwhelmed with anxiety, manifesting in behaviors like self-mutilation through excessive scratching and chewing.
Identifying Signs of Stress in Your Cat
If you’re concerned about your cat’s stress levels, the first step is to identify any signs of stress. Does your cat cry incessantly at certain times of the day? Is your cat constantly grooming to the point of raw or bare spots on their skin? Are they excessively sleeping, or quick to fight with other pets or animals in the house? You might notice behavioral changes that seem unpleasant but have no obvious cause. Cats experiencing stress may show a range of signs, from mild to severe. An increased need for constant attention or sudden aloofness could indicate stress.
Combating stress is relatively simple once you identify the cause. Often, just observing things from your cat’s perspective will help pinpoint the source. Have you changed your daily routine? Started a new hobby, or are you spending more time with someone outside the home? Are you feeling stressed yourself? It’s not uncommon for humans to inadvertently transfer their stress to their pets. The emotional bond shared between humans and their cats can be deep, and cats may respond to their human companions’ stress by becoming anxious themselves.
Stress in cats can escalate if not addressed. If you believe your cat is in need of relief but don’t know where to begin, try spending a few extra minutes of quiet time with your pet. Sometimes, this simple step is all that’s needed. Whether you curl up together on the couch for some relaxation or set aside fifteen minutes of “all about the cat” time before you head off to work, a little calm reassurance from you can help alleviate stress. For more active cats, however, physical activity might be a better solution.
If your cat doesn’t respond to quiet time, consider the opposite approach. Some cats, like athletic humans, combat stress by playing hard. Playtime can be incredibly effective for reducing stress, so engaging in a game of chase with a favorite toy might do wonders. Rotating toys to keep things interesting can make playtime more enjoyable, but if your cat has a favorite, save that toy for days when they need extra encouragement. If you establish a consistent playtime routine, your cat will start looking forward to it, which can be an excellent indicator that playtime is reducing their stress.
For your cat’s time alone, especially if they don’t have other animals around to keep them company, consider using brain teaser toys. These toys challenge your cat to solve puzzles to earn treats. However, be sure to supervise your cat the first time they use a brain teaser. While encouraging mental stimulation is beneficial, frustrating your cat beyond reason can add to their stress. If you’re gone for long periods, and your cat spends hours struggling with an impossible toy, they’ll only experience more frustration. On average, it can take up to 30 minutes for a cat to figure out a brain teaser toy, so be patient and don’t intervene too quickly.
Dealing effectively with cats and stress begins with acknowledging that they can feel stressed. By noticing and understanding your cat’s behavior, you’ll be more in tune with their needs. In most cases, your instincts about their stress and what they need to feel better will likely be accurate. Cats may appear laid-back with their lounging lifestyle, but they can experience stress just like any other animal.
As their humans, we are responsible for their well-being. When we fail to notice or address their stress, we are not fulfilling our responsibility to provide for their needs. While shelters and breeders may not always cover the topic of stress in cats, it’s a very real issue that can affect them. As a cat’s owner, you have an obligation to care for their emotional health, in addition to the basics of food, water, and shelter.
