As cats are by nature solitary animals, it can sometimes be difficult to recognize if your cat is stressed. Some breeds react differently to situations than other breeds. For example, the Siamese cat is often highly strung and can react badly to changes. Other breeds, such as the domestic shorthair may react aggressively by hissing, scratching or biting. And just like with humans, individual cats within a breed will react differently to any given situation.
If a cat is feeling vulnerable, it can withdraw into itself. You may notice your cat being aloof and not wanting to acknowledge you. One of my cats is quite timid and if her routine is upset by me being away more than usual, she will show signs of stress. She will go to her 'safe place' and refuse to come out, even when she can see and hear me. I'm sure some of this is punishment for me, but some of it is stress as well. When she does come out she will be sitting on the arm of my chair waiting for me to sit down, or will jump up before I'm actually in the seat. She will obsessively rub against me then curl into an upside down ball on my lap.
A stressed cat will try to make itself as small as possible - the feline equivalent of us going into the foetal position in times of extreme stress. If the stress continues, the cat will start to shake. She may also vomit and/or defecate. Stressed cats also frequently stop using the litter tray.
Different cats react to stress differently and even the same cat may have many reactions to different types of stress. It may react passively or actively when frightened. Active signs can include pupil dilation, an arching back, fluffing the fur out to make it appear bigger, hissing or even aggression such as scratching or meowing loudly and growling. In these instances the cat is stressed but trying to bluff whatever is causing the stress. Any attempts to reassure the cat may be met with further aggression. Passive reactions can be harder to pick so watching the body language is important. Keep an eye on the cat's ears, if they are placed back and the cat is not moving, it needs some gentle reassurance. Passive reactions also include the 'startle' factor where even the slightest noise will make the cat jump.
It is important for you to find out what is causing this stress and/or fear in your cat. Has it been played with roughly or teased by children? Is there something outside that is causing the stress? Are there visitors or a new addition to the family or perhaps a family member who has left for work? Even rearranging the furniture and painting the room can cause stress in some cats.
Avoid forcing yourself on the stressed cat. Let it come to you. Of course speak to it gently and try to remain calm. Your cat will pick up on your body language too. Always move slowly near a stressed cat.
By being patient and gentle with your stressed or frightened cat, you will be able to help it relax enough to be approached then stroked. Don't force the issue though or your cat may associate the handling with the fear and compound the issue. Left alone, they will work it out and calm down.
If your cat seems overly stressed for no apparent reason, talk to your vet. He may prescribe some medications to help your cat relax - something like 'kitty Prozac'. And if this is necessary, don't be upset about it. Life isn't always easy and even cats can need help sometimes.
If a cat is feeling vulnerable, it can withdraw into itself. You may notice your cat being aloof and not wanting to acknowledge you. One of my cats is quite timid and if her routine is upset by me being away more than usual, she will show signs of stress. She will go to her 'safe place' and refuse to come out, even when she can see and hear me. I'm sure some of this is punishment for me, but some of it is stress as well. When she does come out she will be sitting on the arm of my chair waiting for me to sit down, or will jump up before I'm actually in the seat. She will obsessively rub against me then curl into an upside down ball on my lap.
A stressed cat will try to make itself as small as possible - the feline equivalent of us going into the foetal position in times of extreme stress. If the stress continues, the cat will start to shake. She may also vomit and/or defecate. Stressed cats also frequently stop using the litter tray.
Different cats react to stress differently and even the same cat may have many reactions to different types of stress. It may react passively or actively when frightened. Active signs can include pupil dilation, an arching back, fluffing the fur out to make it appear bigger, hissing or even aggression such as scratching or meowing loudly and growling. In these instances the cat is stressed but trying to bluff whatever is causing the stress. Any attempts to reassure the cat may be met with further aggression. Passive reactions can be harder to pick so watching the body language is important. Keep an eye on the cat's ears, if they are placed back and the cat is not moving, it needs some gentle reassurance. Passive reactions also include the 'startle' factor where even the slightest noise will make the cat jump.
It is important for you to find out what is causing this stress and/or fear in your cat. Has it been played with roughly or teased by children? Is there something outside that is causing the stress? Are there visitors or a new addition to the family or perhaps a family member who has left for work? Even rearranging the furniture and painting the room can cause stress in some cats.
Avoid forcing yourself on the stressed cat. Let it come to you. Of course speak to it gently and try to remain calm. Your cat will pick up on your body language too. Always move slowly near a stressed cat.
By being patient and gentle with your stressed or frightened cat, you will be able to help it relax enough to be approached then stroked. Don't force the issue though or your cat may associate the handling with the fear and compound the issue. Left alone, they will work it out and calm down.
If your cat seems overly stressed for no apparent reason, talk to your vet. He may prescribe some medications to help your cat relax - something like 'kitty Prozac'. And if this is necessary, don't be upset about it. Life isn't always easy and even cats can need help sometimes.
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