Just like people, cats can get stressed out – and it’s never
a good thing. Cats that are feeling highly stressed for long periods of time
can show behavioral changes, and may even stop eating or suffer health
problems. Here are some causes of stress for cats and what you can do about it.
Cats will be cats
Not being able to express normal cat behaviors is a source
of stress for cats – just like it is for dogs. If there are no toys to play
with, nothing to scratch, and nowhere to explore or climb, cats don’t just get
bored – they get stressed out.
How you can help:
Provide plenty of toys, particularly toys that are meant to
be like small prey. Cats are also foragers, so puzzle toys and hidden food are
also a source of stimulation.
Have lots of scratching surfaces, especially until you know
what kinds your cat prefers. Try cardboard, carpet, and rope; experiment with
vertical and horizontal surfaces.
Cat trees, platforms, and shelves all give cats places to
climb and explore.
Cats want to get along with you
Another stressor is a poor relationship with you, the owner.
This can be because the cat didn’t get enough handling as a kitten, but it
could also be because an owner may not understand cat behavior, or because an
owner doesn’t give a consistent message about the cat’s behavior.
How you can help:
Avoid using punishment. Your cat doesn’t understand why you
are yelling or squirting it with a water bottle. Instead, reward the behaviors
you want to see.
Be consistent. If you don’t want your cat to jump on the
kitchen counter, or drink out of your water glass, redirect her every time you
see her do it – don’t let her get away with it some of the time but flip out at
other times.
Understand that cats have normal, natural behaviors that
require an outlet – see the section above.
Spend time with your kitty. Playing with an interactive toy
and spending time brushing and cuddling (to the cat’s comfort, of course), can
help increase your bond.
I hate that guy
Inter-cat conflict is another big source of stress. If one
of your cats starts acting out, it could be because she’s being bullied. If
she’s urinating outside the litterbox, there could be a medical issue – or your
other cat may not be letting her near the litter; if one cat seems hungry but
is losing weight, another cat may be protecting the food bowl.
How you can help:
Introduce new cats gradually and provide lots of positive
associations, like treats and food, so cats learn to like being together from
the start.
Provide plenty of resources. You need at least as many
litterboxes as you have cats, and an extra beyond that is even better. Don’t
make them share food or water.
Make sure there are plenty of surfaces to climb. Cats often
need high vantage points and escape routes to feel safe.
Provide safe spaces. Tunnels, boxes, or in extreme cases,
different rooms, give cats places where they can feel safe from intruders.
What are the signs of stress?
As with humans and other animals, stress causes strange
behaviors and medical problems. Some possible signs of stress include:
Decreased appetite, weight loss
Changes in grooming – either letting themselves get matted,
or grooming compulsively and losing hair
Lethargy and decrease in play, exploration, and other
activities
Hiding, or being hyper-vigilant
Urinating around the house, excessive facial rubbing,
scratching furniture
Becoming more vocal
Aggression towards you or other cats
If your cat is acting out, she’s not doing it to annoy you –
there’s usually something wrong. If there is no medical explanation, it could
be stress. The things cats do when they are stressed are often the things that
lead to them being given up. If you’re at the end of your rope, please talk to
your veterinarian to see how you can provide a stress-free environment for your
cat.