Cats are very special animals and sometimes difficult to understand, especially if we compare them with dogs that tend to be more transparent when it comes to showing their moods. Now, that does not mean that they are not sensitive or experience emotions related to their environment. In fact, felines are especially sensitive to change and need a healthy, safe and stimulating environment to be happy. If these circumstances are not given, it is possible that our cat suffers from stress.
Stress is the mechanism that starts when we are involved in an excess of situations that exceed our resources to manage them. We then experience an overload that can influence our physical well-being. And in the case of cats, the same thing happens if the optimal conditions for their well-being do not exist or if they feel threatened. But how do you know if your cat is stressed?
Stressed cat behaviors
It is important that we are attentive to changes in cat behavior in order to detect a possible stress disorder early and treat it appropriately. These are the most common symptoms:
- When you do your business outside the sandbox or in unusual places it is an alarm signal that the cat is not well.
- One of the most identifying characteristics of cats is that they take care of their personal hygiene themselves, dedicating several times of the day to lick themselves to clean themselves. But if the cat is excessively groomed (much more than usual), showing compulsive behavior, is a symptom of stress. Like, for example, spasmodically contracting the muscles of the back.
- How and in what quantity you eat is also a good indication to detect a stressed cat. A) Yes if you eat less, stop eating or, conversely, eat compulsively, even vomiting, we must worry. There is also the circumstance of stressed cats that begin to eat strange things like pieces of cloth.
- Another aspect to be alert is if the cat shows sudden aggressive behaviors unusual in their way of being or uses their nails to mark more than usual.
- Opening the mouth in an exaggerated or continuous way It is also an indication that the cat may be stressed as well as the loss of hair in greater quantity than is usual in a normal shed (sometimes they can even form bald spots).
How to deal with a stressed cat
If we have seen the above, we consider that our cat may be stressed it is necessary to consult with the vet to confirm our fears. On the one hand, to remedy it since, if the cat remains stressed for a long time, it can develop respiratory, urinary or gastrointestinal diseases. And, at the same time, so that any other medical problem can be ruled out.
Once it is confirmed that the problem is stress, we must take the following measures (which are also valid to prevent it):
- The cat needs a safe and stable environment, with space where you can enjoy tranquility. You should always have your food and water accessible, as well as your litter box (all this properly clean and in good condition).
- In addition, to avoid boredom (a possible ally of stress) dWe must provide a stimulating environment with games and scratchers.
- A cat takes changes badly so you have to introduce them progressively whenever possible and give it time to get used to it.
- And of course we must take care of your health and well-being with an adequate diet, daily veterinary check-ups, etc.
