Can Cats Die from Scaring? A Surprising Truth!

What is a Cat's Stress Response?

A stress response is a systemic reaction that the body exhibits in response to external stimuli. When a cat is exposed to external stimuli or feels pressure, it will immediately generate a corresponding response and gradually adapt to the new environment. If it cannot adapt, it may experience abnormalities in either its physical or psychological state, such as an increase in various hormones, a rise in blood sugar and blood pressure, and in severe cases, it may trigger other diseases.

Stress responses can have many harmful effects:

1. The digestive system may experience intermittent diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and a decrease in appetite.

2. In male cats, there is an increased risk of spontaneous cystitis.

3. Female cats may face infertility, miscarriage, and the risk of their kittens being underweight and weak.

4. The incidence of respiratory diseases and even heart disease can significantly increase.

5. The immune system's function may be reduced.

While stress responses are not diseases in themselves, they can affect other systems, such as the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems, and act as a catalyst for diseases.

Common factors that trigger stress responses in cats include:

1. Unfamiliar environments, such as a new home, veterinary clinic, boarding facilities, or the arrival of a new cat.

2. Unexplained loud noises, such as thunderstorms, fireworks, and other刺激性 sounds.

3. The introduction of new people or changes in the layout of the environment.

4. Threats to their territory, such as their food being taken by others, and the owner going on vacation can also cause stress in cats.

How to Reduce a Cat's Stress When Visiting a Veterinary Clinic?

1. It's best to bring a pad or blanket with the cat's familiar scent to the vet's office.

2. Encourage the cat's owner to visit and spend time with their pet often. The hospital's cage should be lined with familiar bedding materials, and the cat should use their own food and water bowls.

3. Try to avoid using overly painful medications for cats that require injections. Instead, opt for less invasive methods and minimize forced medication administration.

4. The clinic can provide calming sprays for cats, such as Feliway, to help soothe them.