Identifying Cat Stress: Key Signs & Solutions
Cats, these magical creatures, are highly sensitive to their surroundings, and their emotions can be greatly influenced by external factors. When they experience stress, the consequences can range from mild symptoms like loss of appetite and thirst to severe illnesses such as vomiting, diarrhea, feline lower urinary tract syndrome, and fatty liver.
Cat stress can be categorized into two types: acute stress, which typically lasts for a few days, and chronic stress, which can persist for weeks or even months. However, it is often the chronic, uncontrollable stress that poses the greatest danger to cats.
What situations can lead to chronic stress in cats?
Chronic stress factors may include:
1. Living in a multipet household, especially if there are conflicts or hostility between cats.
2. Moving to a new home.
3. The arrival of a new pet or the birth of a baby in the family.
4. Urinary stress, such as disputes over litter boxes, using cat litter that the cat dislikes, replacing the cat's usual urination area with cat litter, or placing the litter box in an inappropriate location.
Additionally, a dirty litter box or one that is difficult to access can also contribute to stress.
5. Sudden changes in a cat's diet.
6. The presence of other cats in the community, which may prevent a cat from going outside.
7. Construction work in the home, particularly in the core areas such as the kitchen or places where other cats spend a lot of time.
8. Changes in the owner's schedule, such as extended work hours or shift work. Cats that are particularly attached to their owners are especially vulnerable to these changes.
9. The owner's stress can also be transferred to the cat. If the cat and owner have a close bond, the owner's stress can lead to stress in the cat.
