4 Ways To Help Calm Down A Stressed Out Cat

Posted on: 13 April 2016

Humans are not the only ones that get stressed out! If your cat is hiding a lot, eliminating outside of the litter box, pulling his own hair out, or acting more skittish than usual, he is probably stressed out. Luckily, there are some simple ways to bring down your cat's stress levels.

Make sure the food and litter are in safe, secluded areas.

Cats like their privacy when eating and when eliminating. If the food and litter are out in the open where your cat always has to be on guard against other pets or your kids, your cat might feel stressed out. Try putting the litter box in a closet with a cat door installed on the closet door. Put the food elsewhere – on a high surface like a bookshelf works well, since most cats feel safer when they're high up.

Add more vertical territory to your home.

If your cat has access to more high-up spaces, he or she will feel more confident and less stressed. This gives cats a place to escape from kids and other pets. Even if you don't have kids or other pets, being able to watch the room "from above" will help ease your kitty's worries. Place a step or box near a bookshelf to make it easier for your cat to climb onto. Invest in a cat climbing tower or some cat climbing shelves. Don't get angry with your cat if he climbs onto tall furniture – it's where he feels safest.

Spray calming sprays around your home.

There are a number of natural, calming sprays sold in pet stores. Ones with vanilla and chamomile are good choices, since they not only calm your cat, but also make your home smell pleasant. Spray one of these products around the rooms where your cats spends most of his time. You can also spray your cat's bedding and toys.

Ask your vet about anti-anxiety medications.

If you try the other methods on this list and your cat is still showing signs of stress, talk to your vet about anti-anxiety medications. These can help ease your cat's mood so that he does not end up suffering the long-term consequences of stress, which may include skin infections (from hair pulling), weight loss, and heart disease. Your vet will likely recommend a low dose at first, and if your cat fails to respond, the dose can be increased a little bit at a time.

If you're looking for a vet in your area, visit Phoenixville Animal Hospital - R B Wolstenholme DVM.

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