With our lives getting busier and having more and more things to juggle daily, stress is something that can affects all of us, this can even include our pets. Feelings of anxiety or stress can occur in both cats and dogs. Stress as an immediate response to threats is healthy for our cats as it enables their ‘flight or fight’ response to get them away from danger quickly. However, ongoing stress can be harmful to their overall health and wellbeing.
Most cats tend to mask their inner turmoil, so it’s important to monitor their behaviour and look at ways to maintain their health and wellbeing. With over 25 per cent of UK’s population owning cats* and as part of their “Don’t Fret Pet” campaign Lintbells, manufacturers of natural premium pet supplements has looked at some useful tips that can help your cat get through trying days, and maybe help you in the process.
Understanding body language
As with most things in life, to start to create a solution you need to identify what the cause of the stress is. This will keep your cat’s best interests at heart and you can set the stage for small successes.
Cats have poker faces and may express signs of stress in a subtle way. Some of the most common ones are toileting around the house, sleeping under the bed, hair loss or excessive self-grooming, aggression, dietary changes and excessive vocalisation (growling, hissing or spitting). It’s important to remember that if you notice any behaviour that is out of the ordinary, consult your vet to rule out any underlying conditions.
The power of touch
Most of us already know that hugging someone, be it our friends, pets or partners makes us feel cosy, safe and warm - the same applies to our feline friends. Why else do they purr when petted? Simply spending some quality time with your cats giving them the kind of affection they like best, can go a long way in easing their tension. Reassurance that things are okay can-do wonders to their behaviour. Plus, who doesn’t love a cosy cuddle after a long day?
Refresh their facilities
If you’ve bought your feline companion a scratchpad when he/she was a kitten, its probably time for an upgrade. Follow the same principles as you would with children and their clothes. It’s also important to note that your pets litter tray should be at least one-and-a-half times the length of your cat, from nose to tip of its tail. In multiple cat households allow each cat to have their own litter tray and their own area/space.
Supplement their diet
Calming supplements are created to help your cat relax, stay calm, and to reduce anxiety in stressful situations. Lintbells new YuCALM Cat is designed to do exactly this, it helps reduce stress, support calm behaviour and ease anxiety. It is a natural solution that will not sedate your furry friend. The natural unique triple-action formula is made with scientifically proven ingredients for a calmer and happier cat. It’s important to double check with your vet before introducing a supplement to your cat’s diet.
Veterinary advice
If you do spot any unusual changes in their behaviour or anything out of character always remember to speak to your vet to rule out any underlying conditions
It is important to remember that a little bit of stress every now and again is completely normal. What you should focus on is making sure that your cat’s stress level is controlled and that it never climbs to a level where it impacts their overall behaviour and health..
