You might have once teased someone for being a “scaredy-cat” or laughed when something startles your cat, making them jump. But a stressed, fearful cat isn’t very funny. Anxiety and stress can be harmful, especially if untreated. Just like with a human, chronic stress can lead to physiological effects on your cat’s health. So, yes, too much stress that is not treated can eventually kill a cat. If you think you might have a stressed cat in your life, keep reading to find out the implications it could have on their health and what you can do to help.
Stress in Cats
Cats are subtle, and determining if they’re stressed can be tricky. You might find their behavior changes slightly, or they do things perceived to be “naughty.” This is because it’s in their nature to hide their stress—in the wild, it helps them avoid being easy targets for predators.
Not only does stress affect a cat’s behavior, but it also impacts them physically.
- Blood pressure rises
- Breathing becomes rapid
- Digestion slows
- Heart rate increases
- Immune system becomes less effective
In short bursts, all of these are fine, but if the stress is constant, it can take a toll on your cat.
Signs Your Cat Is Stressed
While they are not always obvious, there are signs to look out for that will indicate your cat is feeling stressed. The signs include:1
- Crouching and looking tense
- Eating or drinking less
- Excessive grooming
- Excessive meowing
- Exaggerated swallowing or licking their nose
- Hissing/growling
- Less tolerant of people
- More withdrawn/hiding more
- Overeating
- Reluctant to use the litter box, go through the cat flap, or sit on your lap
- Scratching furniture
- Vomiting or diarrhea
If left untreated, your cat’s stress will likely worsen over time, and if it persists, it could compromise their immune system, making them more vulnerable to illnesses. This, in turn, can only compound their stress. Your cat could also develop depression on top of their stress and anxiety, which can lead to behavioral problems.
What Causes a Cat Stress and How Can You Help?
Cats aren’t known to deal with anxiety well; even subtle changes to their environment can lead to stress. So, big changes like moving to a new house or introducing a new baby to the home can have devastating effects on your cat. External causes that affect your cat include:
- Veterinary visits
- Moving
- New family members (human or animal)
- Loud parties or noises
- Changes to routine (such as your work schedule changing)
- Something outside the window (such as another cat in their garden)
Whatever the cause of their stress, we suggest first making an appointment with your vet. You can then rule out any medical reason for your cat’s change in behavior, and you can also get guidance and support on how to move forward.
You can help with your cat’s stress by eliminating the stressor. Obviously, not everything will be in your control. However, you can close the blinds if something outside is stressing your cat out or stop hosting parties if they aren’t coping with them. You can comfort your cat through the change if you can’t eliminate the stressor. If your new work schedule keeps you out of the house for longer, make sure to spend some quality time with your cat after work. Set aside alone time if you have introduced a new pet or a baby.
Some people use pheromone collars, sprays, or plug-ins to reduce stress. These products mimic the pheromones your cat naturally produces to mark their territory so they feel safe and secure. In severe cases, your vet might prescribe anti-anxiety medication to help your cat feel calmer.
Conclusion
It isn’t always obvious when your cat is feeling stressed, so be on the lookout for changes in behavior. Even subtle changes can indicate that your cat is feeling anxious and stressed. This feeling is unlikely to go away by itself and will only worsen over time, leading to destructive behavior and illness. In the most severe cases, it could eventually lead to an early death, so it’s of utmost importance that you seek help and find ways to comfort your cat and help them work through these feelings.
Featured Image Credit: Hunt Han, Unsplash
