Do you have a scaredy cat? If you have noticed your cat acting out for no discernable reason, it is possible your cat could be experiencing anxiety. Keep reading to learn signs of anxiety, causes, and how you can help your cat.
What are the symptoms of anxiety in cats?
Anxiety will not look the same for every cat, and sometimes it is not obvious. Some common signs your cat may be experiencing anxiety may be shedding or excessive grooming, going to the bathroom outside of the litter box, aggression towards you or other animals in the home, decreased appetite, yowling or excessive meowing, hiding, shaking, or tucking their ears back.
What could cause my cat anxiety?
Cats can have a strong reaction to changes, such as your family moving, adding new pets into the home, the addition of a new family member, or a drastic move of furniture in your home. Another cause of anxiety could be loud noises such as fireworks, thunderstorms, or loud children. Lack of socialization as a kitten can lead cats to become anxious and skittish around visitors in your home. Noticing your cat’s behavior and what is triggering their anxiety can help you figure out how to help them.
How do I help my cat?
One of the simplest things you can do to help your cat is to create a safe space for them to relax when they are feeling anxious. Be sure to keep essential items like a litter box, toys, and food and water nearby so they can hang out as long as they need to feel safe. It is important that if the source of your cat’s anxiety is loud children or visitors in the home that this be a space where no one will come and bother them. Another helpful thing you can do is to play with your cat regularly. Keeping them stimulated helps to burn off some of that nervous energy. For extreme cases of anxiety, you may consider reaching out to your veterinarian.
Contact your veterinarian today with any questions or concerns you have about your cat’s anxiety.