The Holistic Approach to Feline Stress
The Holistic Approach to Feline Stress by Layla Morgan Wilde
We all know the tell-tale signs of obvious stress like running breathless to catch a flight, meeting a tight work deadline or waiting for hospital test results, but what about our cats? Just because cats lounge around all day, don’t work or have to worry about paying the mortgage doesn’t mean they don’t experience stress. Every living thing is susceptible to stress. Cats like all pets are sensitive to pet stress but perhaps more so being as hyper-alert and aware as they are. As a holistic cat behaviorist, the longer I observe cats, the more I’m convinced they don’t miss a thing! But they can’t pick up the phone and dial 911. It’s up to us to come to their rescue.
Stressed cats can exhibit stress in a number of ways from hiding, shedding excessively, quivering, refusing to eat, panting, diarrhea, not using their litter box, licking their lips or appearing skittish. Every cat has a unique personality. By daily play sessions with your cat, make a note of when they are acting differently or not their usual self.
What can stress your cat? In one word: change. A change in their home from moving furniture to home repairs, new food, new neighbors (two or four-legged), house guests, moving to a new home, having a new pet member or new human family. Other stressful factors may include: diseases, parasites, inadequate or food or water, sudden or sustained loud noise i.e. thunderstorms, fireworks, ambulance siren, construction, environmental changes i.e temperature that is too hot or cold.
What are some of the best stress relief techniques and remedies for cats?
Identifying the stressful situation is the first step towards designing an effective management program.
- Learn to recognize your cat’s normal range of emotions.
- Provide hygienic environment including clean food water & bowls and surrounding areas.
- Keep the cat litter clean and in a quiet, ventilated easy to access location.
- Keep sleeping beds/cushions locations clean and parasite-free.
- Monitor interactions with other family members from children who might tease or play rough, the roommate or boyfriend who doesn’t like cats to other pets who may be bullying him or her.
- Giving cats natural (herbals) and homeopathic therapies or supplements can aid cut their stress levels which help also improve the cat’s immunity as well as support the nervous system.
The kindest thing we can do for our cats’ stress levels is to keep our own stress in check. Yelling, slamming doors or quietly fuming does no good for anyone. Healthy expression of emotions via exercise, dancing, brisk walking, deep breathing, meditation and yoga are helpful as is simply playing and laughing with your cat. If your cat enjoys massage, stroking their fur will make both of you feel good while mutually lowering blood pressure. Your cat will let you know when she’s had enough by walking away. Or she may use a more subtle method. If she’s getting over-stimulated watch for side to side swishing of her tail. If that’s the case, stop or your cat may lash out, bite or scratch.
20 Comments
meowmeowmans
Such wonderful information, Layla. Our oldster Sammy is totally easygoing, and does not stress over anything (except for food when he thinks it’s time to eat, LOL). Moosey is much more sensitive, though, and is startled by loud noises and changes in environment. We try to keep things as “regular” as possible, and the calming collar he wears seems to help, too. 🙂
Connie Marie
Great article! Loved it! So true
caretaker_cat
This is so true about stress, from vaccuum cleaners to knowing their people are upset. When my person remembers, she whispers to me. I really like this. Also when she takes me to the vet, she puts a shirt she has worn or pillowcase in the carrier to try to calm me.
The Island Cats
I’m curious as to what herbal or homeopathic supplements you would suggest giving cats in order to help reduce their stress. I know Wally and Zoey are a little stressed with each other, so I’d like to know what I could use to help ease their stress.
Island Cats’ mom
boomermuse
We really love Calming treats from Pet Naturals. There are lots of homeopathic drops like Rescue Remedy to place in the drinking water. Works for humans too.
Penelope
Great Post! Nellie and Kozmo are so different and they are stressed by totally different things. Nellie has been lots of places and done lots of things. she is used to us moving, traveling and new situations, but she hates new people. Since we got Kozmo we have not traveled very much. He LIKE routine. He is a good traveler, but would rather not. He hides under the bed, Nellie sits in the window. If people come to the house (or the yard) Nellie disappears, Kozmo is Mr Congeniality!
Skeeter and Izzy
We love the picture with this! I’m just getting to get caught up on the postings. I got a virus on my computer and it is with my computer guru being cleaned so I’m using a loaner.
I know that my guys are not big fans of company because it is usually just us three and the bird and it is pretty quiet. The best thing for all of us is cuddle time or play time…..the stress just melts away for us all. we are so glad that Dom and the gang are doing well!
Luv Skeeter and Izzy >^..^<
boomermuse
Skeeter, Izzy & mom, thanks! Sorry to hear about your computer. So many nasty viruses these days.
Abby
A stress free happy kitty makes a stress free Momma!
Tamago
I agree that keeping our own stress in check is important as kitties are very sensitive to our feelings.
maggie
Our Mickey Mouser is frightened by loud noises, strangers, the vacuum cleaner, anything new and different. He retreats to a little hiding place in our basement where he feels secure. We talk to him but don’t try to pry him out- he emerges when he feels safe. I’ve tried calming collars, treats, and herbal stuff in his water but nothing has helped.
Sometimes I wonder if it would be better for him if I blocked off his access to this spot, but I can’t bring myself to do it.
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Maggie
boomermuse
If the hiding place is working as his safety zone, why block it?
Katie and Coccolino the mini pig
That’s so true about how much change can affect a cat. When we had to take them on our transatlantic move, they were terrified for months. Then our two bigger cats, brothers who never once fought, turned against each other for a long time. It was terrible. So important to remember how hard change can be for a pet.
Oink oink,
Katie and Coccolino the mini pig
Brian
Very timely are great info, thanks so much!
Fuzzy Tales
The yelling obscenities and slamming of doors and pounding up and down the stairs comes from our adjoining townhouse neighbours, unfortunately. Really toxic home situation for them, especially the two young children. Unfortunately there’s nothing at all between the walls to absorb sound, so it’s all clearly audible in our unit.
I’ve got Derry on the Vetr-Science calming treats in the AM, and give him a homeopathic pet calming “med” from PetAlive.com in the evening.
My own two words for 2013 are “solace” and “serenity,” which I need, but which will be a challenge, given the home situation. Poor Derry. And I’m sure it affects Nicki too, though he’s not given to skittishness and fear the way Derry is.
boomermuse
I’m sorry this rang true re: neighbors and sad about the toxic situation with kids. There are energetic barriers you can create between spaces that you probably know of, if not email me.
BAW
Call child protective services on your neighbor.
Kathryn
Oh wow, does this ever relate.
We had family over today. First, we cleaned house like crazy. Cheddar and Mao didn’t appreciate the water, the mess, the noise, the cleaning smells. They knew something was up.
Then, 16 people cadme over. The cats fled to the attic. No baby food, delice vet food could bring them down. Stephen retrieved Ched, but Ched was so terrified that he peed on Stephen.
Mao was brought down but fled.
Then, they didn’t come down until nearly two hours after everybody left.
They hadn’t eaten or drunk or used the box in 10 hours.
But now they’re happy.
Cats are truly sooo sensitive to stress.
Thanks for a great article, Layla
Purrs from Ched and Mao.
boomermuse
Thanks Kathryn but sorry to hear of the melee. This is perfect example of holiday season stress. Cats always know something is up ahead of time. I find it helpful to communicate in advance what the disruption will be and it will be only for a while. Reassure them soothing tones, things will return to normal.
d'Artagnan Rumblepurr
A very good article, and very true! Hammy and I sometimes get stressed when there are loud noises outside.