Did you know that kitties can suffer from depression and anxiety, just like people can? Cats may have a reputation for being aloof, but these little furballs are actually very emotional. Read on as an Aurora, CO vet discusses kitty anxiety.
Causes
Cats can be stressed by many different things. Medical issues can cause your kitty to act skittish or antisocial, so make sure Fluffy sees the vet regularly. If you notice any sudden changes in your furball’s appearance or behavior, get a thorough veterinary exam done right away. If your kitty gets a clean bill of health, you can look at other causes. Loud noises, loneliness, moving, and changing households can all cause anxiety in kitties. Some cats get very anxious when their owners are away, while others don’t like changes in routine. If you have other pets, your furry friend may be having trouble coping with her furry roommates.
Symptoms
Symptoms of anxiety can vary widely from kitty to kitty. Some common ones are hiding, aggression, and inappropriate spraying or defecating. Fluffy may also scratch more than usual because of stress, and you may notice changes in her eating or drinking habits. Keep in mind that these things can also be caused by health issues. As noted above, you’ll want to make sure that your cat isn’t reacting to health issues or parasites. Ask your vet for more information.
Helping Fluffy Cope
Giving your pet lots of good TLC will go a long way towards keeping her happy and purring. If Fluffy tends to get nervous when you have guests or when things get noisy, make sure she has a safe spot to retreat to in every room. This can be a pet tent, a kitty condo, or just a spot under the bed. We recommend playing with your cat every day. This will burn off your feline pal’s excess energy, leaving her calmer afterwards. It’s also important to make sure your furball has plenty of toys to play with. Kitties tend to be creatures of habit, so it will also help to stick to a set routine. Last but not least, offer your furry buddy plenty of attention. Pet her, talk to her, and let her snooze on your lap if she likes.
Please contact us, your Aurora, CO animal clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!
