Management of feline stress
The cats with which we share our lives with are not immune to stress,
however they do not have the same choices that we do to
minimize or manage it.
Cats are known to be great stress relievers for humans, lowering blood pressure and decreasing anxiety and depression…it is only fair that we return the favor!
Stress and its close cousin anxiety are actually adaptive responses designed to save life. The burst of energy given by adrenaline facilitates the “fight or flight response” which can either get you out of danger or allow you to stand up to your adversary.
The excess hormones provided (were never intended to be used) in the body for an extended period, and they can be harmful if present in the case of chronic stress.
The harmful effects over time can include reduced immune functioning; therefore it is most important that chronic stress is relieved.
The management of stress
The management of stress has three components: diagnosis (manifestations of stress), assessment of situational factors (causes of stress), and intervention (methods of stress management).
Common manifestations of stress in cats
Spraying (even in neuters), Inappropriate elimination, Pacing back and forth at perimeters of fences
Loss of appetite, Pulling out of fur, Trembling, Excessive meowing, Hiding from the world, under beds, behind curtains etc.
Physical symptoms and illness – some illnesses and disorders (such as acne) have been associated with stress. Stress can also be a response to physical illness, so it is most important to check with your vet to rule out a medical condition.
Common causes of stress
Overcrowding in multi-cat households, Moving to a new house.
Traveling by car to the vet or anywhere else.
New family members, human, pets or visitors
Medical conditions/injury, Confinement
New cat in the neighborhood, Cat Shows
Medical conditions/injury
unnecessary confinement
Cats differ in their responses to stress. Some may take major changes without batting an eyelid, while others may fall apart at the sight of an earwig. Here inherited temperament and early socialization play a role.
1,Common methods of stress management
1. Changing the situation may be easy – it is often appropriate if the cat shows stress in a specific situation but seems fine the rest of the time.
Removing the stressor or removing the cat from the situation may sometimes be the simplest option. For example, this may involve re-homing the cat if the cat is not suited to a multi-cat environment.
2. Changing the response of the cat
Discuss with your vet; reserve for severe and chronic problems
Clomicalm (Clomipramine) is commonly used by vets to treat anxiety disorders: it is an anti depressant that works best as a long term treatment combined with behavioral therapy
Feliway -A synthetic analogue of facial (friendly) pheromones. Especially recommended for spraying problems or inappropriate urination.
Can also be used to make areas less threatening.
Aromatherapy. Lavender essential oil can be relaxing – can be used in a burner as long as the room is well ventilated
Massage. Good to use on a daily basis for stressed cats
T-touch. A form of tactile therapy often using circular movements of the fingers on the skin. Can induce a trance-like state in some cats, or can send them to sleep
Homeopathic. Best known is probably Rescue Remedy flower essence.
Nutritional supplements. B group-vitamins are reputed to reduce anxiety – many cats like the yeast supplements that provide these. There are also liquid and tablet preparations combing ingredients reputed to be relaxing, including amino acid tryptophan and b vitamins.
Behavioral therapy. Classical conditioning techniques can help the cat to break a negative association with a situation or object by counter conditioning, desensitization and graded exposure. Cats are presented to the feared stimulus / situation at the same time as being presented with a pleasant stimulus or being relaxed by massage. Operant conditioning techniques of reinforcement and shaping can help cats to relearn responses to stressors. These techniques can be combined easily with other therapies for greater efficacy
3.Combination
A variety of methods is often the most effective. The environment can be changed, but sometimes the cat has learned the stress response so well that it can remain even when the stressor is removed.
Cats can vary in their response to some of these methods and therefore it may be necessary to trial a variety of them to find what works for your cat. Some techniques, particularly the tactile ones of massage and t-touch are very useful for human-cat bonding and can also be relaxing for the human practitioner.
Cats are intelligent and sensitive beings, and respond to the situation in the household, picking up tension and anxiety in their humans.
Therefore, management of our own anxiety and stress is integral to minimizing the stress felt by our feline friends.
Cats are creatures of habit and thrive in a consistent and familiar atmosphere. Moving from one house to another house can be very stressful for cats once they are taken out of their comfort zone.
Prepare ahead of time to make moving your family and your pets a smoother transition.
The Journey
If you need to stay overnight at motels check ahead to find a pet friendly motel. Don't leave your cat in your vehicle if staying at a motel. Find pet friendly motels in a booklet that can be purchased from your newsagent or do a search on the Internet.
If you have a very nervous cat and your move entails a long car journey you may wish to discuss with your vet whether or not it would be advisable to give your cat a tranquilizer before the journey.
When traveling by car, your cat needs to be contained in a cat carrier, which can be secured by a seatbelt. Make the carrier comfortable and include a favorite blanket or toy with a familiar smell.
If you are traveling a long distance to your new home pack a 'Cat Pack' The pack should contain food, food dishes, water dishes a litter tray and clean litter. You will also need plastic bags and a scoop for cat litter disposal. Don't forget a spoon or fork if you are taking canned food and some paper towels and wipes for any accidents. For nervous cats you might want to take a blanket or towel to cover the carrier.
When to move the cat
If you are moving a shorter distance to your new home and are making several journeys back and forth leave your cat until the last trip to bring it over to your new house. Your cat may be disturbed by the activity of furniture being moved out, but at least it is in familiar surroundings. Confine it to one room if possible with a familiar piece of furniture or it's own personal bed if it has one.
The new house - Settling in
On your cat's arrival at the new home try to make sure that the movers have left and all furniture and packing box transportation is finished.
Make sure all doors and windows are securely closed. Remember to block chimneys too. Let him out of his carrier when it is quiet, not when there are still lots of activity associated with moving and unpacking going on. Make sure there are familiar things around him. Your furniture will have smells he will associate with home. Let him explore by himself and don't force him to do anything.
Some cats take to moving without much drama while others are very stressed and may hide under a bed for days. If your cat refuses to come out of a room or is hiding under a bed supply him with a litter tray and food and water in that room. Put a favorite blanket, toy or piece of furniture in the room to reassure him.
Reassure your cat frequently by giving him plenty of attention. Lots of love and cuddles go a long way.
Sometimes your cat won't want to eat. Don't worry; he will eat when he is ready. Always have food and water available in familiar bowls. If your cat usually sleeps with you encourage him to do this in your new house. He will feel secure at night cuddled up with you in a bed he knows and with people he loves.
Don't allow the cat to go outside for a week or two or until he is very settled in his new environment. When you feel it is time to go outside it may be advisable to take him out on a harness, however if your cat is not used to a harness it could contribute to his stress levels. Supervise him for all outside visits at first and make sure he knows the way back into the house.
Collars and ID
Your cat may not usually wear a collar but it would be advisable before your move to get him used to wearing one. When you move attach an ID disk with a phone number. He should get used to wearing a collar BEFORE you move as putting a collar on after the move may add to his stress.
If your Cat is micro chipped
Don't forget to notify the Microchip Register of your new address and phone number. Do this a couple of weeks before you move and let them know your moving date. Ring the vet who implanted the microchip if you are unsure of whom to contact. Usually you have notify the registration people in writing so make sure you organize things well in advance of your move.
I hope you enjoyed this newsletter.
From my heart to yours, Pat and the critters.
Have you hugged your pet today?
You may print this newsletter for future reference.
"IF YOU'VE BENEFITED FROM THIS ARTICLE IN ANY WAY
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Newsletter from the heart March 2010
This page was last updated: February 27, 2010
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Hi Pat I really enjoyed reading your newsletter. There was a lot of information and it was great.
Iris is doing good. She is the greatest cat and very funny. She has some of the cutest ways about her. I have never had a cat like her. I call her my little shadow. When I am home she never leaves my side. She is more like a little dog in her actions.
If I am talking about something and my voice gets loud or excited, Iris comes running and jumps up in my lap and then puts her paws on my chest and looks me right in the eye with such a concerned look on her face as if to say--what's wrong-are you all right-what's the matter-what's the matter!! So I have to tell her everything is ok and then she will get down and sit beside me. She is sooooooo cute. I love her to death. Thank you again for letting me have her.
I'll send you another picture of her. I take them all of the time..
Talk to you later
Priscilla Iris La Flur's mom.
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Lexi and Carlos dressed the kittens in doll clothes, both kittens look a little surprised at their new look.
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