You know the feeling: The pressure is on, and you're trying to get everything done at once. But you can't seem to focus on anything. You feel like your brain is on overdrive. Everything is going at once, and it's hard to get a handle on any one task.
Your heart is pounding, and you're short of breath. You have so many things to do that you can't even think about what order to do them in or how long it will take. The sheer number of tasks seems overwhelming, and you start to panic because it all seems so impossible.
Your cat can feel the same way. That’s why we have compiled a list of tips to help your stressed cat find some relief.
1) Determine the Reason for Your Cat’s Anxiety
Cats are often relatively relaxed. Most don't get stressed out very easily, and they're good at hiding when they do. If you're noticing your cat acting weird, it could be a sign that something is wrong.
The first thing you need to do is figure out what's stressing your cat out. Is it a new pet? A loud noise? The vacuum cleaner? Identifying the problem is key because it will help you figure out what might be causing your cat's stress, and then you can take steps to fix it.
2) Get a second cat
If you decide to adopt a second cat, your cat may not immediately take to them, but over time they could become best of friends. In fact, if you have the time and resources, adopting two felines is the best way to go about it.
Having a playmate for your current cat will not only reduce stress levels by giving them something new to focus on (and play with!), but it can also prevent aggressive behavior from building up in any one cat over time.
The idea of introducing two cats together can be intimidating, as can introducing any pet into an existing home environment, but there are ways you can make sure that your furry felines feel comfortable while they get used to each other's presence in their space.
One way is making sure that each animal has their own safe spot where they can retreat when things get overwhelming; this way neither one gets overwhelmed too much at once.
You should also ensure you have one litter box per cat so they have their own place to do their business.
3) A Safe Place to Hide
If you are observing signs of stress in cats, give him or her a safe place to hide. Cats have a natural instinct to hide when they feel threatened, and many cats will instinctively do so in an enclosed area like under beds and sofas.
If your cat has a designated hiding spot for times when he or she is feeling stressed out, it can help reduce their stress levels.
If your cat does not have a safe space to hide, try giving them a cardboard box or a small room that can be closed off. This can help reduce stress levels in times of change, such as moving homes or bringing home new pets.
4) Don’t Forget Playtime
Play is a great cat stress relief tool, and can also increase their exercise and mental stimulation. Playing with your cat can also significantly strengthen the bond you share with one another.
There are many different types of toys for cats, so you should be able to find something that suits your cat's needs and interests. Try hiding toys around the house for them to discover; this will help keep them busy for hours!
5) Give Catnip a Try
Catnip is a safe, natural stimulant that can be used to help calm your cat. Your cat may enjoy sniffing or playing with the dried leaves and flowers of the catnip plant. You can give your cat fresh or dried catnip by placing it in a toy or on a scratching post for her to find.
How long the effects of catnip last for your pet depends on which type of nip you’re using:
- Dry Catnip: This lasts approximately 15 minutes and will occur within minutes of ingestion.
- Fresh Catnip: The effects will last up to an hour, sometimes longer depending on how much was consumed and how often it is given.
6) Offer Ways to Exercise
Exercise and mental stimulation are critical for your cat's health. Exercise helps with weight loss, muscle tone, and heart health. Mental stimulation improves the brain's ability to process information and strengthens social relationships with humans.
Both types of exercise have their benefits, but it's important to understand that they're not interchangeable. Cats need both physical activity (running around the house) and mental stimulation (playing games with you). Don't leave out either one!
7) Stimulate Other Senses
One of the best ways to reduce stress in cats is by stimulating their other senses, such as taste and smell.
Cats have a keen sense of smell and will use it to explore their environment. They also have an excellent sense of taste, which they use when they are picking out their food.
However, while humans rely on taste and smell for enjoyment, cats only need one or the other. Their tongues are covered in papillae (tiny hair-like structures) that help them absorb moisture from their food when they lap up water or milk.
If you want to give your cat some extra stimulation with her mealtime routine, try adding a few drops of vanilla extract into her wet food dish before serving it up (make sure not to add too much because this can cause diarrhea in cats). You could also try putting some tuna juice or fish oil onto her dry kibble.
Cats may also be attracted by certain scents like lavender or rosemary; however, don't forget about giving them time outside so they can get used to it again if necessary during stressful times, like if you’re moving. A cat house or outdoor cat tunnel can be a fun experience while ensuring you know where they are.
Another way in which we can better understand our furry friends is through training techniques like clicker training, where we teach them how things work (such as opening doors!) using positive reinforcement methods rather than punishment techniques like yelling at them when something goes wrong.
8) Don’t Forget Cats are Social
While you may be used to thinking of your cat as an independent beast, they are actually social animals. They can even be trained to do tricks. The next time you're looking for something fun to do with your cat, consider teaching them some new tricks.
If you want your cat to walk on a leash, start by getting a harness that is designed for cats. Then hold the harness and let them explore it before putting it on. Once they've become acclimated with the harness, put it on them while they're watching TV or eating breakfast, and then take them outside for some training sessions.
Patience is Key
It's so easy to get frustrated when your cat is behaving badly, but try to remember they can get stressed just as we do. They're just doing their best—and sometimes that means acting out or being difficult.
And, like us, stress can wreak havoc on our cat’s digestive system. When your cat is stressed out, it can cause them to suffer from digestive issues and other physical problems. Probiotic supplements, like Daily Cat, can help reduce your cat's stress by promoting a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut. This can help prevent digestive upset and keep them feeling better overall.
It's important to be patient with your cat, even when they act out or are difficult. You have to remember that they were born into this world without any understanding of human society, so they don't always know how to act properly in it! They're still learning!
So if you find yourself getting frustrated with your pet, take a few deep breaths before you say anything or give them a stern look. Think about all the things they've done right—and then try not to think about the things they haven't done right just yet.
Read More:
Catnip — What It Is and Why You Should Try It On Your Cat
5 Herbs That Can Surprisingly Reduce Stress Levels In Cats
