If you own a cat, you may have heard that stress in cats is a very serious matter. But do you know what causes stress in cats? Here are 7 stress reactions in cats that can take their lives at any time. Cat owners, please don't ignore them.
What is stress response in cats?
When cats face sudden situations or new environments, they experience physiological and psychological reactions such as stress, loss of appetite, rapid breathing and heartbeat, and ruffled fur.
A cat's stress response can range from mild to severe. Cats with mild symptoms can recover on their own, but severe stress can lead to various psychological and physiological illnesses and even death.
Here are 7 common stress responses in cats:
1. Caused by forcibly leaving the house
Some cats always want to go outside and explore. The moment you open the door, they rush out. You might think you should take them for a walk, but your cat is actually a coward and will be terrified of going outside. If your cat strongly resists and you force it to go out, it could very well die from stress.
2. Caused by foster care
With the Lunar New Year just around the corner, cat owners who haven't bought a car might choose to board their cats. Some cats are very timid and have difficulty adapting to unfamiliar environments. They are also prone to stress reactions that can lead to sudden death or even starvation. It's best to leave enough food, water, and litter for the cat to stay at home.
3. Caused by moving to a new home
If a cat owner moves to a new home, the cat is prone to stress. Some cats have poor adaptability and may even suffer from myocardial infarction and die. When the cat moves to a new home, put out familiar items for it and give it some time to adjust. Do not forcibly drag it out.
4. Stress reactions caused by injections, deworming, sterilization, and bathing
Cats can be scared when faced with injections, deworming, spaying/neutering, or bathing. This is because you are trying to control them, and they will feel that you are going to hurt them, which puts a lot of psychological pressure on them. Some cats cannot handle this kind of stimulation and are prone to stress reactions.
5. Stress caused by long-distance transportation
Long-distance travel is inherently unpleasant because of the constant bumpy ride. Just as people need to rest at service areas, cats are also more prone to stress when confined to small, enclosed spaces.
6. Suddenly encountering a strange cat
Some pet owners take their cats to visit other people's homes, or other cats come over to play, hoping they will become friends. Kittens are fine, but adult cats are different. They have a strong sense of territory and will usually fight each other, causing the resident cat to be tense and prone to stress reactions.
7. Stress response triggered by loud noise
Cats have very sensitive ears, and they amplify even the smallest sounds. Therefore, loud noises can easily frighten them. For example, fireworks and firecrackers during the Lunar New Year can be very frightening for cats.
What should I do if my cat is stressed?
1. Give the cat time to adjust on its own.
2. Soothe the cat by preparing familiar items such as toys, food, and your clothes.
3. Interact with your cat more often to distract it and get it moving around a bit; this will reduce its psychological burden.
In addition, you should interact with your cat more often to increase its psychological load. When interacting, it is best to use some treats to help, which will make the cat happier.
4. Boost your cat's immunity. Stress responses mobilize all of a cat's organs, which is very tiring. Therefore, to boost your cat's immunity and prevent them from becoming lethargic, you should provide them with adequate nutrition and feed them protein-rich cat food to enhance their immunity and disease resistance.
