Think food puzzles to engage minds and bodies, vertical space for climbing and surveying their domain, scratching posts, safe outdoor access (like a catio), window perches and interactive play. “Play is an important part of relieving stress,” Delgado says. “It helps cats release those feel-good hormones.”
Scratching posts or climbable furniture are great ways to distract your cat, and may give them a little exercise too. Toys and games let your cat burn some nervous energy, and help strengthen the bond between the two of you.
It is important that you manage and reduce stress in your cat as much as you can because if your cat is stressed, they can become both emotionally and physically unwell and may develop physical illnesses as well as display problem behaviour.
If you see that your cat is getting stressed, then make sure they have a quiet, safe place to go indoors or in the garden. Spend some time playing with your cat, especially if outdoor access is restricted. Food activity toys are a great way for them to get mental and physical stimulation.
What causes stress in cats? Most cats are very adaptable, but they're also a very sensitive species, so changes to their life, owners and environment can affect their stress levels. Some common causes include a threat to their territory, such as another cat, or being stroked more than they would like.
Yelling may cause your cat to feel stressed and anxious, which can cause additional misbehavior.
Don't take it personally—most cats view hugging as a form of human-induced torture, pleasurable to the human part of the equation only. However, some cats do seem to enjoy it.
In fact, a recent study that used university students (who are notoriously stressed) as subjects found that petting cats and dogs for 10 minutes decreased the amount of cortisol (a stress hormone) in their saliva. These findings are consistent with the notion that interacting with cats and dogs decreases stress.
Lavender, which has natural sedative properties, may help soothe an anxious cat. Copaiba, helichrysum, and frankincense are also considered safe for cats. Before using essential oils, even in the form of diffused scents, around your cats, check with your holistic veterinarian for recommendations.
Keeping your cat active through interaction with you using toys and games such as those that involve removing food from a puzzle can help to heal and divert the focus from a traumatic memory or experience—think of it as creating new memories to take the place of those that caused fear.
Even though you and your cat don't exactly speak the same language, experts say talking to them like you would a friend or family member will ultimately strengthen the bond you share.
When it comes to short-term memory and your cat, cats do have short-term memory and are known to recognize and remember humans (as well as other animals) even after only one interaction.
The truth is, cats understand affection just like any other animal, and domestic cats might actually see us as their real-life mommies and daddies. A 2019 study revealed that kittens evince the same behavior towards us as they do their biological parents.
Spraying cats with water from a squirt bottle is not a reinforcement; it's a punishment. Giving your cat a choice of ways to express his behavioral needs and then rewarding his use of the choice you prefer is the best way to encourage your cat's “good” behavior.
Cats like peace and quiet. Household conveniences, like vacuum cleaners, can easily disrupttheir nap time.
Given that catnip can have a calming, soothing effect, it can be used to: help reduce a cat's stress and anxiety when going to the vet, help reduce stress when traveling, help with urinary issues (note that stress is a major contributing factor to urinary obstruction in cats!).
If your cat has anxiety, you may notice pacing or restlessness, hiding, decreased appetite, vocalization, hypervigilance, trembling, salivation, and excessive grooming.
Cats can develop anxiety for many reasons. Depending on your cat's symptoms, there might be medications a vet can prescribe to help calm your cat. These include anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants. Additionally, you can use behavioral methods to slowly change your cat's anxious behavior over time.
Toys that can be chased, swatted, and batted should be provided. Species appropriate punishment such as “hissing” or the use of punishment devices such as a water sprayer, can of compressed air, or hand held alarm are better than using any physical techniques since they are less likely to lead to fear and retaliation.