Some breeds of cats are more prone to anxiety than others. Your cat’s age, health, environment, and previous owners might also play a role in their fear, stress, and anxiety levels. If you can determine what is causing your cat’s anxiety, you can find ways to prevent and manage it. Here are some tips for preventing anxiety in cats.
Common Causes of Anxiety in Cats
There are many different potential causes of anxiety in cats:
● Changes in their environment.
● Traumatic events or injuries.
● Illness or pain.
● Past environments or owners.
● Negative interactions with other animals or people.
● Certain sounds or smells.
● Improper socialization as a kitten.
Managing Environmental Anxiety
Environmental anxiety in cats is caused by something in the environment or a recent or sudden change to the environment. If you can identify the trigger or stressor, you can reduce the risk of anxiety. Create a safe space for your cat to relax, like a quiet, dark area where they can be alone. Then, think about any recent changes to your cat’s environment that might be causing an issue, such as a new addition to the family (human or animal), a recent move, changes to the light or sound level in the home, more visitors going in and out, a strong odor that wasn’t present before, or even new toys that cause added noise or excitement.
Behavioral Modification
Behavioral modification can help reduce the effect of triggers and calm your cat down. Your veterinarian can help you determine which method will work best for your cat: desensitization or counterconditioning. Desensitization requires controlled, repeated exposure of the cat to the trigger or stimulus. This might help him get used to it and manage his anxiety. Counterconditioning will help your cat change their response to the trigger. Give him treats during the exposure period and whenever your cat remains calm, so he associates happy feelings with positive behaviors.
Anxiety can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious health problem. Anxiety also increases the risk of other unwanted behaviors like urinating outside the litter box, scratching, and more. Contact your veterinarian for help if you can’t manage your cat’s anxiety on your own.
