Cats can be independent creatures making it more difficult to tell when they are exhibiting signs of anxiety. We’ve put together some tips on how to notice if your little one is anxious as well as how to treat their anxiety. 

How do I know if my cat is stressed out? 

• Vocalizations
• Obsessive licking
• Excessive grooming 
• Urination/spraying/excess defecation
• Eliminating on your belongings 
• Poor appetite 
• Urinary blockage (exclusively a male cat problem and is an emergency)

‍

How can I prevent my cat from experiencing anxiety? 

Keeping your cat’s daily schedule consistent can help prevent anxiety. We understand that schedule changes are inevitable, so we’ve gathered ways to prevent your cat feeling distressed: 

• Give your cat an independent space that everyone in the home respects. Consider your cat off-limits in this space. 
• Enrichment Environment. Give your cat the space to play. Whether it be a scratching post, a food puzzle or an interactive hunt where they can ”kill,” this stimulation is necessary for their well-being.  
• Make sure your cat has a place to perch and look out the window - also known as watching TV! Take precautions to avoid an accidental fall or bird hunting attempt.
• Always provide access to a clean litter box. There should be one litter box for each cat in the household, plus one extra. For example, if you have two cats, there should be three litter boxes. 
• Keep a set feeding schedule to encourage daily structure. Food bowls should be kept separate from litter boxes. 
• Increase water content in their food. Many cats don’t drink adequate amounts of water from a bowl, so consider canned, if possible. 

‍

What if my cat experiences separation anxiety? 

While many cats enjoy their independence, some cats are very social and actually can experience anxiety - when their people are gone, for instance. You might have one of those cats if your feline friend is the type who seems extra cuddly after you get back from vacation.

Some ways you can prepare your social, bonded cat for you to inevitably leave the home are: 

• Stick to a schedule that works for you. Do you have time to feed your cat three times a day during the work week? If not, don’t set this expectation. Ensure that the engagement you are providing your cat is something that you can remain consistent with. 
• Practice a departure routine. If your cat expresses agitation when you leave, begin conditioning them to learn that you leaving isn’t a bad thing. It can be something as simple as grabbing your keys before you start making dinner. Get your cat used to these steps, always rewarding them to create a positive association. 
• Keep departures low-key. It’s best not to create a dramatic goodbye when your cat is anxious about you leaving. 
• Have a refuge. When you go, leave on the television or radio for white noise. 
• Consult your veterinarian! If these tips aren’t doing the trick, consult your veterinarian or behaviorist to explore the best treatment options for your kitty. 

We hope you found these tips useful and that they help keep your cat happy and healthy! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are always here for you and your cats. 

‍

Always at Their Service,

BLVD Cat