If you’re fortunate enough to own a pet cat, you’ll know intimately well that it’s not always a joyful experience. One of the more stressful (and sometimes overlooked!) aspects of caring for a kitten friend is anxious behavior. Cats, just like people and many other intelligent animals, frequently fall victim to the perils of anxiety.
But, what’s the cause of feline anxiety and how big of an issue is it? Below, we’ll examine the most common causes of anxious behavior in cats and how owners should respond to these symptoms!
Genetic and Neurological Causes
Let’s zoom in for a moment and look at the biological and neurochemical factors involved in feline anxiety. Very similar to their human owners, many cats experience clinical anxiety as a result of neurological imbalances. These imbalances can include a hugely diverse set of factors; everything from an overactive amygdala to feline thyroid disease to serotonin disorders could be at play here.
Because anxious behavior in cats is often tied to genetic factors, some breeds are significantly more likely to develop anxiety disorders than others. For example, the Siamese cat breed has a high genetic likelihood of developing separation anxiety. Likewise, some breeds, such as Persian cats, are statistically more likely to suffer from OCD.
Now, this definitely doesn’t mean all members of these higher-risk breeds will show symptoms of an anxiety disorder. Far from it! But, there’s unfortunately an increased chance, and that’s something owners should keep in mind when adopting one of those breeds.
Is Cat Anxiety Caused by Trauma?
If you’ve recently adopted a pet cat, you might wonder if earlier life trauma could be the source of the cat’s anxiety symptoms. The answer can be a little complex! While not all cats with anxiety have experienced traumatic upbringings, and not all cats with a history of trauma develop anxiety, there’s a notable correlation.
Similar to PTSD symptoms in dogs, cats can also show signs of post-traumatic stress and anxiety. Some particularly noteworthy symptoms to watch out for include weight loss and lack of interest in eating, separation anxiety, trembling, restlessness and pacing, sudden urination, and aggression.
Of course, most of these signs can also be symptomatic of other health conditions. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian and also do your best to rule out physical illness as the source of these behaviors. Now, don’t fret if trauma does end up being a factor in your pet cat’s anxious symptoms! Medication, socialization and training, behavior modification, and environmental changes are all potential treatments for feline anxiety.
Sudden Changes in Environment
Though environmental changes can be an effective remedy for your cat’s anxiety, they can also (frustratingly, I know) be the source of the issue. One exacerbating environmental change to watch out for is moving to a new home. Many cats, especially older or more sensitive little guys, become stressed out and anxious when first introduced to an unfamiliar house or apartment.
Luckily, there are some super helpful steps you can take to minimize your feline friend’s stress levels when moving to a new area. During the moving process, I’d especially recommend designating a particular room or area of the house as your cat’s safe space. This will help give your pet a place to hide out and calm down when there’s too much movement and excitement happening.
Additionally, you usually can’t go wrong with keeping some of your cat’s favorite comfort items on hand. Pet kitten toys, familiar blankets, and special treats are all wonderful ways to help your furry buddy feel safe and comfortable.
Separation Anxiety in Pet Cats
Among the most common causes of anxious symptoms in pet cats, separation anxiety has to be at or near the top of the list. Now, I’ll note that a cat’s separation anxiety symptoms can vary a bit from pet to pet. That said, signs you’ll likely notice include unusually loud or frequent vocalization, destructive behaviors, excessive self-grooming, not drinking or eating from food bowls while you’re away from home, and urinating in inappropriate places.
So, what can you do to help prevent or treat your cat’s separation anxiety? There are, thankfully, several excellent options. A lot of owners have found great success with anxiety medication for cats, though this treatment is usually reserved for more severe separation anxiety cases.
In milder cases, the remedy can be as simple as positive reinforcement. This involves waiting for your cat to calm down before rewarding them with a treat or head scratches.
Poor Socialization and Feline Anxiety
Another huge contributor to pet cats’ anxiety disorders comes down to a simple lack of proper socialization. Cats who aren’t used to socializing (either with people or other pets) can respond to social situations with stress, fear, and even reactive aggression. So, it’s extremely important to offer healthy, safe situations for your cat to practice socialization.
One tried-and-true method for socialization training is to introduce another cat to your feline companion. To maximize the chances of this encounter going well, you’ll need to control the introduction carefully and take things slowly. Make sure to separate the two cats if you see any signs of a fight brewing!
During the socialization process, it’s very helpful to understand basic cat body language. Most pet cats, for instance, will give a quiet growl or repeatedly wag their tail as a warning sign that they are becoming frustrated or annoyed.
