What to do about stress in cats?

We are often told, "No way, my cat is not stressed!", yet stress in cats is more common than you think. Cats are very sensitive animals. Changes in the environment or in the family composition can lead to stress.

What is stress with cats?

Stress is caused by certain stimuli in the environment, which can make a situation unpredictable and/or uncontrollable for the cat. For example, stress can occur when too many cats or other household members enter the family or territory. Too few litter boxes, too few hiding places and boredom can also lead to stress for your cat.

Behavioral problems

If a cat experiences prolonged stress, behavioral problems can arise such as housebreaking, destructiveness (scratching the sofa) and even aggression. In addition, stress can lead to reduced resistance. Cats with reduced resistance can suffer from skin and/or gastrointestinal problems. This often looks like it is caused by a food allergy. Yet this is often not the case, but stress is the underlying cause.

How a cat feels

The posture of a cat says a lot about how the animal feels. A completely relaxed cat lies stretched out, with legs stretched out, sleeping quietly and will react normally to sounds in the environment. Once the cat experiences more stress, alertness will increase, along with muscle tension and breathing. Shivering, excessive licking and washing, housebreaking, extreme sleeping and other behavioral changes can be symptoms of stress.

Tips to reduce and prevent stress

It is important to identify and address the cause of stress.

• Provide safety, plenty of hiding places (preferably at height) and places where your cat can retreat undisturbed and prevent anxiety.
• Prevent frustration by making the environment controllable and predictable.
• Give each cat his own stuff, so your cats don't have to share. Think of an own food and water bowl and an own litter box, this way you prevent aggression and fear.
• In the pet store there are fun toys and special anti-stress tapes and sprays available that can reduce stress.

Special food

Sensitive and stressed out cats can benefit from an adapted diet. Prins VitalCare Resist Calm is a food especially for sensitive cats that contains a mix of natural herbs, including siberian ginseng. You can give the food as a regular daily meal, or temporarily as extra support during an exciting period, such as New Year’s Eve or the arrival of a new cat in the house. In addition, this food provides extra support for the immune system. A high content of good acids (salmon oil) also ensures a healthy coat and urinary substances support healthy urinary tracts. Stress can lead to reduced resistance in cats. Prins Totalcare Indoor Complete contributes to a healthy intestinal flora and increases your cat's resistance.

Attention!

Many (problematic) behaviors can become a habit. Behaviors to which you are accustomed to are hard to change and take a lot of time. It may be wise to seek advice from a cat behaviorist on how best to do this. The Prins CareTeam can help you.