Did you know that cats can suffer from anxiety? You may not think that this would be much of a problem for kitties. After all, Fluffy spends the vast majority of her time doing as little as possible. However, our feline friends are actually very emotional, and can feel anxious, distressed, sad, scared, or depressed, just like people can. A London, ON vet discusses kitty anxiety in this article.

Causes

Cats can develop anxiety for many reasons. Major changes, such as moving or changing owners, are very hard for them. Sometimes cats become fearful as they age, or as a result of illness or injury. Fluffy may also be upset by the loss of addition of a family member or another household pet. Or, she may be getting bullied by a furry roommate. Kitties can also suffer from loneliness if they are left alone too much.

Signs

Your furry pal can’t tell you if she has anxiety, so it’s up to you to look for signs. Hiding is a common one. Your cat may also over-groom herself, which can cause her fur to get thin. Anxiety can also cause tummy issues, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Litterbox avoidance is another common issue. Fluffy may seem grumpy, or she may vocalize more or less than usual. Of course, many of these things can be caused by medical issues. If you notice any of these red flags, call your vet to schedule an examination.

Helping Kitty Cope

There are some things you can do to help your kitty feel better. Daily play sessions are one thing that can be beneficial. Batting at a toy gives your nervous feline a healthy outlet to express any angst she feels. It can also help her burn off excess energy. After a fun session of Catch The Red Dot, Fluffy will be tired out, which will naturally calm her down a bit. Offer your pet lots of hiding spots, so she always has a place to retreat to. It’s also important to pay attention to your furball, and make sure she feels loved. Talk to Fluffy, and, if she likes to be held, let her snuggle up on your lap. For extreme cases, medication may help. Ask your vet for more information.

Do you know or suspect that your cat has anxiety? Please contact us, your London, ON vet clinic. We’re here to help!