Pet owners sometimes don't believe that anxiety could affect their beloved cats. After all, cats
don't have to hold down a job and pay the bills. What is there to
be anxious about? And in comparison to dogs, cats are a little
more subtle about showing their insecurities, but they are suffering
nonetheless.
"If your cat's anxiety is mild and she seems otherwise healthy, there are a few things you can try before calling the vet."
What is Cat Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of nervousness,
uneasiness or apprehension, which is normal under certain circumstances
but can become a problem if it becomes severe or occurs at inappropriate
times. A few of the more common situations that can cause a cat
to become anxious include:
- Separation from her owner,
even for just a short period of time
- Moving to a new home
- The addition of a new family
member (spouse, child or pet)
The symptoms of an anxious cat can
be subtle and easy to attribute to other causes. Cats may
- Hide more than normal
- Greet owners exuberantly
when they return home and follow them from room to room
- Urinate or defecate outside
of the litter box
- Vomit
- Compulsively groom themselves,
sometimes to the point where they are virtually bald over a large part
of the body
Of course other diseases, including
some that are very serious, can cause these symptoms. Consult with
your veterinarian before you assume that your cat has an anxiety disorder.
Home Care for Anxious Cats
Remember that cats suffering from anxiety
are acting out of fear; they are not being "bad." Punishment is
absolutely the wrong response in this situation and will actually make
the situation worse rather than better.
If your cat's anxiety is mild and
she seems otherwise healthy, there are a few things you can try before
calling the vet. Feliway sprays,
diffusers, and wipes that contain
a synthetic form of a feline facial pheromone that is thought to help
cats feel calm and relaxed are widely available. Many different nutraceutical, herbal and
homeopathic formulations have also been designed to help anxious cats. Sometimes, providing
your cat with a special toy at times of stress (e.g., when you leave for
work) may be all that is needed, but be sure to put the toy away when
you are at home. Perches in front of windows, particularly if
there is a bird feeder in sight, can also provide a cat with hours of
distraction.
Veterinary Care for Feline Anxiety
If the cat's symptoms worsen and treating the anxiety at home isnt effective, contact your veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist for an appointment. These doctors
can diagnose the particular type of disorder that your cat suffers from
and come up with a behavioral modification plan that will best suit
your cat's particular needs. In some cases, he or she may prescribe
pet medications like amitriptyline, Clomicalm (clomipramine), or fluoxetine to increase the effectiveness of the behavioral
modification protocol.
If a cat's anxiety is limited to
particular events (e.g., travel or firework displays), a short term
sedative may be all that is needed. In these cases, a veterinarian
may prescribe a medication such as acepromazine that should be given a few hours before the
offending event.
The above is provided for information purposes only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any condition.
This information does not cover all possible variables, conditions, reactions, or risks relating to any topic, medication, or product and should not
be considered complete. Certain products or medications may have risks and you should always consult your local veterinarian concerning the treatment of
your pet. Any trademarks are the property of their respective owners.