How do they get stressed?
Cats do not like change. It does not matter if they are introvert or extrovert, they like things to remain the same. They can tell when something is different. For example, have you introduced your cat to a new toy or a new bed? The first thing they do is hunch down on the floor and very slowly will work their way over to it. It may take several times for them to get there. They will then sniff it and walk around it a few times. They finally decide it is safe; they will put one foot in, then out, then slowly and oh so cautiously, they will work their way into the cat bed or bat at the toy.
This is the same for anything that changes in their lives. Introducing them to a new cat food or new litter, you slowly introduce them by mixing with the old. You slowly add more of the new and less of the old. You finally get rid of the old and put the new in place. Most cats will reject a new litter or new food if it is not done this way.
Think about when you get sick, and you are home lying in bed or on the couch. They know that something is different and not normal. They maybe lay on you or next to you. These sweet babies want to make sure you are alright, and things will get back to normal. When there are too many changes, they can become stressed and develop anxiety. For their emotional wellbeing, it is important for them to have a routine. Changes to a cat’s usual environment — such as rearranged furniture or a new family member in the home — can cause stress in cats. Older cats may be more sensitive to household changes since their ability to adapt to new situations declines over time. Insufficient resources, including litter boxes and scratching objects, an unclean litter box and lack of environmental enrichment can also cause stress. (Signs of stress, Hill’s Pet).
What do you do when your cat is acting out because of stress? Stay tuned! The next blog will discuss stress behaviors and how to work with your stressed cat!
Resource
Signs of Stress in Cats and How You Can Help | Hill’s Pet
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