CAT STRESS HEALTH

Stress will increases the risk for health problems in cats. As with people, the immune system becomes less effective when the body has had to deal with stress for too long. Digestive problems, depression, loss of appetite, and infections may occur.

According to the University of Edinburgh study, living with long-term stress is a significant factor in developing feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), which is an inflammation of the bladder.

Reducing stress in cats

The symptoms mentioned before can be caused by stress, or they may be the result of physical conditions. Consider whether the symptoms coincided with any causes of stress. If you have any doubts, take your cat to a veterinarian to check for physical problems that may have caused behavioral changes.

If possible, reduce or remove the causes of stress. Better yet, plan ahead and prepare your cat for the stressful situation.

Whatever the situation, give your cat lots of attention and introduce her to new people or situations gradually if possible. Often this is not possible, however. If you can't remove the stress, provide a secure place for your cat to go to be away from whatever causes the stress. The cat will appreciate a room where other pets aren't allowed or a box with a cat-sized opening away from normal household traffic.

Treatments for stress in cats

Natural remedies for stress

• Feliway feline stress relief spray mimics naturally occurring pheromones that help calm and reassure cats.
• Some homeopathic remedies can be used to treat stress in cats.

Medical treatments for stress

Antidepressants such as Prozac and Paxil are sometimes used to treat cats. Easily stressed cats may be more relaxed on regular medication, while others may benefit from short-time use of medication to help them get through stressful situations. When the medication isn't needed any more, cats should be tapered off of it gradually.