Anxiety In Cats Can Be Caused By A Variety Of Issues

Anxiety in cats can come from many different issues. Some cats are naturally anxious while others suddenly feel anxiety due to an underlying cause. Veterinarians and behavior specialists look at the cat's physical and emotional health, as well as its gut traits to figure out what’s going on and find solutions. Cats that do not feel good can react with anxious behavior. Kitties have evolved to be "Great Pretenders" and never let on that they feel bad. Stoic cats with hidden aches show only subtle signs, if at all. Resolving an underlying health issue often relieves anxious behaviors. How cats react to stress depends greatly on their personality, how well they were socialized as cats and even genetics. A certain percentage of kitties are more nervous. Cats prefer to hide in dark places where they can't be seen. Confident cats often seek out high resting spots, while anxious cats may resort to ground level hiding. Favorites include under the bed or other low-to-the-ground furniture. Anxious cats urinate outside of the litter box. They do this either with urine sprayed against vertical surfaces or by squatting to wet flat surfaces. Playing and exploration mimics hunting behaviors and can reduce stress and anxiety. Homemade toys motivate cats to explore, and rotating toys increases novelty and interest. Cats may not immediately adjust to any changes you make. Be patient. Make your cat's environment as calm and friendly as possible. A favorite toy or old scratching post can bring a good deal of comfort to your cat. Don't try to make too many changes at once. . . .