How to Keep Your Cat’s Anxiety Under Control

As some of you already know, pets also experience depression and anxiety – that means cats too, even if the little ones don’t actually show it.

Well, in fact, cats have their own ways of showing the people around them that they’re anxious, via behavior. It is up to us to identify such behavior and then do our best to help our cat escape anxiety – especially in these rough times that may keep some cats indoors for prolonged periods of time.

As such, let’s see what you can do to keep your cat’s anxiety under control and, therefore, ensure their wellbeing!

Recognizing the Signs

First of all, it is essential that you can tell when your cat is overwhelmed by anxiety. By doing so, you can take proper and immediate action so that the overall mood of your feline friend doesn’t suffer.

Here are some of the main clues that your cat is experiencing anxiety:

• The cat shows signs of withdrawal and is usually hiding from you.
• Fails to use the litter box properly.
• It is less and less active throughout the day.
• Is often found trembling.
• Shows either aggressive or destructive behavior.
• Presents lesions or even sores that resulted from the cat over-grooming itself.

Other than the above, you may also notice that your cat lost its appetite, as well as some weight, while also meowing less than usual. All of these are signs of anxiety – let’s see how you can keep it under control!

Giving Your Cat Space

The very first thing to keep in mind is to avoid petting your car out of nowhere – as he/she may see this as a threat and lash back at you.

Instead, give your pet space and wait for them to come in your arms. It is also important that the cat has its own space/crib where he/she can rest and not be bothered.

Natural Anxiety Relief

Studies have shown that certain scents, as well as a variety of natural remedies, can help keep pet anxiety under control. For example, the most common products used are feline facial pheromones that help with tension caused by anxiety.

However, if you want something completely natural, you can try CBD for pets, as it helps cats with both their diet and their anxiety or depression. 

Better Litterbox Experience

Anxious pets will usually urinate outside their litter box, mainly in order to mark their territory and to assure themselves with a feeling of self-comfort.

As such, you may find a lot of wet spots throughout your home. Solving this issue will not only keep your home clean but will also help manage the cat’s anxiety.

By placing multiple litter boxes – or setting up places that function as a litter box – throughout your house, your cat will have the ideal way to mark its territory and ensure that feeling of property/possession that helps the feline be less anxious.

It’s essential to keep in mind that dirty litter boxes encourage anxiety, and you should do your best to clean them on time – before they bother your cat!

The Bottom Line

Basically, when you notice that your feline experiences anxiety, it is essential to keep in mind two of the main characteristics of cat behavior. Namely, remember that they like to be in control and that they don’t like being overwhelmed by cuddles and kisses.

As such, you have to do your best to make them feel like your home is not only a safe place but their safe place. Naturally, you must let them come cuddle with you – don’t force pets or hugs on them, or they’ll feel even more anxious.

All in all, anxious cats require a bit of time when it comes to helping them, as you can’t simply force anxiety out of them.