Stress in cats

What causes stress in cats?

While gastrointestinal or urinary issues are noticeable, cats are likely also experiencing stress hiding in plain sight. There are multiple factors that can cause stress.

Changes in the home environment
Inconsistency in routine
Underlying health condition or pain

Be sure to monitor your cat’s behaviour and note any changes to discuss with your vet if you suspect your cat is stressed.

A grey cat sits on a matching grey color carpet

What are the hidden signs of stress?

Even when the signs are visible, it’s easy to overlook a pet’s hidden stress. Urinary signs are the most noticeable of hidden stress signs, so you might be wondering if your cat is stress peeing or if stress can cause urinary problems. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Urinary Issues

Panting or excessive vocalising

Shivering or cowering

Hiding or trying to escape

Destructive behaviour

Excessive biting or scratching

Managing your pet’s stress

If you suspect your cat is stressed, the first step should be a visit to your veterinarian. They can provide you with guidance and information about how to manage stress in cats. Along with information, they may recommend nutrition or medication to help manage your cat’s stress.

A pet parent plays with her cat with a dangling cat toy

Routine

Providing your cat with consistency can help alleviate some stress. Making sure their litter box is clean and that they have access to plenty of fresh water can help reduce a cat’s stress urination. If you’re looking to calm your stressed cat at home, here are 10 tips to help manage your cat’s stress.

Medication

In addition to behavioural and environmental modifications, a vet may prescribe medication to help manage your cat’s stress. If you are looking for medications to give your cat, consult with your vet first. Over-the-counter medications should only be used as recommended by your vet.

Nutrition

With the right ingredient blend, your cat’s food can help reduce a cat’s stress. Vets may recommend Hill’s Prescription Diet to help manage manage stress related episode and improve quality of life for cats.

** Hill's Prescription Diet foods offer therapeutic nutrition for a range of health conditions where stress can be a risk factor.
They’re clinically tested and developed by a team of PhD nutritionists and veterinarians, so you can rest assured your pet is receiving premium nutrition backed by science.

If your cat has signs of stress, schedule an appointment with your vet and ask how Hill's Prescription Diet can help.