Having a stressed-out kitty is not much fun for anyone in the house. Anxiety in cats can lead to behavior such as destructive scratching, inappropriate urination, or aggression towards humans and other pets. While some cats are simply more nervous by nature, there is usually a reason for your cat’s stress, which can be anything from fireworks, to a new household member, to an unhappy litterbox experience.

Determine the cause

It makes sense to try and identify the cause of your cat’s anxiety. If the stress is due by a particular trigger, such as a vacuum cleaner or a neighbor’s cat, it may be possible to reduce your pet’s exposure to the cause, or at the very least help to desensitize them.

Update their environment

Cats are very territorial animals, so for them, their home is everything. It is important that they can always feel safe, whether you are home or not. For some cats, this means having a place to hide in a tucked away corner or under a bed. Other cats prefer a cat tree as a place to escape – being up high allows them to survey the area for danger. Make sure your kitty always has access to fresh water and clean litter trays, especially in homes with more than one cat.

Make time for play

Spending time playing with your cat has a two-fold effect on helping to reduce stress. Firstly, it keeps them mentally stimulated, and secondly, it will strengthen the bond between you and help them to feel more secure. Toys that involve a food reward can be particularly helpful, as they allow the cat to carry out their natural hunting instincts.

Natural calming aids

There are plenty of non-medicated options that can help reduce anxiety in cats. Pheromones that mimic the smell of nursing mothers or marking smells can be used as sprays, diffusers or collars. For cats that have thunderstorm phobia, there are anxiety jackets or vests, which provide short-term relief in stressful situations. Finally, there are calming non-medicated chews and sprays that have a relaxing effect on your cat.

Medication

Where constant stress is causing problems for you and your cat, you may wish to speak to your vet about the medicated options. For ongoing nerves, your vet may prescribe anti-anxiety medication. For acute times of stress, such as travel or vet visits, your cat may benefit from a sedative.