How to calm cat anxiety and stress

However, it is important to stick to normal routines with your cat as much as possible and be aware that a change in your behaviour can have an impact on your cat. Animal behaviourist Inga MacKellar shares her advice:

• In these stressful times we may turn to our pets for comfort and spend much more time cuddling them. Whilst some cats will enjoy this additional interaction, others may become anxious if they are over handled.
• If your cat is already showing signs of being over attached to you, then resist the temptation to cuddle and pet it even more whilst you are at home 24/7. By giving it too much attention this may increase your cat’s attachment to you, which may make it more difficult for it to cope when you return to work and normal routines.
• Having to stay indoors at the moment is stressful for us. Tempers may fray with raised voices or children may become excessively lively and noisy. This additional noise and activity may affect your cat. If you see that your cat is getting stressed then make sure that it has a quiet, safe place to go indoors or in the garden.
• Spend some time playing with your cat, especially if its outdoor access is restricted. Food activity toys are a great way of getting mental and physical stimulation. Your cat may even enjoy listening to some specially composed cat music.
• If you have an indoor cat, don’t forget the cat litter when shopping. It is important to keep the litter tray clean and fresh to avoid house soiling incidents.

We asked animal behaviourist Inga MacKellar for the signs to look out for if your cat is feeling anxious, and how you can help. Here are some tips on using your body language and surroundings to ease your pet's distress.

First, recognise the signs

1. An unhappy cat will often twitch the end of her tail as a warning sign, just before stress sets in. Her claws may also come out in self-defence.

2. If your cat feels unsafe or threatened, she's likely to hide and crouch down to make herself seem as small as possible. That way she'll feel less visible to any potential dangers.

3. A stressed cat may mark her territory by spraying (squirting urine horizontally) while standing with her tail quivering in the air.

Use your own body language to help

1. To feel safe, your cat needs to have her own space and an easy way to escape if it all gets too much. Don't crowd her or make a fuss; instead, give her room to get away and do her own thing, then wait for her to come back on her own terms.

2. Your instinct might be to comfort your cat by stretching out your arm to stroke her, but she could see this as a threat and lash out with her claws or teeth. Rather give her some space and keep a watchful eye over her from somewhere close by, then save cuddles for a more relaxed moment.

3. Once your cat seems less stressed and more like her usual self, try to engage her in play from a distance. Use a fishing-rod toy or roll a ball for her and she'll join in if she no longer feels like there's danger looming.

Control your surroundings

1. Create safe hiding spaces for your cat by using her basket or a couple of boxes that she can retreat to when stressed. Your cat is likely to prefer somewhere higher up and the darker and cosier the spot, the safer she'll feel.

2. Let her interact with you on her own terms. Cats need to feel in control of their surroundings, so take your cues from your pet and avoid stroking or playing with her if you notice any of the body language signals mentioned above.

3. Installing a cat flap can also be a great way to ensure your cat feels more in control, as she'll be able to come and go as she needs to. You could opt for a high-tech version that recognises your pet's microchip (to prevent neighbourhood cats from coming for a visit, too!) or a lockable one if you'd prefer to keep your pet indoors at night.

Last updated: 17/04/2020