How Can I Effectively Reduce My Cat's Stress?

Stress is a problem that can also affect our pets. We’ve already discussed ways to effectively reduce your dog’s stress. Today, let’s take a closer look at stress in cats. There are several symptoms that can alert you to your cat’s distress. Fortunately, there are simple yet effective ways to ease your cat’s stress and anxiety.

A stressed cat will exhibit unusual behaviors that should serve as a warning to you.

Some of these signs include:

• Lack of hygiene: Your cat urinates or defecates outside its litter box
• Hiding: Your cat tends to hide and gets scared easily
• He's grooming himself more than usual, licking himself excessively
• Your cat is having eating problems: it has stopped eating, or, on the contrary, is eating much more than usual
• He sharpens his claws all over the house
• Your cat isn't playing as much —or as little—as usual
• He meows a lot
• It acts aggressively: A stressed cat may tend to get upset quickly and act mean toward you or other cats
• A cat that refuses to be petted may be a sign of stress

If your cat is showing one or more of these symptoms, it’s likely that he or she is stressed. The first thing to do is figure out what might be causing his or her distress and how to help him or her feel better.

For a cat to be healthy, several conditions must be met:

• Make sure your cat has food: Your cat eats throughout the day. Running out of food can be a real source of stress. So always make sure its food bowl is full.
• A source of fresh water nearby: Your cat needs to drink regularly. Place a bowl of water near its dry food, for example, and be sure to change the water regularly.
• A clean litter box: Some cats are very particular about their litter box. By scooping it out regularly, you’ll spare your cat the stress of not knowing where to relieve itself and the risk of getting scolded.
• A safe place where he can take refuge when he feels uncomfortable or scared.
• A scratching post: Sharpening its claws is a source of well-being for your cat. As it scratches, it releases pheromones that help relieve its stress.
• Toys: Cats are often playful. Be sure to provide them with toys they can play with and use to burn off energy.

Among the most effective ways to reduce your cat's stress, here are the two simplest ones to try—without resorting to medication.

Pheromones play a very important role in your cat’s well-being. For example, your cat marks its territory by rubbing against your furniture to leave its own pheromones there. This reassures your cat and allows it to mark its territory. In fact, when they’re kittens, their mothers secrete soothing pheromones to reduce their stress. Pheromone diffusers work on the same principle. They release pheromones that will soothe your cat and help reduce its stress.

CBD oil, which is more natural, can also help relieve your cat’s stress and anxiety. CBD is one of the compounds derived from the cannabis plant. It is therefore a natural solution to stress. The principle is the same as in humans: when a few drops are ingested,High Society CBD acts on the endocannabinoid system to reduce feelings of stress and calm your cat. To make it easier to administer, High Society CBD oil for pets has a pleasant bacon flavor and can either be placed on your pet’s tongue (for more cooperative cats) or mixed directly into their food. Always start with a few drops and adjust the dosage according to your cat’s needs.

If, despite your best efforts, your cat still shows signs of stress, don't hesitate to ask your veterinarian for advice.