Anxiety in Cats: A Guide for Easing Feline Stress
Does your cat seem distressed? They may have anxiety, which can cause them to feel worried or fearful even when no real danger is present. Anxiety is fairly common in cats and can be caused by a range of stressors.
Key Takeaways
- Anxiety in cats can stem from illness, trauma, lack of socialization, or environmental stressors like loud noises or separation.
- Signs of anxiety include pacing, hiding, overgrooming, excessive vocalization, and changes in appetite or litter box habits.
- Treatment options range from environmental adjustments and calming aids to prescription medications recommended by a veterinarian.
- Pet insurance can help cover the costs of diagnosing and treating anxiety—Pawlicy Advisor makes it easy to find the right coverage for your cat.
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In this guide, we’ll delve into cat anxiety, including signs to watch for, anti-anxiety treatments for cats, and more.
✔️ Reviewed by multiple licensed veterinarians
✔️ Updated with the latest medical data
✔️ Compiled from veterinary research
What causes anxiety in cats?
There are many factors that can contribute to anxiety in cats. Some common causes include:
- Illness or pain: Physical conditions, aging-related changes, diseases, or toxins can lead to or worsen anxiety.
- Trauma: Fear from traumatic experiences, which may seem minor to humans, can cause anxiety.
- Lack of socialization: Insufficient positive experiences with people, other pets, or environments during early development (7-12 weeks) can lead to anxiety issues.
- Unavoidable stressors: Situations like being confined indoors during fireworks or living with an aggressive pet are often stressful for cats.
- Separation anxiety: This can stem from rehoming, abandonment, or constant human interaction as a kitten.
What are the signs of anxiety in my cat?
Anxious cats may exhibit a range of behaviors depending on the cause. Common signs of anxiety in cats include:
- Pacing and restlessness
- Avoiding eye contact or shifting body/head away
- Holding tail close to the body, slight tail flicking
- Shaking
- Salivating
- Partially or fully dilated pupils
- Ears partially to the side or held back
- Increased heart rate
- Crouching, leaning away, or looking at what’s causing the anxiety
- Trying to escape
- Freezing in place
- Hair over the back raised
- Aggression
Additionally, anxiety can lead to behaviors such as:
- Hiding or attempting to escape, including scratching or chewing on doors or windows
- Eliminating outside the litter box
- Overgrooming, potentially causing hair loss or wounds
- Excessive vocalization, which may be in a different tone than usual
- Appetite changes
- Gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting or diarrhea
What should I do if my cat shows signs of anxiety?
If you think your cat is anxious, don’t panic. Instead, focus on creating an environment where your cat feels safe and supported.
Start by taking the following steps to soothe your cat:
- Comfort your cat: Contrary to popular belief, it’s okay to comfort your cat during anxious moments.
- Avoid negative reactions: Don’t punish or yell at your cat, or spray them with water.
- Minimize triggers: Avoid trapping your cat in a confined spacer or exposing them to strong scents from incense, candles, or air fresheners.
- Provide enrichment: Offer plenty of playtime and activities to reduce boredom and stress.
You’ll want to visit your vet to determine the cause of your cat’s anxiety. After an initial physical exam, your vet may recommend diagnostic testing, such as blood and urine tests, to rule out medical causes for your cat’s abnormal behavior.
Ways to treat anxiety in cats
Treatments your vet may recommend for your cat’s anxiety include:
- Prescription medications: Your vet may prescribe anti-anxiety drugs, such as gabapentin.
- Supplements: They may also recommend calming aids to manage mild anxiety.
- Environmental adjustments: Your vet can also offer tips to help you reduce stress at home so your cat is more relaxed.
Your veterinarian may also recommend over-the-counter solutions
- Pheromone-based calming collars
- Pheromone-based calming sprays
- Anti-anxiety calling vests
If vet visits are stressful for your cat, consider finding a Fear Free Certified® Veterinary Practice that prioritizes your pet’s comfort through humane, low-stress practices.
To help you find a Fear Free veterinary clinic, we’ve compiled a list of Fear Free Certified Veterinary Practices near you.
Did you know pet insurance can cover behavioral disorders? It’s true. Pet insurance can help with the costs of diagnosing and treating anxiety. See if pet insurance is worth it for you.
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Takeaways for supporting your anxious cat
Anxiety is tough on you and your cat, but you can take steps to help them, including:
- Watching for signs of anxiety, such as pacing, hiding, or overgrooming. Early detection and a calming environment can greatly ease your cat’s stress.
- Consult a veterinarian to diagnose anxiety and discuss treatments, including medications or over-the-counter solutions such as calming diffusers or anxiety vests.
- Investing in pet insurance, which can help cover behavioral treatments and unexpected medical costs, ensures your cat receives the care they needs without straining your finances.
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DVM, FFCP
Dr. Angela Beal has worked in private practice and taught veterinary technicians for 15 years. Angela is a veterinarian who loves using her writing to help pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. Since 2020, she has worked full-time within the veterinary education writing and editing industry. Angela lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband, two sons, and their spoiled Chihuahua mix, Yogi.
