Since the 20th century, stress has become a major health problem. For humans, It seems as shaping our lifestyle, and even affects our feline friends.
Stress and anxiety are, In fact, Adaptive responses designed by nature to allow survival, and therefore, they are not always negative. Adrenaline-induced energy stream facilitates a rapid and strong response that can help the body to save life, for example, When someone attacks us. However, These substances are not designed to remain in the body for a long time, as in chronic stress, since they reduce the functioning of the immune system to give an example of its negative effects.
The treatment of both human and feline stress is, First of all, diagnose it (manifestations of stress), recognize what are the situations that generated it and finally, the intervention (methods to reduce stress).
Some of the demonstrations that may occur when a cat is stressed, include:
- – Marking (even the geldings) both with urine as tooma
- – Urinating or defecating outside your Inbox
- – Loss of appetite (Anorexia)
- – Vomiting
- – Excessive hair fall
- – Excessive grooming
- – Denial of contact
- – Pulling hair
- – Tremors
- – Hyperactivity
- – Constant meows
- – Hide is constantly
- – Aggressiveness (both with humans and with other cats)
- – Recurrent disease
Among the recurrent illnesses associated with stress in cats, We have feline idiopathic interstitial cystitis (inflammation not caused by infection), asthma, chronic colitis, alopecia (hair loss), feline hyperesthesia, Autoimmunity, Acne, skin diseases, chronic infections...
The typical attitude of a stressed cat usually include tremors, with dilated pupils, and pass again and again the language by the lips and swallow saliva. Diarrhea is very common as well. The ears are placed backwards, the tail goes down. These cats will move cautiously, and stopping every little bit.
The aforementioned symptoms, they are common to various diseases, and therefore, unless there is a clear cause of stress, first any possibility of physical illness should be removed..
But, Why cats are stressed?…If you are always there lying on the sofa. Cats, In fact, they are very sensitive animals to changes, the territory and the routine, and many things can make them lose their balance:
- – Too many cats at home: the cat is a territorial animal and not accustomed to living in a herd... too many cats can stress you.
- – Removals
- – Travel
- – Prolonged absence of the owner
- – A new Member in the family (human or animal)
- – Too many visits
- – A disease
- – Little space to move
- – In fact, any changes can cause stress.
There are very resistant to change cats, for example, show cats tend to have a very stable temperament that allows them to travel and hold the shows without stress. However, others would be unable to even leave the House. Why some cats suffer from stress and others are not??
First of all, Genetics has a lot to say. A kitten that comes from parents nervous and estresables, is more likely to be the.
On the other hand, Genetics can be modulated by the socialization. Between the 2 and the 7 weeks, kittens are very prone to socialize with humans and other experiences. In this period, kittens be exposed to many stimuli, human and by his mother, to become accustomed and not suffer from stress later. Poorly socialized kittens, they will be more likely to get stressed out adult.
The best for a cat would be, Obviously, avoid stress. This is solved offering Jack a stimulation-rich environment when it is a puppy and keeping a level of activity and space appropriate for adult: places to hide and escape, various toys and play with the owner and others. Also avoid sudden changes in the environment of the cat.
But, and if our cat already showing signs of stress?. We can help you with different methods, Although it is best to combine several, both "home" and veterinary. Manage stress can be done in three ways: changing the situation causing stress, changing the response of the cat, or combining both.
Change the situation that causes stress can be easy or difficult. For example, If our cat stressed to have guests, We can isolate it when you come. If stressed you the noise of the vacuum cleaner, use one more silent. If stress you travel, minimize them to the essential.
If the cat is stressed by multiple pets at home, It is important to give each animal its "space", with its own sand box, your bed, your feeder, own bed and places where climbing or hide when you want you to be alone. If stress occurs for a new Member, making adjustments gradually. And if stress happens to be only, provide you with a feline companion or a "caregiver".
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| Feliway, spray and diffuser; Felifriend spray |
To change the response to the stress of our feline friend, the owners have a product called Feliway, they are basically a kind of cat hormones. This volatile substance is produced in glands of the cats (on the head, tail... etc) and use it to mark their territory. Fraction F3 pheromone facial feline is used to identify landmarks. The F4 fraction helps to recognize individuals and also marketed, Although in this case it is known as Felifriend, and is used for cat better reconosza new members of the family. These hormones have the quality to appease the cats, Although its effect is variable according to the animal. It is recommended to use in stressful periods.
There are some foods or supplements that may also help our cats. For example, certain feeds have alpha-casocepinas, that they are derived from casein (milk protein) and help to ease anxiety. Tryptophan, when ingested is transformed into serotonin, a substance essential in the regulation of mood, and it can be given to cats with problems of stress. The vitamins of the Group B, they reduce anxiety (Brewer's yeast is rich in this nutrient).
Some people prefer to use homeopathic solutions or Bach flower remedies to handle stress situations. These treatments must be recommended by a professional, and purchased from trusted sites. For example, Lavender essential oil, Although beneficial for stress, It can be contaminated by traces of flowers toxic for cats (not for human) and cause them disturbances. Valerian is also used in cases of stress.
Massage and pressure highlights are beneficial for many cats. We can make circular movements with your fingers on the skin of the cat, slowly. Many cats relax both, you fall asleep.
Conditioning therapy requires hiring an ethologist, a cat behavior specialist. These professionals can try to change the negative response from the cat to a stimulus, desensitizing it. For example, through gradual exposure or combining the negative stimulus with something good, like the cat (a reward, a massage, a toy...).
There is also the pharmacological support. It must always be prescribed by a veterinarian, and is reserved for severe cases, chronic or when you are ill. Two widely used drugs are the clomicalm (Clomipramine) and valium (diazepam). Like all medicines, secondary effects may arise, and for this reason should be used under supervision.
Finally, just to say that cats are very sensitive beings. Manage our own stress, You can help that our cat do not stress, already many times an owner stressed instills that feeling in the cat. In addition, You may know that it is demonstrated that putting a cat in your life, improves our balance, lowering blood pressure and anxiety levels... put a cat in your life!
