Our cats are sensitive beings who appreciate routine and regularity, and can therefore be easily unsettled by change. It is essential to identify the source of your feline friend's stress to better address it.
What are the signs of stress in cats?
There are many potential sources of stress for our furry friends. But if you notice a sudden change in your cat’s behavior or signs of illness, we recommend consulting a veterinarian as soon as possible. They can ensure your beloved pet is not sick or injured.
Stress may manifest as destructive or disruptive behaviors: your kitty might scratch your furniture or urinate in various corners of the home.
Excessive grooming, frequent meowing, aggressiveness, refusal of petting, or changes in eating habits are also common signs of a stressed cat.
Why is my cat stressed?
Cats are very attached to their territory, so moving house can be a significant source of stress.
Taking your cat to the vet is rarely an easy task, as many of us can attest! Even a short visit to the vet can feel like a nightmare for our cats.
The arrival of a baby or another pet is a happy moment for the family... except for your cat, who may find it difficult and take time to adjust.
A sudden change in diet can also be a stress trigger and cause diarrhea. That’s why at Ziggy, we always recommend a proper transition period when changing your cat’s food. Similarly, poor feeding schedules—such as offering only one meal a day—can stress some cats who fear not having enough. We recommend a minimum of 4 meals a day to match their natural grazing habits.
Car rides are also far from enjoyable for many cats and can easily trigger a stress response.
How can I help my cat cope with stress?
Depending on the cause, you can help reduce or eliminate the stressor, or at least help your feline deal with it better. However, scolding your cat for expressing stress—such as with destructive behavior—will only make matters worse. It’s important to remember that patience is key to building a trusting relationship with your cat.
We recommend providing tasty, high-quality food in several small meals at regular times. Ensure their daily nutritional needs are met.
Spend quality time with your cat—pet them, talk to them, play with them, or brush them. This strengthens your bond and helps them feel calmer. Especially when stress is caused by a new baby or pet, these moments of attention prevent your cat from feeling left out.
To help with grooming, we recently launched a double-headed cat brush designed for all coat types. One side has rounded steel pins for gentle detangling and massaging, the other has nylon bristles for smoothing and shining. Made from sustainably sourced ash wood, vegan, and manufactured in France.
Provide hiding spots, toys, cat trees, and scratchers so your cat can climb, play, hide, and relax freely. Physical activity releases endorphins—natural stress relievers!
If the stress is related to car rides or vet visits, get your cat used to their carrier by leaving it open in the living room, for example. Reward them with treats when they go inside or come when called. You can also spray the inside with valerian spray to calm them.
Valerian, massage, and music therapy... Discover more in our article 5 ways to help your cat relax.
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