Helping A Stressed-Out Cat Feel Comfortable

Do you have an anxious cat? Our feline companions are all unique. Some are brave and fearless, some are friendly and outgoing, and some are timid and quiet. If you have a stressed cat, keep reading! In this story, a local Fort Myers, FL veterinarian offers tips on how to help Fluffy thrive.

Create A Safe, Comfy Environment For Fluffy

Kitties are natural predators and prey. This may be one of the explanations for their distinctive combination of attributes. Fluffy can be very courageous when pursuing that little red dot, yet she may be afraid of the vacuum cleaner.

When dealing with shy pets, providing them with a secure environment is vital. At first, your furry friend may want to hide while she assesses the situation. This is fine. Give her the time and space she needs to feel comfortable. Make sure your cat has plenty of hiding places. Paper grocery bags without handles may be appealing hidey-holes for worried cats. Fluffy would definitely prefer some crates or an enclosed cat condo.

Adopting A Shy Cat

Are you looking to get a new cat? It is critical to select a kitty that will fit into your family. A frightened cat may become overwhelmed if you have a hyperactive dog, a young child, and three other cats.

Helping your frightened pet begins the day you bring your feline companion home. Make sure she is in a quiet and comfy place. An extra room is a great option. If you and Fluffy live alone, leave the door open and allow her to explore when she is ready.

A pet-calming product, such as treats or sprays, can help calm your cat. Contact your veterinarian for further information. You can also play relaxing music or put on kitty TV for her.

When your pet is comfortable enough to venture outside, consider offering her a treat. You can also reach out your hand and softly beckon her. (The ‘pssst’ sound might also work.) It’s fine if she doesn’t approach immediately. Once she’s brave enough to come up to you, let her smell your fingers. Next, give her a reward. You can lightly stroke her forehead. If she backs off, don’t push the issue.

If you have additional pets, introduce them gradually. Ask your veterinarian for advice on this.

Getting Fluffy Out of Her Shell

When it comes to connecting with cats, there are few rules, but there is one golden rule: Always allow Fluffy to come to you when she wants attention or cuddling. She will feel safer if she knows she has a choice.

You don’t want to demand attention, but you also shouldn’t ignore your pet, either. Talk to Fluffy, check on her, and provide toys, food, catnip, and, of course, lap space. Reading to your furry pal may also help. Fluffy will get used to the sound of your voice and eventually start to feel safe.

Increasing Kitty’s Confidence

Did you know that playing with a timid kitty is one of the most beneficial things you can do for her? All felines are predisposed towards hunting. Even the most timid cat can be drawn to a feather on a string or a catnip mouse. Your furry friend will feel better about herself after mastering that tricky pounce. Consider it the feline equivalent of accomplishing a goal or passing a test. Furthermore, playing provides your pet with a safe and healthy way to relieve any tension she is experiencing. Exercise can be extremely beneficial to both humans and pets in this way. This will help your furry companion release some of its tense energy. She’ll be a little more relaxed afterward because she’ll be fatigued. That is wonderful news!

Make sure your small friend has a variety of engaging toys. Cats have diverse tastes for playthings, so you may need to experiment and try a few different things before you can tell what she likes best.

Fluffy may also like a cat tower. For a scaredy cat, choose one with at least one enclosed level. Kitties may feel safer in a higher area, so find one that she can climb.

We would also recommend following a mealtime and playtime schedule. Many of our animal companions just feel more secure when they follow a consistent schedule. (Your pet will sort out her napping schedule herself.

Take Fluffy To The Vet

We always recommend that when individuals adopt a new cat, they take Fluffy to the veterinarian as soon as possible for a thorough exam. This is particularly true for shy kittens. You want to rule out the possibility that a medical condition could be causing the pain or discomfort. If your feline companion obtains the all-clear, you’ll know you have a scared cat rather than a sick one. Your Fort Myers, FL veterinarian may recommend medication if your kitty is extremely stressed.

What Shouldn’t You Do With Stressed-Out Cats?

The checklist also includes some don’ts. At the top of the list? Do not allow your pet to go outside. A shy cat will most likely flee and seek refuge, making it difficult to persuade her to return. Furthermore, cats are safer inside, where they are protected from traffic, the weather, and wild animals.

As previously stated, never focus your attention on Fluffy. If she doesn’t want you to hold her or pick her up, let her go. Forcing her may backfire, leaving her anxious and afraid of you. Building trust takes time.

Finally, never hit or yell at your cat while disciplining her. Just clap your hands if she does something bad, such as sniffing near the door or climbing onto the counter. You might also try spraying her with water. These things will surprise and irritate her, but won’t hurt her.

Determine The Root Cause

While there are also kitties that are just naturally skittish, most of the time, stress is triggered by something. You’ll need to figure out what is stressing your cat out. Kitties are actually quite emotional, and can get very scared or upset.

Here are some things that often frighten our feline pals:

•  Disease
•  Visitors
•  Change In Household Occupants
•  Construction
•  Environment Changes
•  New Furniture
•  New Babies
•  New Cat
•  Separation Anxiety
•  Travel
•  A Lack Of Key Resources
•  Conflict With Other Pets
•  Cats Outside The Household
•  Improper Socialization
•  Lack Of Scratching Posts
•  Boredom
•  Discomfort
•  Past Trauma
•  Moving 
• Going To A New Home
•  Veterinary Visits
•  Change In Routine
•  New Pets
•  Loud Noises

Ask your Fort Myers, FL vet for more information on helping your pet adjust or cope with these things. 

Getting That Motor Going

Fluffy may decide that you are safe and want to cuddle with you at all times. She may remain distant, only approaching you on occasion. Just keep in mind that our animal friends all have unique personalities. Fluffy may never be the confident, sociable cat who gleefully hops onto friends’ laps or greets your sister when she visits, but she may develop a strong attachment with you. It may take you some time to start that little motor, but those affectionate purrs and cuddles will be even more valuable when you do.

Visit Our Fort Myers, FL  Animal Clinic

Do you need to bring your pet in for an examination? Have you recently adopted an anxious cat? Contact us, your Fort Myers, FL pet hospital, right away.