5 Top Reasons Your Cat Stresses Out

Whether it's our finances, job, or other problems that cause it, we all get stressed out at one time or another, but did you know that your cat can get stressed out as well? Every animal on the planet (including humans and cats) can get stressed out due to various internal and external factors. If you're cat is stressed and you don't know why, here is a list of some of the most common causes.

#1: Routine Change

Cats love consistency because it means security. When you change your routine, it can stress your cat out. In order to avoid this, try not having such a regimented routine to begin with. Instead of following your normal everyday routine when you get ready for work, change things up a bit so that your cat can never get a handle on what's happening.

#2: Changing Homes

When you move from one home to a new one, it can be quite exciting for you, but your cat get very stressed out with the strange new environment.To avoid this situation, get all your cats things, like their litter box, toys, bed, blanket, and their bowl. Then put it all in a small room. A bathroom or laundry room will do well. Let your cat get used to this area. It will be their safe zone. After this let them gain access to the rest of the house gradually, but leave this safe room open so they can go back in there when they are scared or get overwhelmed.

#3: A New Addition to the Family A new family member whether they be human or animal can stress out your cat. When someone new moves in, let your cat get used to the idea. Don't force them to socialize with the new member. They will move at their own pace. If you push them they will associate that new member with fear and stress, and you don't want to do that.

#4: Get-togethers

As most cat owners can attest, their cats are nowhere to be found during big parties or during the holidays when they have their friends and family at their house. If your cat is stressed out by such occasions, you should provide them with a place that they can hide, such as an extra bedroom or in the basement; just make sure they have access to their food, water, and litter pan, as well as a nice place to sleep.

#5: Staring Out the Window

As most cat owners know, cats love to perch on the windowsill and watch the world go by. However, this can be a stressful activity. Anytime a dog or another cat come onto your property your cat can get territorial, and stressed out. So if your cat is showing some misplaced aggression, this could very well be the reason.

All you really have to remember is that your cat is subject to stress just like you and that their stressors are things that you perceive as harmless. Likewise, your cat probably would perceive your stressors as harmless if they had any concept of the idea. As long as you remain perceptive about your cat's needs, you can keep them stress-free.

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- Kathrynn Kelley