Is this shocking news: Did you know you can make your cat anxious?
As cat owners, we love them to death, but there are times when our own stress and anxiety can affect them in ways we might not expect.
During my consultation sessions with cat owners, I meet some people who are extremely anxious, second guess their actions, have many personal issues that unknowingly affect their cats. This happens often with cases of cat integration, when unrealistic expectations are put onto the cats and the owners themselves.
Animals are remarkably sensitive to the energy around them, and if you're feeling anxious, stressed or overwhelmed, your cat is likely to pick up on those emotions. This can sometimes lead to behavioral issues, heightened anxiety in your cat and an overall tense environment.
An anxious owner makes an anxious pet.
The Connection Between Your Energy and Your Cat’s Behavior
Cats are intuitive creatures that rely heavily on non-verbal cues to understand their surroundings. They are masters at reading body language, facial expressions, and even subtle shifts in energy. When you're feeling anxious or upset, your cat may mirror that stress, leading to behaviors such as hiding, aggression or even health issues like digestive problems or cystitis.
Have you ever gotten a tummy ache or felt nauseous when you were extremely tense or nervous?
A calm and relaxed human, on the other hand, promotes a calm and balanced cat.
Cats thrive in environments where they feel safe, so maintaining positive energy is key to creating that sense of safety for your feline companion.
How Anxiety Can Manifest in Cats and Owners Alike
It’s easy to overlook the connection between your emotional state and your cat’s behavior. You might think, this is bull!
But if you’re experiencing anxiety, you might notice similar signs in your cat. Some common ways that anxiety manifests in both humans and cats include:
Avoidance:
Just as humans might withdraw socially when anxious, cats might start hiding more or avoiding interaction.
Restlessness or hyperactivity:
Anxiety can cause humans to feel jittery, and cats may start pacing, vocalizing excessively, or seem unable to settle.
Changes in eating or grooming habits:
Stress and anxiety can affect appetite and personal care, in both humans and cats. A stressed cat might over-groom or stop grooming altogether.
Recognizing these signs in both yourself and your cat is the first step to addressing the root cause—anxiety.
Creating a Peaceful Environment for You and Your Cat
In addition to managing your own anxiety, it’s important to create a peaceful environment that helps your cat feel safe and relaxed.
Consistent Routine:
Cats feel secure when they know what to expect. Establishing a consistent feeding, playtime, and bedtime routine can help reduce anxiety for both of you.
Calming Products:
Consider using pheromone diffusers, sprays or natural aids that mimic the calming scent of natural cat pheromones, helping to ease tension.
Comforting Spaces:
Provide cozy hiding spots and perches for your cat to retreat to when they need some alone time. Cats often feel safest when they can observe their environment from a secure location. The more cats you have, the more resources and spaces you will need to provide.
"ME Time":
Caregiving can be tough, especially if you have multiple pets, other family responsibilities or even sick pets. Personally, I also take time away from my cats. Yes, we love them, but we still need to have a life - travel, meet friends, get out of the house and even watching the TV or scrolling through your phone, undisturbed.
The Role of Routine and Structure in Easing Stress for Both You and Your Cat
A structured routine doesn’t just benefit your cat—it can also reduce your anxiety by bringing a sense of control and predictability to your day.
Design a daily schedule that includes time for feeding, play and bonding. Switching up mundane activities like playing with your cat using different interactive toys or engaging in puzzle games can keep your cat mentally stimulated while allowing you to feel more connected to your cat.
Create a schedule for weekly activities such as grooming, washing the litterboxes so that you and your cat will know what to expect, when to expect. A predictable environment can work wonders for reducing stress levels.
Maintaining positive energy and managing your anxiety as a cat parent is essential for fostering a calm, happy home for your feline companion. By taking care of your own mental health, creating a peaceful environment, and understanding the connection between your emotions and your cat’s behavior, you can ensure that both you and your cat lead more balanced, stress-free lives.
Downloadable Infographics also available on Instagram: @thecatwhisperersg
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