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Why help your cat manage their anxiety

  • Well-being

    Addressing anxiety is crucial for your cat's well-being as it causes distress, panic, and destructive behavior, harming their quality of life

  • Independence

    You can help your cat develop coping mechanisms, reduce their dependence on you, and enable them to lead a more independent life

  • Strengthen your bond

    Helping your cat with anxiety can help foster a sense of trust, and build a stronger relationship between you and your cat

"Managing Your Cat's Anxiety"

How to recognize if your cat is feeling anxious

Common signs that your cat is feeling anxious include: pacing, reduced appetite, excessive meowing when you leave, hyper-vigilance and excessive grooming.

How you can help your cat manage their anxiety

• Talk to your vet. If your cat displays severe signs like excessive grooming, pacing, or changes in weight and appetite, consult the vet to rule out a more severe anxiety disorder. They can also help you decide if anxiety medication, whether herbal or conventional, is necessary.


• Offer a safe space. When you're away, leave your cat in their designated safe space, such as a bathroom or bedroom. Ensure this area is equipped with essentials like food, water, a litter box, a cardboard scratcher, and a cardboard box.


• Create a predictable schedule. Predictability can help reduce and resolve the cause of their anxiety. For instance, instead of feeding your kitten at random times during the day, determine a set schedule and do your best to stick to it. This will help your kitten feel better in their home environment and slowly bring their baseline anxiety down.


• Practice brief departures. Over time, by practicing brief departures and progressing at your kitten’s speed, their tolerance for alone time will increase.


• Be mindful of alone time. Try not to leave your cat alone longer than they can handle.


• Be patient. Your cat’s response is involuntary at this point. You are working to change it, but until the emotional response to your leaving has changed, they may continue to exhibit signs of anxiety.