Is your cat suddenly clingy, hiding, or meowing nonstop? It could be anxiety. From loud noises to being left alone, many things can stress them out. In this blog, we’ll discuss what causes cat anxiety, signs to watch for, and simple ways to treat it, naturally or with help from a vet. Don’t let your cat suffer in silence, start helping them today!
Did you know that up to 30% of cats exhibit anxious behaviors at some point in their lives? Unlike dogs, cats are masters at hiding distress, making it harder for owners to recognize the signs. Common triggers include environmental changes (one of the most common causes), loud noises, separation anxiety (yes, cats get it too!), and even multi-cat household dynamics. Some breeds, like Siamese and Burmese, may be more prone to anxiety due to their highly social and sensitive natures.
In this blog, we’ll break down the root causes of cat anxiety, how to spot subtle symptoms and treatment options!
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What causes anxiety in cats?
Anxiety in cats can be triggered by many things, and understanding these causes can help you better support your feline friend.
Illness or physical discomfort - If your cat isn’t feeling well, they might start showing signs of anxiety. Health issues, whether it’s pain, infections, or age-related changes in the nervous system, can all lead to behavior changes.
Past trauma - Sometimes, anxiety stems from a bad experience. What might seem small to you could be frightening to your cat. It’s their perception that matters. A traumatic moment, even if brief, can leave a lasting impact.
Loud noises - Thunderstorms, fireworks, vacuum cleaners, or nearby construction, these sounds can really stress out a cat. Loud, unpredictable noises often lead to phobia-like anxiety, especially if they can’t find a safe place to hide.
Changes in the home - Cats are creatures of habit, so even simple changes in their routine or environment can make them uneasy. Moving furniture, a trip to the vet, bringing home a new pet, or kids going back to school can all disrupt their sense of security.
Lack of early socialization - Kittens between 7 to 12 weeks old go through an important stage of development (referred to as the 'socialization window'). If they don’t get enough positive experiences with people, sounds, or new surroundings during this time, they might grow up feeling fearful or anxious in unfamiliar situations.
Separation anxiety - Just like dogs, cats can also suffer from separation anxiety. It affects about 10-20% of pets seen by veterinary behaviorists. Cats with this type of anxiety may show distress when they’re alone.
What are the signs of anxiety in cats?
Cats might not always show their stress the way we expect, but if you pay close attention, their body language and behavior can tell you a lot. Listed below are some anxiety in cats symptoms for you to look out for!
- Avoiding eye contact
- Turning their head or body away
- Holding their tail close to the body
- Gentle flicking of the tail
- Pupils slightly or fully dilated
- Excessive vocalization or constant meowing
- Ears turned slightly to the side
- Breathing faster
- Crouching down and leaning away
- Trying to run away or freezing completely
- Fixed, intense staring
- Showing aggression
What helps anxiety in cats naturally?
Helping your cat feel safe and relaxed doesn’t always require medication. In fact, there are plenty of natural ways to ease anxiety and create a peaceful environment your cat can thrive in.
Start by creating a calm space - Cats are creatures of habit and comfort, so a quiet, predictable environment makes a big difference. Try to reduce loud noises like the vacuum or TV, and give them safe spots to retreat to, like cozy beds or even cardboard boxes. Make sure your cat can stay comfortably in your house. Set it up with everything they need, like food, water, a cozy bed, a litter box, a scratching post, and some toys.
Try herbal remedies and calming supplements - Some natural options, like chamomile, valerian root, or even catnip, can have a gentle calming effect. CBD oil made specifically for pets has also shown promise in managing stress, without major side effects. Caution: Some vets are unsure about how safe or effective CBD is for cats because there isn’t enough research yet. It’s best to check with your vet before giving your cat any CBD products.
Make time for interactive play - Toys like feather wands, puzzle feeders, or laser pointers help your cat stay active and mentally stimulated. Regular play sessions also help build trust and comfort between you and your cat, which can go a long way toward easing anxiety.
Use calming music or white noise - Soft classical music, nature sounds, or even specially designed cat music can make your cat feel more at ease. Some studies show that music mimicking purring frequencies can soothe cats, especially during storms or when there’s traffic noise outside.
Pheromone sprays and diffusers can be a big help - Synthetic feline pheromones, like Feliway or Comfort Zone, mimic the calming signals cats release through their facial glands. These come in sprays, diffusers, or even collars, and they’re especially helpful during travel, vet visits, or any big changes at home.
Give them vertical spaces to climb - Cats naturally feel safer when they’re perched up high. Things like cat trees, wall-mounted shelves, or window perches give them a spot to observe their world from a safe distance. It helps them feel more in control, especially if they’re feeling overwhelmed.
Don’t forget to rule out health issues - If your cat seems more anxious than usual, the first step is always a vet visit. Sometimes anxiety is triggered by pain or illness, and that needs to be addressed first. Once your vet confirms everything’s okay physically, they might suggest some added support.
This could include:
- Avoiding Triggers when possible, like loud sounds or unfamiliar visitors.
- Behavior Modification Techniques like desensitization (gradually introducing a trigger in small doses) or counterconditioning (creating a positive association with something scary).
- And if needed, anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants prescribed by your vet can provide relief when natural methods alone aren’t enough.
What is the best anti-anxiety medication for cats?
While there are no FDA-approved anxiety medications made just for cats, vets can still prescribe some human medicines to help. These are often used off-label and are chosen based on your cat’s symptoms and what’s causing their anxiety.
Benzodiazepines - These are commonly used when anxiety is triggered by something specific, like fireworks, thunderstorms, or car rides. Some of the medications in this group include:
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Clorazepate (Tranxene)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Oxazepam (Serax)
Gabapentin - This is another option that helps reduce anxiety caused by certain situations like vet visits, travel, or sudden loud noises. It’s known for its calming effect with minimal sedation in many cases.
Buspirone - This medication is often used for anxious cats that show stressful behaviors like urine marking. It takes a bit longer to work, around 8 weeks, but can be effective for long-term anxiety issues.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) - For more persistent or chronic anxiety, TCAs may be an option. They work by increasing norepinephrine and serotonin, two chemicals that help regulate mood. Common examples prescribed to cats include:
- Clomipramine (Anafranil)
- Amitriptyline
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors- SSRIs also boost serotonin levels and are sometimes used for anxiety in cats. These are generally used for long-term management and include medications like:
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
Your vet will help choose the right medication based on your cat’s behavior and overall health. It may take a little trial and error, but with the right support, your cat can feel calmer and more at ease in their daily life.
Not sure what’s triggering your cat’s anxiety or how to manage it? Book a consultation with Dr.Tail today and get expert advice tailored to your pet’s needs.