Fortunately, you have some degree of control over one of the leading causes of anxiety: stress. The way a cat's attitude, socialization as a kitten, and even genetics play a role in how it responds to stress. When it comes to "more nervous" cats (and dogs and humans and other creatures), some are just born with it.
Every element in the cat's surroundings has the potential to exacerbate stress and anxiety.
People, climate, resources, and even living and competing with other cats all contribute to environmental stresses.
Create a cat-friendly atmosphere with plenty of feline supplies that allow cats to express their natural instincts in a healthy way. Knowing what cats do the most might help alleviate some of the tension and worry they would otherwise feel.
A Cat Tree Is Necessary
A cat's favorite hiding spot is a dark, secluded area. Inaccessible areas are also preferred by them since they are the most difficult to access and protect. Anxious cats may hide in low places, whereas confident cats may seek out high perches to relax. Basements, beneath staircases, closets, and mounds of debris are all popular hiding places for these creatures.
You may soothe a nervous cat by providing them with the perfect cat tree since cats spend a lot of time sleeping or relaxing. A diversity of perching spots throughout the home may help prevent fights over ownership among many cats. When a cat wakes up, it is common for them to stretch and scratch, thus installing scratching posts near resting areas might make the feline more comfortable.
Make it a Party with Food
Most of the time they're awake, cats are either hunting or eating. Using food puzzle toys or setting up a "treasure hunt" with little servings scattered throughout the home will help with either issue. Stress and anxiety may be reduced by engaging in activities that simulate hunting behavior. Toys produced from scratch encourage cats to investigate, and changing up the variety of toys they play with keeps them engaged.
Enhance the User Experience in the Litter Box
Squatting to moisten flat surfaces with pee is a common method of urinating in the presence of an anxious cat. Cats typically use their fragrance to mark their territory, warn off intruders, or just feel safer in their own skin since it is their own scent. The bed, near windows or other lookouts (where the cat sees stray cats), or at the entrance are some of the most common places for a cat to defecate (where they hear or smell stray cats).
Litter boxes should be placed in a number of areas around your house rather than concentrated in a single spot. Anxiety is reduced by the one-plus-one rule (one box per cat plus one).
All litter boxes should be kept clean as well. The appropriate removal of waste is discouraged by a filthy box, which might exacerbate whatever anxiety you may already be experiencing.
Assist in the Treatment of Anxiety
Your cat's uneasiness might be alleviated by using scents and natural therapies. The Feliway diffuser or spray bottle is a well-liked option. It is a synthetic feline face pheromone that aids in the reduction of stress caused by territoriality and the surroundings.
Anxious cats may benefit greatly from the use of Rescue Remedy or another of the more specialized Bach Flower Remedies. In many pet shops, there is a model particularly intended for pets.
Do your research before using any pet-specific aromatherapy products. Cats may be poisoned by a variety of essential oils. 2 These things may harm your cat's health, and some of them might be life-threatening.
Issues and Error-Finding Methods
Be patient if your cat doesn't adapt right away to any adjustments you make. Once you've ruled out any health risks, try your best to create a serene and appealing space for your cat. It may be necessary to try a different one of the solutions if the first doesn't appear to be working for your cat.
Change may be a stressful thing for a cat, so keep this in mind. Make just a few adjustments at a time. Make an effort to keep things familiar for your cat in the event of a recent change in your household (such as a new home, a new or deceased family member, or simply a rearrangement of the furniture). Comforting your cat by giving it a favorite toy or an old scratching post might be beneficial.
Keep your house as stress-free as possible while you wait for your cat to arrive. If you don't want to upset the cat, you don't have to walk on eggshells, but they should become acclimated to your "regular" household. Eventually, many frightened cats come to terms with their situation and relax.