CAT ANXIETY: UNDERSTANDING YOUR STRESSED CAT – CAT ANXIETY EXPLAINED

Cats experience anxiety when they anticipate danger, which then translates into fear. An anxious cat can appear chronically stressed and afraid for no obvious reason, but this doesn’t mean there isn’t a reason. It simply means that it may take some time and investigation to determine the cause.

Potential causes that may result in a stressed cat are wide and varied. Cat anxiety may be caused by pain or illness, exposure to something toxic, or infectious diseases that affect the nervous system. A psychological trigger may be to blame, like a traumatic experience, lack of proper socialization, or a history of abuse or neglect. An aging brain can also cause anxiety, especially in senior cats experiencing memory problems or dementia. Joint pain in older cats can also be a source of anxious behaviors, such as hiding or failing to use the litter box. Other potential causes of cat anxiety can include new or moving furniture, a new pet or baby, or even a new home.