Why Reducing Stress Matters
Domestic cats may live in our homes, but their instincts and behaviours are very similar to their wild cousins. This is true when your cat is feeling stressed.
Cats thrive on predictability, familiarity and routine. When exposed to new situations such as visiting the veterinarian, moving homes, or meeting a new pet, cats will often respond with a fight-or-flight instinct. Most will try to hide or escape to cope with the stress. Some may fight, but usually only when they feel trapped with no other options.
By understanding feline behaviour, you can help ensure your cat feels safe and stress-free – critical components to their overall welfare and well-being.
How Stress Affects Cats
Cats that don’t feel safe or in control of their environment can become stressed. Stress can lead to both behavioural and health problems in cats, such as:
- Toileting outside of the litter box
- Over-grooming or excessive scratching
- Withdrawing from people or other pets
- Eating less or overeating
- Developing illness caused or worsened by chronic stress
- Always watch for changes in your cat’s sociability, eating, drinking, grooming or litter box habits. If you notice unusual or concerning behaviour, consult with your trusted veterinarian.
Creating a Stress-Free Environment
It is important to take proactive steps to create an environment where your cat feels safe, secure and relaxed. Below are some simple tips to help your cat feel happy and stress-free.
Provide Adequate Resources
- Offer multiple feeding stations, water bowls, resting spots, perches and litter boxes.
- Place resources in different rooms and locations so cats can access them freely and without conflict from other pets.
- Be sure to consider the placement of these resources as your cat ages. A senior cat may have a harder time accessing resources placed higher up or on different floors than a younger cat.
- Competition over resources is one of the biggest stressors in multi-cat households.
- Rule of thumb for each resource needed: The number of cats in your house + one (e.g., 2 cats = 3 litter boxes).
Manage Feeding and Drinking Areas
- Cats are solitary hunters, so feeding in separate locations, away from other pets, can reduce anxiety associated with feeding competition.
- Place water dishes away from food. Cats naturally prefer drinking separately from where they eat.
- A stressed and dehydrated cat is at risk for developing serious health concerns, so it’s important to monitor their water intake.
- Cats have a naturally low thirst drive and may need extra help to stay hydrated, especially if they only eat dry food.
- Offer your cat water from different kinds of bowls. For example, some cats may prefer drinking from bowls made of stainless steel, ceramic, or even water fountains.
Encourage Social Interaction – On their Terms
- Spend one-on-one time with your cat daily.
- Provide play opportunities that mimic hunting (wand toys, laser pointers, pounce toys).
- Respect your cat’s boundaries. Some may prefer shorter interactions.
Other Tips for Multi-Cat Households
While cats can benefit from socializing with one another, a multi-cat household does present some unique challenges. In addition to the tips already provided, caregivers of multiple cats should also consider the following:
- Introduce any new cats slowly and from a distance, allowing time for everyone to get used to each other.
- Provide vertical spaces (cat trees, shelves, window perches) so cats can avoid each other if needed.
- Ensure hiding places are available (covered beds, boxes, blankets).
- Never force cats to interact. Let them choose how and when to engage with one another.