The cat does not have the same day-to-day obligations as its owner. But that doesn't mean they can't be stressed. Anxiety can manifest itself in off-litter soiling and peeing, scratches on furniture, maiming, changes in eating habits (loss or gain of appetite), abnormal aggressiveness or, on the contrary, almost permanent apathy.
The causes of this anxiety can be many: a move, the arrival of a baby or a new pet at home, lack of activity, fear of being separated from their owner... rest assured, there are small ancestral techniques that are easy to put in place to prevent your feline's nervousness:
1. Handmade toys - effective for relaxing a cat?
As a domesticated pet, the cat no longer needs to hunt to feed itself. It is therefore much less active. But this comfort has a price: that of stress. The less they are active, the more bored they get. Well aware of this reality, our ancestors did not hesitate to use their creativity to create the perfect entertainment for their little companions. A ball of paper, a pompom, a cat wand made out of a stick, a string and a cork... and there was joy. They strengthened their bond with their animals while allowing them to let off steam and be stimulated. Why don’t you do the same?
2. Offer your time for more serenity
An anxious cat is a cat who needs to feel surrounded. Pamper them with food adapted to their needs, groom them, play with them to allow them to chase away all their frustrations, cuddle them when they ask for it... you will see, your bond will only become stronger as a result! Live and let live, a grandmother's secret to guarantee the healthiest relationship between you and your pet.
3. A stimulating environment - the key to a calm cat
To relax, a cat needs its natural instincts to be respected: as natural predators, even if they are domesticated and do not leave your house, they must be able to climb, hide, "hunt" to eat, sleep, play, observe. Unlike humans who ration their meals, cats eat a lot of small meals throughout the day. Knowing this, our grandmothers would put several bowls of food and water in different places, at different heights! This way, even if the cat remains well sheltered, they can let off steam while still allowing them to thrive. Consider also using scratching posts!
4. The importance of respecting the cat's needs so as to not stress them out
The cat has its own habits and very specific needs. To ensure their well-being, it is therefore necessary to recognise these. For example, you should never disturb a cat that is resting or eating, and you certainly shouldn't force it to do what it doesn't want to do.
5. A cloth soaked in the scent of a baby or newcomer
The cat is a very intelligent animal that can quickly pick up on changes. How did our grandmothers get their cats used to the new-born baby to come? They made them sniff a piece of clothing worn by the child, or various hygiene products... so that they could soak up the baby's scent! In the case of welcoming a new pet, they used a similar method: they made the cat smell a cloth containing the odour of the new animal. As the cat gradually got used to this new scent, it diminished his/her fear of the unknown.
6. ‘Fleurs de Bach’, THE anti-stress solution
To allow a cat to decompress, you sometimes have to trust... the power of flowers! For many decades, our grandmothers have trusted Rescue, the famous little bottle known as Fleurs de Bach... and not for nothing! This floral elixir works wonders for us as well as for the cat: 4 drops in their water bowl can be enough to relax them!
Attention: stress in cats can be eased. However, it is advisable to take your cat to the veterinarian so that he or she can help you determine the exact causes of this pathology and guide you as best as possible to limit it. Anxiety can cause serious health problems for your pet!
