Anxiety in cats is a common issue that can significantly impact quality of life. Whether a cat has generalized anxiety or specific triggers, it is important to identify the symptoms and provide proper treatment. By effectively managing your cat’s anxiety, you can help them lead a calmer and happier life. There are a variety of ways to alleviate anxiety in cats, including prescription medications, natural remedies, behavioral training, and more.
Anxiety in cats can be triggered by a variety of factors, often related to changes in their environment or routine. Understanding these triggers is essential for identifying symptoms and treating your cat.
The most common triggers include:
Symptoms of anxiety in cats can vary widely. Oftentimes, you will notice changes in your cat’s behavior or habits. Identifying the symptoms early can help you take a proactive approach to managing their anxiety.
Look for these common symptoms:
Aside from these common symptoms, anxiety in cats can manifest in other ways. These may include pacing or restlessness, destructive behaviors, digestive issues (such as vomiting or diarrhea), compulsive behaviors, crying noises, or increased clinginess.
Some of these behaviors are normal in moderation. For example, occasional hiding, grooming, and meowing are typical cat behaviors that aren’t signs of anxiety. Persistent or extreme forms of these behaviors, on the other hand, should be brought up to your veterinarian.
In some cases, natural remedies can be a gentle and effective way to manage anxiety in cats. Incorporating one or more of these options can help your cat get to a more balanced state.
Some natural remedies include:
In some cases, natural remedies may not be enough. Medication can be prescribed by your veterinarian for more severe cases of anxiety.
For many cats, anxiety can be severe and debilitating, significantly impacting their daily functioning. Medications can balance brain chemicals that regulate mood and behavior, effectively reducing symptoms. Certain medications can be particularly helpful for managing anxiety during specific triggers, such as vet visits, travel, or the introduction of new pets or people. Other medications are effective at long-term anxiety management. All of these medications require a prescription from your veterinarian.
These are used for quick, short-term relief of acute anxiety episodes. To achieve a calming effect on your cat’s nervous system, these prescription medications enhance the effect of a specific neurotransmitter in your cat’s brain. They are usually not recommended for long-term anxiety management due to the risks of side effects and dependency. Common benzodiazepines include diazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam, and clonazepam.
SSRIs are commonly prescribed for long-term anxiety management in cats. By blocking the reabsorption of serotonin in your cat’s brain, SSRIs help increase the levels of this neurotransmitter that can help regulate your cat’s mood, emotions, and anxiety. These medications typically take several weeks to reach full effectiveness, so it’s important to consistently administer the medication over time to see results. Unlike benzodiazepines, these are usually not prescribed for short-term anxiety triggers. SSRIs your veterinarian may prescribe include fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, and citalopram. There are also serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs), such as trazodone, that your veterinarian may explore.
Often used when other treatments aren’t effective, TCAs may be prescribed for long-term anxiety management for cats. TCAs block the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. By increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters, TCAs reduce your cat's anxiety symptoms by regulating mood and emotions. Similar to SSRIs, these prescription medications can take a few weeks to become fully effective. You should always follow the direction of your veterinarians and make sure to provide consistent administration of TCAs for your cat to see the full benefits. Your veterinarian may recommend TCAs such as amitriptyline, clomipramine, or imipramine.
You may be able to reduce your cat’s anxiety from stressful triggers. One approach is positive reinforcement, which involves rewarding your cat’s calm behavior with treats or affection. Another approach is desensitization, where you gradually expose your cat to the source of their anxiety in a controlled manner. You can also try to maintain a consistent daily routine for your cat, which can provide them with a sense of security.
A peaceful environment can significantly reduce your cat's anxiety. Consider making safe spaces in your home—hiding spots or high perches where your cat can retreat and feel safe. This may be especially helpful when introducing new people or pets to your home. Additionally, make sure you play with your cat on a regular basis. These play sessions can help burn off your cat’s nervous energy.
Diet plays a crucial role in your cat's overall health, including their mental well-being. Ensure your cat is eating a balanced diet that is rich in essential nutrients. Specifically, omega-3 fatty acids and specific supplements designed for stress can be beneficial for your cat.
Do you need short- or long-term cat anxiety treatment? Mixlab has you and your cat covered. Once you get a prescription from your veterinarian, we can fill it with customizable compounding and free next-day delivery. Get in touch with our team to get started. Your cat will feel more relaxed in no time!