Fearful Cats: How to Minimise Stress.

For many cats that come into Cats Protection’s care it can be quite an unnerving experience. The majority of cats relinquished come from previous homes, for a wide variety of reasons, but we also take in stray cats, cats that have had minimum human interactions, pregnant cats and new mothers and their kittens. All of which find being in a centre environment stressful in different ways.

Cats are inherently solitary animals (unlike other domesticated pets). Being in an unfamiliar setting; with the scent, sound and sight of other cats and contact with unfamiliar faces can be highly stressful and frightening to some. Add to this that they cannot roam freely outside and ‘escape’ from their surroundings. Unlike humans, cats live in the moment and have no concept of the future. Whereas we know it will only be a matter of time before they leave us to go to their forever homes, for them being in a pen environment is indefinite. 

It is important to take into consideration that some cats will likely feel scared and unsettled in a new home once adopted, for the first few weeks. It is important for us to understand the common signs a cat will exhibit that is experiencing fear and anxiety.

·         Hissing/ Growling

·         Excessive grooming

·         Dilated pupils

·         Staring fixed gaze, reduced blinking, avoidance of eye contact all together

·         Ears turned out to the side, or ears flat

·         Hiding

·         Tail flicking

·         Tense body with an arched back. Fur raised.

·         Walking with a hunched posture, tail and head down

Before

 

It is very important that when a cat is exhibiting any of these behaviours, not to ‘flood’ the cat. Flooding means to expose an animal to a fear eliciting stimuli without the opportunity to escape. Cats like humans can have a flight, fight and freeze reaction when scared.

Ways we can make a fearful cat feel more relaxed and secure:-

1.      All cats need a hiding place. In CP we use a feline fort. At home this could be a box, or an igloo bed.

2.      Cats need the opportunity to get off the ground and get up high. In CP we use a feline fort. You could try cat trees or shelving for your cat.

3.      It is important a cat builds up its own scent, so using two blankets so one can be washed when needed.  A pheromone spray called Feliway. (You can purchase this from CP centres, or online).

4.      Most importantly only approach a fearful cat when necessary to begin with. Think less is more, and aim to limit noise as much as possible. Cats often slow blink as a sign of being relaxed, so you can try to mimic this behaviour.

One of our cat carers recently engaged in what we refer to as ‘Desensitisation’ with two fearful cats at the centre; Teddy and Mickey. Both cats came from separate homes, but lived similar lives prior to arriving. Both cats had been kept indoors and were only pets. Initially, both cats would hide and give warnings upon entering the pen such as growling and hissing. It is important to first let them see you and smell you without you attempting to touch them.

During

 

She did this numerous times, and often placed new toys and food in to associate my presence with a positive experience. Slowly, they both gained confidence and came out to greet her and let her stroke them. They both made huge improvements and now enjoy interaction with us.

 

After