Holidays are stressful for cats, while their pet owners are having fun.
Cats don’t usually make good travel companions and prefer the security of home.
But even at home cats can find the holidays stressful, whether their owner is away or visitors are staying over.
Dr Guy Fyvie, Veterinary Advisor to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, says any change in routine can create anxiety for cats.
This change can impact their behaviour and even make the cat susceptible to health problems.
“Just as stress is known to affect our health, it can have the same effect on cats. While it may not be a direct cause it does make them more likely to develop various ailments such as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), the number one reason why cats see veterinarians,” he said.
Fyvie says the cat that exhibits stress depends on its personality.
“Withdrawing or hiding is the most common symptom – if you haven’t seen your cat around much that’s a definite sign that something could be bothering it.
“The cat may also spend more time indoors, start pacing back and forth, meow or yowl or lose its appetite. Having ‘accidents’ or spraying indoors can be stress-related, as is a heightened startle response or being less playful or becoming defensively aggressive – with cats or people,” Fyvie says.
He gives tips on how you can help your cat cope better this festive season:
- ask the pet-sitters to ‘visit’ and play with the cat a few times before you leave, as this will help ease separation anxiety. If you have guests, encourage them to spend time playing with the cat or giving it treats.
- Write down your cat’s routine for your pet-sitter, including feeding times, grooming and play-time. To minimise change will go a long way towards making it feel secure.
- Leave behind plenty of food and cat litter, or instructions for where these should be purchased. It is not a good time for a change in food or litter while you are away from home.
