There is nothing that embodies serenity like a purring cat. It can be harder to tell if your cat is anxious. Anxious cats are more likely to get sick, hurt, or lost. Our team at Firestone Animal Hospital in Downey would like to look at how to tell if your cat is anxious.

Causes of Anxiety in Cats

Anxiety in cats is when a cat is expecting something bad to happen. There may be nothing that seems dangerous nearby. It is thought that the cat is remembering something bad that happened in the past. Something in the present triggers the anxiety that something bad is going to happen again. Going to a veterinarian’s office often triggers anxiety in cats if they had a previous bad experience at the veterinary clinic.

Physical Signs of Cat Anxiety

Anxious cats may show some or all of the following signs:

• Dilated pupils
• Flattened ears
• Raising the hair
• At first, the tail will flick but then wraps tightly around the body as anxiety increases
• Panting, which usually happens with extreme anxiety

Behavioral Signs of Cat Anxiety

Any sudden change in behavior in your cat warrants a trip to see the veterinarian. Cats with anxiety tend to show these signs:

• Frantically trying to leave the immediate area
• Aggression, often with claws first, and then with teeth
• Either staring or avoiding eye contact altogether
• Crouching
• Leaning to one side
• Freezing, or being completely still

Never Give Human Medication to Cats

You may be tempted to give your cat anti-anxiety medication, antidepressants, or other drugs meant for people. Resist this temptation. Human medications are one of the leading causes of poisoning in cats. Your medication could potentially kill your cat.

Treatment for Anxiety in Cats

Talk soothingly and offer a treat. Do not yell or scold. If possible, try not to pick your cat up or place the cat in a carrier. Although most anxiety attacks go away on their own, if your cat seems anxious all of the time, then your cat needs to see a veterinarian.

Contact Our Veterinarian in Downey, CA

If you have questions about pet care or dealing with your cat’s anxiety and live in the Downey area, contact Firestone Animal Hospital to speak with our veterinarian. If you are looking for a “vet near me” or a “veterinarian near me,” Call our team today at (562) 928-1341 to learn more about helping your cat with anxiety.