Stress

It is normal for most cats to show some degree of ‘stress’ during the acclimatisation stage. It should be acknowledged that the cause of stress (stressor) can vary greatly from one animal to the next. Common ‘stressors’ include the following:

• Auditory (foreign sounds and/or excessive noise – e.g. vacuum cleaner, dryer, washing machine, loud music, loud people).

• Olfactory (foreign scents, familiar scents – e.g. scent of another cat/dog).

• Visual (other animals including cats/dogs or particular people or objects).

• Tactile (vibrations, handling of unsocialised animals).

• Psychological (separation anxiety).

As stress can have a negative impact on a cat’s health (particularly with regards to cat flu) it is important to monitor for any potential signs of stress as early as possible, so that any potential stressors can be identified and minimised.

Some methods for helping to reduce stress include:

• Providing a ‘safe’ hiding place (igloo) or covering the enclosure (crate)

• Providing an elevated surface as cats feel more secure up high

• Keeping the environment quiet

• Talking to and handling the cat/kitten calmly

• Playing soft music

• Offering highly palatable foods (e.g. cooked chicken (no bones), tuna)

• Feliway (feline facial pheromone) - best for olfactory stressors/environmental change

• Calming collar (maternal pheromone) - best for separation anxiety/social status

  insecurities

• Cat Nip (natural herb) – best used for attracting cats to objects (e.g. scratching poles,

  toys). Young kittens (<8 weeks) typically do not respond to catnip.

Keep stress to a minimum

• Best in a quiet area of the house with minimal ‘foot traffic’.

• Free from other pets (cats & dogs) and young children during the initial quarantine period.