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Matricalm for Cats

Natural Help for Stress Reduction, Anxiety Relief, Behavioral Problems, and Aggression in Cats

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Cat Anxiety: Signs and How You Can Help Your Kitty

Vet Talks 3 min read
Human hands gently holding a light grey cat's head in their hands. How you can help your kitty with cat anxiety

Much like us humans, our pets can experience anxiety and stress as well! Felines are very intuitive and sensitive beings, and due to this can indeed experience anxiety, stress, and depression. Cat anxiety may be fear-based, due to pain/discomfort, triggered by a recent environmental/life change, and much more. Each pet can experience anxiety due to different triggers and each little one may have their own unique output associated with this anxiety. Not every kitty will be the same when it comes to anxiety! 

What are the Common Signs of Cat Anxiety?

Again, each cat will display different signs of anxiety. But some of the common signs of anxiety are as follows:

  • Unusual behavioral outputs (not common, and at times seem to come out of the blue)
  • Ears pinned back
  • Panting
  • “Halloween Cat” body language
  • Tense body language
  • Dilated pupils
  • Over-grooming
  • Hissing/growling
  • Swiping/scratching
  • Biting
  • Inappropriate urination and/or BMs
  • Hiding
  • Swishing/twitching tail 

What Causes Cat Anxiety?

We first want to rule out any underlying health concerns which may be the root of the anxiety.

Anxiety may have different underlying reasons, and each furbaby will be uniquely different. We would first recommend having a local vet rule out any health concerns. Since our furbabies cannot verbally tell us if they are not feeling well, we first want to rule out any underlying health concerns, which may be the root of the anxiety. If our little one is not feeling well, it may cause them to be anxious.

With all underlying health concerns ruled out, it’s best to look further into the root of the anxiety. Some felines are very sensitive to any change and may experience anxiety due to such a change. For example, something as minute as a change in litter brand may cause anxiety in a little one. Or a drastic change such as a big move and/or new furniture! 

Much like us humans, our little ones may have fear-based triggers. For example, if your furbaby had a scary encounter with another feline, in the past, they may have fear-based anxiety associated with feline interactions. So if this fear-based trigger presents itself your little one may have outputs of anxiety.

Can Cats Pick Up on Their Humans’ Depression or Anxiety?

Yes, studies have shown that pets are very much attuned to their human family members! So if we are feeling anxious or depressed, they can sense this. Some cats can also pick up on the emotions of humans they don’t know. For example, if you take your little one to the vet and another person at the clinic is experiencing anxiety and/or depression, your furbaby can pick up on this.

Should Pet Parents Seek Their Vet for Diagnosis and Treatment for Anxiety?

We recommend addressing anxiety in your little one with your local vet. First, they will rule in or out any underlying health concerns. With health conditions ruled out, the next step is to investigate the root of the matter further. It is important to address your pet’s anxiety as both mental and physical health is important for our little ones’ well-being.

Seek a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment for cat anxiety

Can Anxiety in Cats Lead to Other Health Issues?

Yes, for example, if an anxious furbaby displays urinary issues when stressed this can lead to kidney, bladder, and/or urinary tract health. Both humans and pets may experience cardiovascular issues, such as high blood pressure with anxiety. Essentially, if left untreated, anxiety and depression in furbabies can lead to future health concerns.

What are Ways That Pet Parents can Help Their Kitty Cope With Anxiety?

If the anxiety is due to an underlying medical condition, addressing the medical condition can provide our furbabies with relief regarding their medical/pain-based stress. If the anxiety is due to life/environmental changes, it’s best to make some adjustments to help them feel more comfortable. For example, if the litter brand was recently changed, going back to the previous litter brand may help. 

A pet parent may also wish to utilize additional aids. Things like training, calming pheromone sprays/outlets (found at your local vet or pet store), and all-natural supplements. NHV’s Matricalm is an all-natural supplement, which may aid in reducing the stress and anxiety your little one is facing. This supplement works best alongside your vet’s treatment plan (whether this is medications, training tips, or a combination of both).

What Supplements do You Recommend for Cats With Anxiety?

We recommend our Matricalm supplement as an additional aid for addressing stress and anxiety in a kitty. Extracts such as chamomile and lemon balm have historically been shown to naturally help reduce stress and anxiety. Passionflower, valerian, and hops extracts contain properties that promote relaxation. For best results, we recommend utilizing our Matricalm supplement alongside your vet’s treatment plan which may include training techniques and/or veterinary medications. 

If your little one is experiencing anxiety or stress due to a specific medical condition, please reach out to our Pet Experts by clicking on the button below, and they will be more than happy to help guide you on additional tips.

Vet Assistant Setti

Vet Assistant Setti

Setti completed her Bachelor’s degree in General Sciences with a double major in biology and anthropology from Simon Fraser University in 2017. After struggling with her own dog’s misdiagnosis, Setti found her passion for helping animals and pet parents. She completed the pre-veterinary medicine program at Dalhousie University in Truro, Nova Scotia, in 2018. Setti worked as a Vet Assistant in veterinary clinics for three and a half years before joining the NHV Pet Expert team.

Published: May 11, 2022

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