Cat Stress Response Symptoms

The main symptoms of cat stress response are: mental depression, loss of appetite, complete loss of appetite, rapid breathing, accelerated heartbeat, stiffness and trembling of the four limbs, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal excitement or high tension, convulsions, and liking to hide in dark places. Since severe cat stress response can lead to disease, common diseases include feline infectious peritonitis, constipation, and urethral obstruction. Therefore, it is recommended not to take cats to unfamiliar places and reduce the chances of strangers approaching cats.

The symptoms of cat stress response vary depending on the stage. The common stages of cat stress response include alertness, resistance, and exhaustion.

Alertness Stage

Through a series of neurophysiological changes, the body emergency mobilizes internal resources and enters a state of preparedness. This stage can be divided into the shock stage and anti-shock stage. During the shock stage, symptoms such as decreased blood pressure, increased vascular permeability, decreased blood concentration, and decreased body temperature appear. The manifestations of the anti-shock stage are opposite to those of the shock stage.

Resistance Stage

During the resistance stage, there will be secondary neurophysiological changes. The body fully utilizes internal resources to deal with various emergencies, and some lower urinary tract problems may also occur in cats, especially in male cats. After suffering from lower urinary tract problems, they may experience urethral obstruction and inability to urinate. This situation requires attention and it is best to take the cat to the pet hospital for examination and treatment as soon as possible.

Exhaustion Stage

When the body's hormones and essential trace elements are depleted, certain cells and tissues are destroyed, and post-traumatic stress disorder occurs. This stage occurs only when the stress factor is severe or persistent. If the situation continues to develop, it will lead to the cat's death.

Note: Regardless of the situation, when a cat exhibits stress response, the owner needs to comfort the cat more to help it alleviate the symptoms. If it is severe, take the cat to the hospital for timely treatment.