What are the symptoms of stress response in cats?

The symptoms of stress response in cats generally manifest as lethargy, avoidance, and severe cases may even include vomiting and diarrhea. Cats experience stress reactions due to sudden fright, beating, stimulation from other cats, prolonged separation from owners, car rides, and other situations. Cat owners should avoid these circumstances and maintain a quiet home environment, without intentionally scaring their cats.

Cat Stress Response

A cat's stress response is caused by sudden changes in their environment, which can lead to loss of appetite, increased blood pressure, and accelerated heart rate. Some cats may also exhibit gastrointestinal symptoms, and immunocompromised cats may become sick after a stress response.

Cat Stress Response Symptoms

Alert Phase: The cat undergoes neurophysiological changes to emergency mobilize internal resources, and the body enters a state of preparedness. This phase can be divided into the shock phase and anti-shock phase. In the shock phase, symptoms such as decreased blood pressure, increased vascular permeability, decreased blood concentration, and decreased body temperature may occur. The manifestations of the anti-shock phase are opposite to those of the shock phase.

Resistance Phase: At this time, neurophysiological changes continue to occur, and the cat uses its internal resources to deal with various emergencies. Exhaustion Phase: When the cat's hormones and essential trace elements are depleted, some cells and tissues are destroyed, and post-traumatic stress disorder occurs. This stage occurs only when the stress factor is severe or persistent. Once the defense measures are no longer effective, the condition may progress to death.

Cat Stress Response Treatment

First, the owner must identify the cause of the cat's stress. If it's a new cat recently brought home, you can bring some items it used before, such as toys. These items have its smell, which can help it relax. If the cat's food is suddenly changed, it may also cause stress. The owner should choose food similar to the previous one to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort caused by stress. Sudden changes in shampoo may also lead to stress responses in cats, so the owner needs to find a suitable shampoo or the one they used before.

When you notice that the cat has already exhibited stress responses, do not disturb it and do not give it too much water or food. Let the cat adapt slowly to the situation.