What is a cat's stress response

A cat's stress response refers to the physiological or psychological non-specific reactions that occur when the cat is stimulated by external environments. For example, some cats may experience a loss of appetite after hearing loud noises, taking baths, changing environments, being scared, or undergoing long-distance transportation. This is a type of stress response in cats. Stress responses can cause certain harm to cats, so in daily life, owners should try to avoid causing stress responses in their cats and avoid changing their environments randomly.

1. Stress response to loud noises

Cats are afraid of loud noises such as thunder, fireworks, and construction noise, which may stimulate them. Each time they are scared, they will hide, which is a manifestation of their stress response. Let the cat hide quietly at this time.

1. Stress response symptoms after bathing

The main symptoms of a cat's stress response after taking a bath include a decrease in appetite, depression, and severe cases may also include coughing, diarrhea, and other symptoms. First, if the cat only shows a mild decrease in mental state, you can observe and avoid stimulating it again. Second, if the cat has symptoms such as coughing, vomiting, and other respiratory or digestive systems, it is generally considered that the stress response is severe and needs to be treated at a pet hospital promptly.

1. Stress response after changing environments

Cats usually experience stress responses when they move to a new environment, and the severity depends on the individual cat. Generally, stress responses in cats may include loss of appetite, poor mental state, fear, and attacking humans. In this case, let the cat calm down quietly by itself, as it will regulate itself eventually. Some cats may experience more severe stress responses, such as vomiting, diarrhea, shock, etc., which require veterinary treatment.

1. Stress response after being scared

A cat who is scared may exhibit symptoms such as loss of spirit, decreased appetite, dilated pupils, fluffed-up fur, hiding, terroristic screams, erect ears, staying alert, curled-up limbs, and being hypersensitive. In severe cases, it may even cause urinary incontinence, jumping around, injuring the owner, and spontaneous bladder inflammation. Therefore, it is recommended to create a quiet, comfortable, and stimulus-free living environment for the cat.

1. Stress response after long-distance transportation

Cats are sensitive animals. If the owner needs to take the cat on a long trip, such as driving or flying, it may cause the cat to experience hypoxia, depression, and poor appetite. Cats with severe reactions may even experience urinary retention, vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms. In addition, the long journey causes physical fatigue and discomfort, reducing the cat's resistance, which may lead to death. It is recommended to give the cat anti-stress medication before embarking on a long trip or use anti-stress sprays to reduce stress.