Never Punish Your CatĪbsolutely avoid punishment for behavior related to fear, phobia, or anxiety, as this will only increase the fear response. This does not “reward” the fearful behavior, contrary to popular belief. When your cat is having a moderate or severe fear response, it is okay to attempt to comfort or soothe your cat. If you see signs of anxiety, follow these tips. What to Do When Your Cat Is Anxious or Scared Trying to escape or completely freezing in place Holding their tail tight against their body Here are some other signs of cat anxiety and fear, from mild to severe: Mild Signs of Cat Anxiety If your cat has anxiety, you may notice pacing or restlessness, hiding, decreased appetite, vocalization, hypervigilance, trembling, salivation, and excessive grooming. This guide will explain common cat anxiety symptoms, what might be causing the anxiety, and treatment options you can try.

That’s why it’s important to take steps to treat your cat’s anxiety as soon as possible.

These anxieties usually get worse, or new concerns may develop when your cat is between 1 and 3 years old. Pet parents often first notice signs of cat anxiety between 5 months and 1 year of age. Many fears, phobias, and anxieties develop as a result of experiences in the first year of a cat’s life. The most obvious behavior changes are increased movement, hiding, destruction, and excessive vocalization. Cat anxiety can cause bodily reactions and changes in your cat’s behavior.Īn anxious cat may have physical reactions such as increased heart and respiratory rates, panting, trembling, and salivation. So even though your cat is not actually in danger, they are anticipating it. Anxiety is the anticipation of a danger or threat.

Signs of head trauma in cats