HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO GET YOU STARTED ON STRESS REDUCTION:
#1
Have your cat checked by the veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical problem that could be contributing to chronic stress.
#2
Help your cat adjust to being in a carrier by leaving the carrier out as a cozy hideaway and feeding your cat near and eventually inside the carrier.
#3
Choose a veterinary clinic that emphasizes low-stress handling and fear reduction. (see page 58)
#4
Re-examine the litter box set-up to make sure you have enough boxes, they’re in multiple locations, kept clean, and are the right size/type for each cat in the home. The recommendation is to have as many boxes as you have cats plus one extra for good measure. Senior cats or ones who are less mobile will benefit from having litter boxes that are easy to enter and exit so choose lowsided boxes and increase locations for maximum convenience.
#5
Increase the fun factor and build kitty confidence by doing at least two interactive play sessions every day.
Use a fishing-pole type toy and conduct fun play sessions so your cat can enjoy being the Mighty Hunter. Interactive toys allow you to move the toy like prey so the cat can truly enjoy the hunt. Don’t forget to let them go in for “the kill.”
#6
Address ongoing multicat tension in the home by doing necessary behaviour work or even do a total reintroduction if needed. This process involves separating the cats and reintroducing them as if they’ve never met.
#7
Increase environment enrichment by adding elevated areas for climbing/playing, cozy hiding places, scratching surfaces, and solo playtime opportunities so your cat can have fun when alone in the home.
#8
Provide good quality nutrition and make sure the feeding station is secure and quiet. Make sure another cat isn’t bullying at the feeding station and that the food bowl is not in the middle of household traffic. Cats typically prefer quiet, safe areas to enjoy their meals.
#9
Gradually and gently socialize your cat by introducing new things, people and experiences in a way that doesn’t overwhelm. Doing so gently can help a kitten be more comfortable around people and other animals as an adult.
#10
Introduce change in your cat’s life in a gradual and comfortable way since cats don’t like abrupt changes.
#11
In a multi-cat environment, make sure there are enough resources and that they’re spread throughout the home to avoid resource-guarding behaviour.
#12
Incorporate clicker training to help rebuild trust and encourage confidence. For a timid or reluctant cat, clicker training becomes a comfortable language between the two of you that allows the cat to take baby steps of progress and get rewarded.
#13
Do new cat introductions very gradually and give the cats a reason to like each other by offering treats, food or playtime when they are in the presence of each other. It’s all about reducing feelings of being threatened and increasing positive associations.
#14
Pay attention to changes in behaviour, litter box habits, appetite, and appearance.
#15
Provide choice for your cat so she has control over how much interaction she wants and how much personal space she needs.
#16
If you think the stress is due to loneliness, consider the addition of a cat buddy but remember the introduction must be done in a gradual, positive way. Some signs of loneliness may include lack of interest in playtime, changes in eating habits, depression, destructive behaviour, lack of interaction with family or being very clingy. Keep in mind that these could also be signs of a medical issue so always have your cat checked by the veterinarian.
#17
Use consistency and patience when training, and never use punishment. ■