STRESS BUSTING THE FELINE WAY

The pressure of 21st century living is not only causing us humans sleepless nights, but apparently it's rubbing off onto our pets too.

Latest research from Southampton University claims that as many as 80% of cats could be suffering from stress.

So when a relaxing spa break or a spot of yoga isn’t an option, what is the solution? Animal behaviourist Rachel Casey takes cat lover Ann Widdecombe to find out.

Frazzled Felines

Charlie has been suffering from anxiety

Charlie is feeling threatened. As one of six cats, he has been marking his territory by spraying around the home.

Rachel believes he is feeling anxious due to conflict amongst the other cats. She suggests some simple changes that can be made around the home to create a more reassuring atmosphere.

Rachel installs shelves above the stairwell as a place in which to escape to and a ferimone defuser which releases a cat scent to reassure Charlie.

Stressed behaviour manifests itself in a variety of ways. Here’s our Inside Out guide to recognising if your feline is frazzled and the solution to you and your pet's worries.

Spraying

Behaviour

urine around the house to mark their territory

Solution

Aromatherapy - A difuser that releases ferimones around the home can relax your cat

Scratching

Behaviour

both furniture and people

Solution

Executive toys - Ignore bad behaviour, reward good. Provide toys and other fun distractions

Biting

Behaviour

both their fellow felines and human house mates

Solution

Sanctuary - Provide a place of escape, an arrangement of shelves above the stairwell is a great place for a moment's escapism

These cats are relaxing over an evening meal

So if you suspect your cat may be suffering from stress, help is at hand. Whether it's ignoring bad behaviour or installing aromatherapy plug-ins, you and your cat needn't suffer any longer.

Although Ann Widdecombe remains sceptic, Charlie's behaviour is showing a significant improvement. Whilst his spraying has not stopped completely, it has greatly reduced.

Persistence it seems, is the answer.

So if your tabby is tetchy or your moggy is mad, think calm soothing thoughts and and de-stress your cat the Inside Out way.