{"id":35734,"date":"2024-10-17T13:54:34","date_gmt":"2024-10-17T13:54:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/?p=35734"},"modified":"2025-04-21T13:55:55","modified_gmt":"2025-04-21T13:55:55","slug":"5-tips-for-managing-feline-stress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/sponsored\/5-tips-for-managing-feline-stress\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Tips for Managing Feline Stress"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cats are a complex species with a unique set of needs, including environmental, food, and enrichment. If those needs are not met, feline patients can experience varying degrees of anxiety or stress. Feline stress is prevalent, and signs can vary, ranging from increased hiding to urine marking. However, owners do not always recognize these signs as being related to stress. Christopher Pachel, DVM, DACVB, CABC, offers veterinarians 5 tips for managing feline patient stress. To learn more, listen to the VetFolio Podcast discussion between Dr. Pachel and Cassi Fleming, MS, DVM, sponsored by Hill\u2019s, by watching the Vet2Vet video below.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Brought to you by Hill’s \u2022 www.hillsvet.com\/stress<\/a><\/p>\n

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1. Ask clients about their cat\u2019s behavior
\n<\/b><\/span>Cat owners may not know their cat\u2019s stress signals. Asking \u201cIs your cat acting stressed?\u201d assumes they have that knowledge. Instead, veterinarians should ask more specific questions, such as, \u201cDoes your cat seem less comfortable when you interact?\u201d or \u201cIs your cat hiding more?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Communicate effectively with owners
\n<\/b><\/span>Determining your client\u2019s favored communication style and establishing trust means they will more likely follow your recommendations. Some people prefer an open dialogue and collaboration, but others favor detailed directions. Ask your client their preferred method, so you know how best to advise them.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Discuss nutritional products that can help manage feline stress
\n<\/b><\/span>Administering anti-anxiety medications to cats can be challenging, so look for nutritional options. Hill\u2019s Prescription Diet Feline c\/d Multicare Stress and Prescription Diet Feline GI Biome Stress, which contain ingredients such as L-tryptophan, milk protein hydrolysate and omega-3 fatty acids, can help manage feline stress. <\/span><\/p>\n

4. Consider the cat\u2019s other health needs
\n<\/b><\/span>Many stressed cats have other health problems, such as gastrointestinal sensitivity, obesity, or other metabolic conditions, which veterinarians must consider when devising a stress management plan. Fortunately, therapeutic diets with stress-fighting ingredients are available, so veterinarians can customize recommendations for their feline patients.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Recommend food puzzles
\n<\/b><\/span>Cats are predatory animals and hunting for their food provides mental stimulation. Placing food in front of a cat twice a day leaves that box unchecked. Recommend that your clients use food puzzles or hide their cat\u2019s food around the house so mealtime provides more enrichment and stimulation than simply meeting their nutritional needs.<\/span><\/p>\n