Pet Herbal Info Blog

posted by Tess on Jul 27

Most cat owners do not realize that pets face stress like humans. When you bring home a cat you are actually denying her the company of her mother and litter. This can have a great impact on the animal. Post traumatic stress and separation anxiety in dogs and cats can lead to significant abnormal behaviors in pets. Stress and separation anxiety are more prominent in cats that:

* were abandoned
* are reunited after a long separation.
* are exposed too much attention every time the cat owner returns from work.
* have been separated from mothers immediately after birth.
* are exposed to too much noise.
* suffer from physical trauma.

Post traumatic stress disorder in cats and other pets is almost similar to humans. It can be sparked off by any thing that reminds of a traumatic circumstance that they may have experienced. Your cat may show the following signs of stress or anxiety:

* Urinating and defecating at inappropriate places.
* Fearful reaction to cues of trauma.
* Mewing excessively without any evident reason.
* Hiding behind doors or furniture.
* Aggressive behavior.
* Seizure (in severe cases)

Relieving stress in pets requires adept handling. Punishing should not be an option to consider. Punishing your cat is unlikely to cure her of the condition. On the other hand, it is liable to make things worse. Some of the options that you should consider are:

* Fix up a separate but safe place for the cat. Thus can be used for getting away from noise, people and other animals.
* Cats find the owners smell comforting. Leave a piece of clothing that you have recently worn or some favorite toy or food dish in the safe place. This will keep the cat calm in the place.
* Play is a stress reliever for domestic cats. Play with your cat but ensure that you do not push her pace.
* Try to return to the usual routine that you were following, in pre-stress period, as soon as possible.

Abandoned cats that have found a home tend to fear that they will be abandoned again. Cats that have been separated from mothers as soon as they are born do not get enough time to learn socializing with other cats. Trauma of any sort, a long separation, excessive noise or injury has similar affects.

It is easier to handle post trauma stress in younger cats. If trauma happens later in life it might require training your cat in socializing and house training all over again. If your cat still continues to show signs of post trauma stress it will be better to consult a veterinarian for ruling out medical problems.

References:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9344094/

http://answers.go...threadview?id=553889

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