AJs Best Friends Purebred Cat and Small Dog Rescue

The role of stress in human diseases has been a major concern, but are you aware that cats have a lower threshold of stress than humans? Things that would not ordinarily be stressful to humans, can sometimes be deadly to a cat, as well as things that would be physically stressful to cats, such as strong smells, loud noises, and extreme temperature changes. Cats are also extremely sensitive to emotional stress, which can be triggered by such things as the loss of a human or animal companion.

While cats are able to handle normal stress in their daily lives, faced with extreme, multiple, or prolonged stress, their resistance is lowered. This leaves them susceptible to catching various germs or viruses in the air, things that they otherwise would normally be able to fend off.

Stress can also act as a trigger that activates any lurking disease or pathological disorder within the body. In an event where one condition is activated repeatedly by any stressful situation, it is called the cat's "stress target". Almost any illness from Upper Respiratory Infection to Feline Acne can become active if there is sufficient stress to cause a cat's particular "stress target" to take hold and flourish. While we are unable to keep our cats totally free from stress, there are steps we can take to help them through unavoidable stressful situations.

CAUSES OF STRESS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

Adoption � Bringing home a new kitty is such an exciting time for a new owner. But to your new kitty it is yet again another drastic change. New smells, new environments, new �buddies� (human, cat, dog), new bed, new toys, new litter & litter box placement can all contribute to emotional, mental, and physical stress. Your new kitty has undergone tremendous changes in the last few weeks with losing their first home and family, being taken to the pound or shelter, to a foster home, to the vet for spay/neuter/shots, to adoption events, to finally being in another new home. No wonder when all the excitement dies down that some kitties may end up with an upper respiratory infection and runny eyes. A little precaution would be to wipe your kitty�s fur with a warm damp washcloth to help clean off the dirt and germs that your kitty has picked up from all the places she has recently visited. Wash your hands often, wash and sterilize grooming tools if used on other animals, and spend lots of quality time in the first few days petting, brushing and giving massages.

Vet Visits� Make your kitty feel as secure as possible by keeping your kitty in a cat carrier while transporting them. Sweaty paws and excessive shedding are all signs of stress. Try this after you come back from the vet visit. Hold your kitty in your arms like a baby with their ear next to your heart. The rhythmic sound of a beating heart will help to calm them, and within 5-10 minutes they will let out a huge sigh. If you continue to hold them they may let out another huge sigh. What a great way for you and your kitty to bond and for him to learn to trust.

Loud noises - A cat has a very sharp sense of hearing, therefore, ask children and visitors to speak in a normal tone of voice, rather than yelling.

Any surprise - Never sneak up on a sleeping cat. Before touching a cat or giving medication, announce your intentions.

Change in owner's emotional state - Cats are very sensitive to human emotions, and know when their owners are upset, depressed, or worried about something. While you cannot hide your tension from your cat, you can help ease his/her stress by letting the cat know what is troubling you, and that you are glad to have them there to comfort you! In the event that your source of worry is your cat's illness, try to keep positive thoughts in your mind in order to lower the cat's level of stress.

Changes in the cat's environment- When doing such things as painting or re-arranging furniture, confine the cat to a room where no changes are taking place. Ensure as many of the cats favorite things are in that room, such as favorite toys, scratching post, and kitty bed.

Moving from one residence to another - Cats are very inquisitive animals, and while they love nothing more than to play in empty cardboard boxes, the emotional strain that moving causes can be detrimental to your cat's health. In order to make things as stress-free as possible when moving into a new home, confine the cat in a room already furnished with familiar items. A large well-lit walk-in closet, or bathroom, with your clothes already hanging inside will give the cat some comfort since your scent is in the new room. Before placing the cat in the room, make sure that their personal food and water dishes, toys and the litter box are already there. Let the cat get used to that room before introducing them to the rest of their new home. Doing this will also help you get your new home in order all while knowing your kitty is safe and secure.

New visitors to your home - Cats, especially shy ones, should not be thrust at people who have never been to your home before. Instead, they must be given time to approach the person in their own time.

Each and every cat has a different personality. While some kitties will adjust to each other and their new home in a matter of minutes, some others may take over a month to come out from under the bed or feel comfortable enough to jump into your lap. Don�t be hasty, allow them to take their time and sniff out every corner of your home. Once they are assured that no boogeyman lives in there, they will settle in quite nicely and set up a routine.