The dog handler explained the reasons for the disturbing behavior in cats
Anxiety in cats can be associated not only with the peculiarities of the animal's character, but also with the stress of the owners, environmental changes and hidden health problems. Yulia Rozova, a dog handler and organizer of the sputnik.dog project, told Izvestia about this on July 8.
Mechanisms of stress transmission
Alarm transmission occurs through a change in the owner's behavior: sudden movements, a different voice, and tension are read by the animal as a danger signal. The synchronization of states is especially noticeable during long-term stress or depression of the host. In such conditions, the cat, being an environment-dependent creature, begins to experience chronic stress.
"The cat reads not only the smell, but also body signals. For an animal, it looks like a danger signal: a significant person is acting alarmingly, which means there may be a threat nearby," explained Rozova.
Diagnosis of the condition
The specialist identifies several signs that distinguish ordinary fright from clinical anxiety. A normal reaction is considered to be a short-term fear of loud noises or visits to the clinic, which quickly passes. Problems with the nervous system are signaled by an excessive reaction when a pet refuses to eat for several days after stress and does not leave the shelter.
The duration of episodes of fear or aggression, which are repeated for weeks, is the second important marker. Also, the reason for contacting an expert should be the discrepancy between the response to the stimulus, when the cat reacts to a small event as a serious threat.
"It also happens that behavior is not related to anxiety per se, but to pain. For example, an aged cat or an animal of a certain breed may have an orthopedic problem, and then it will be helped not by anti—anxiety drugs, but by diagnosis and anesthesia," said Rozova.
Correction of behavior and environment
To reduce stress levels, a pet needs a predictable environment and consistency in rules. The expert warns against "emotional swings", when the same actions of a cat are either allowed or punished. Instead of a rude ban, for example, on jumping on tables, owners are advised to offer an alternative — high shelves or cat trees.
Proper organization of activity also plays an important role. The dog handler advises to avoid excessive use of laser pointers, which overexcite the animal. Instead of "kilometers to run", an urban cat needs calm intellectual tasks, the opportunity to explore new smells and observe the space from a height.
Pharmacological support, according to the specialist, should be prescribed only by a behavioral medicine doctor after a complete diagnosis. Trying to sedate without changing the environment and behavior of the wearer will not solve the problem, since drugs only reduce the intensity of reactions, but do not eliminate the causes of chronic stress.
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