Cats have always held a special place in human hearts. In some parts of the world, they are still esteemed as hunters, known for their prowess in catching mice, snakes, rabbits, and birds.
Meanwhile, in other cultures, particularly in oriental countries, they've been revered for their mystical qualities for centuries. From gracing the courts of royal families to becoming beloved companions in modern Western households, cats have won our affection with their loving and cuddly personalities.
However, it's important not to overlook their predatory instincts, especially active during the nocturnal hours. Despite their perceived strength and resilience, cats are also remarkably sensitive creatures prone to stress.
Do cats have emotions:
Indeed, they do, albeit they are adept at concealing them compared to other species. Cats possess a keen sense of survival, which can manifest in behaviors ranging from selfishness and aloofness to moments of unexpected affection. It often appears as if they act on their own whims.
I like to draw parallels between cats and horses regarding their response to stress, akin to the "Fight or Flight" mechanism. While this mechanism helps them cope with immediate stressful situations, prolonged stress without resolution can lead to a myriad of behavioral and physical disorders later on. Two primary factors influence a cat's emotional state and their ability to cope with stress: genetic/internal factors, and environmental/external factors.
Genetic/internal factors:
A cat's emotional foundation is laid by its mother's life experiences, including whether they were raised indoors or outdoors, how they were handled, and their nutritional intake. Additionally, factors such as the mother's pregnancy, exposure to medical interventions, and drugs can impact their immune defense and stress development.
Environmental/external factors:
Various stimuli like sounds, smells, and sights contribute to a cat's awareness of its surroundings. This heightened awareness enables them to constantly assess risks, whether it's encountering other animals or humans. Interaction with peers, outdoor playtime, and early exposure to their mother all contribute to shaping a cat's ability to handle stress.
The interplay between internal and external factors fortifies their resilience in stressful situations.
Acute stress:
When faced with acute stress, cats exhibit a range of physical and behavioral responses: flattened ears, dilated pupils, retracted whiskers, tucked tails, rapid breathing, hissing, growling, or yowling. In severe cases, involuntary bowel movements or urination may occur, followed by seeking refuge in secluded spots.
Chronic stress:
Persistent exposure to stressors can lead to behavioral changes in cats. In multi-pet households, constant interaction between cats, dogs, and humans plays a significant role. Living with cats in one “pack,” can have unintended consequences. For example, many of our lifestyle choices, such as chaotic environments, characterized by yelling and erratic behavior, can disrupt a cat's sense of security and balance.
Approaching your cat the wrong way, forcing them to cuddle, having a noisy environment, and even a fast pace can create uncertainty, energetic imbalance, and stress in cats. Naturally, these physical intrusions are the last thing people would consider as a main factor of stress for their pets. Additionally, a lack of environmental enrichment, can contribute to boredom and increased stress levels. For example, cats need to have enough hiding spots, litter boxes, and toys, as well as being able to run and climb.
Having a dog in the house can also be stressful. It is important to respect our cats’ need for space, freedom, and alone time. Because cats need more time to rest and sleep, make sure that dogs don’t bother them, and make sure to have places where dogs cannot access them. Also, cats in the same household may not get along, and this goes for the neighbor’s cats, too. These can be very difficult situations, creating unpredictable stressful moments.
Lastly, some owners are very protective and alert for danger so they do not let their cats outside. Keeping cats inside too much takes away their freedom, exercise, and enriching experiences and environments. While pet owners have the best intentions for their feline companions, certain lifestyle choices and habits may inadvertently elevate their stress levels.
Cats thrive in environments that offer freedom, calmness, and adequate stimulation. Cats are by nature different than other pets and are meant to thrive outdoors. And if possible, should be allowed to go outside, cats are meant to thrive outdoors, and can do so safely if trained from a young age.
Although concerns about outdoor dangers like coyotes or wandering may deter owners from allowing their cats outside, providing supervised outdoor time or creating indoor environments that simulate outdoor experiences can promote their well-being. If possible they should be allowed to go outside, and always feeding cats inside and getting them inside before it gets dark, will gain their loyalty and ensure safety.
People receiving a kitten should introduce them to the outdoors in a slow and safe manner, and find a system that respects the cat's needs. People with cats that have already been brought up indoors require more supervision since they could have loss of internal instinct and sharpness to the outside world. If outdoors is not an option, then provide enough places to climb, hide, and sleep, such as scratching posts, toys, and litter boxes to make sure the place does not become boring.
Conclusion
Lastly, it is important to choose wisely the number of pets you want, what breeds and personalities may get along better, and to be patient when building a relationship with your cats. Although it may be difficult to provide this to your cat in today's society, think about the changes you can make for your pet, and keep this in mind when considering buying or getting a new cat.
It's crucial to consider the individual needs of each cat, whether they're accustomed to indoor or outdoor living, and provide appropriate enrichment to mitigate stress. Ultimately, by making mindful choices and understanding our cats' unique needs, we can create a harmonious environment that fosters their physical and emotional health.
NEXT Part # 3: How behavior issues in CATS caused by stress can develop into physical disorders….