My cat is 5 five years old and female. I found her last September behind my shed, a few days from death. She's healthy now, but she is still very anxious. She overgrooms, when she does I try to distract her with a treat, playing, or holding her. However, she her hair has been thinning. I was able to find out from the previous owners (about 2 months after I took her in) that she's always had anxiety and that causes hair loss. They were my neighbors who foster children and have 2 dogs and the wife was expecting. They think that's why she took off and were relieved that she was safe and gave me their blessing to keep her (although I had already brought her to the vet and was in the process of adopting her legally). I don't suspect abuse, but from what I've seen it was a chaotic environment.
She seems happy for the most part. She does have some separation anxiety. Even when we're sleeping. I've never had a cat, or pet before, and I just want her to be happy. , what can I do to help my cat's anxiety and overall well-being? Or just any tips on raising cats.
#1
First of all: How good of you to take care of the cat! 🧡 It seems that she is traumatized and this takes time. Be patient and show her that you are reliable. There are so many memes about cats being unable to learn things or bond with humans. This is not true.
I am no expert, but I grew up with cats and maybe my experience with an anxious cat can help you. I found an abandoned cat in my backyard and took him in (he was with me for almost 10 years and died last June). He didn‘t have any fur on his belly at first because he had a habit of tearing it all out by constantly licking whenever he was stressed.
He couldn‘t stand loud talking and the sound of anyone wearing shoes in the house. He was deeply scared of any kind of plastic container (no idea why), the hoover of course (I think most cats are) and it was terrible for him if I put on a jacket and shoes in his presence. Whenever I left the house I filled his bowl with catfood, but he wouldn‘t touch it until I got back, when he‘d dive into it.
All of this got better or even vanished completely with time and not that much effort. Cats do know if they are loved and that‘s the most important thing!
So what I did with my anxious cat was just that I showed him how much I loved him and that I respected his boundaries. Cuddling as long as he wanted it, no shoes or plastic containers around him at first, and so on. I‘m sure the time will come that you know your cat loves and trusts you. Then you can take small steps. An example: I put on shoes for a very short time, but not as a show in front of him, just somewhere where he could see it from far away, then he‘d get a treat and a cuddle.
There was nothing I could actively do to make my cat stop licking his belly, but he did stop doing so on his own. After a while he also started to eat all the food I left for him when I had to leave the house, so I think he was convinced that I‘d come back.
I‘m sure you don‘t only hold your cat or play with her whenever she overgrooms, but still: Make sure to offer her playtime or cuddles especially if she doesn‘t lick herself, otherwise she could see her overgrooming as a means to get your attention and won‘t give it up.
I wish you and your cat all the best!!!
I am no expert, but I grew up with cats and maybe my experience with an anxious cat can help you. I found an abandoned cat in my backyard and took him in (he was with me for almost 10 years and died last June). He didn‘t have any fur on his belly at first because he had a habit of tearing it all out by constantly licking whenever he was stressed.
He couldn‘t stand loud talking and the sound of anyone wearing shoes in the house. He was deeply scared of any kind of plastic container (no idea why), the hoover of course (I think most cats are) and it was terrible for him if I put on a jacket and shoes in his presence. Whenever I left the house I filled his bowl with catfood, but he wouldn‘t touch it until I got back, when he‘d dive into it.
All of this got better or even vanished completely with time and not that much effort. Cats do know if they are loved and that‘s the most important thing!
So what I did with my anxious cat was just that I showed him how much I loved him and that I respected his boundaries. Cuddling as long as he wanted it, no shoes or plastic containers around him at first, and so on. I‘m sure the time will come that you know your cat loves and trusts you. Then you can take small steps. An example: I put on shoes for a very short time, but not as a show in front of him, just somewhere where he could see it from far away, then he‘d get a treat and a cuddle.
There was nothing I could actively do to make my cat stop licking his belly, but he did stop doing so on his own. After a while he also started to eat all the food I left for him when I had to leave the house, so I think he was convinced that I‘d come back.
I‘m sure you don‘t only hold your cat or play with her whenever she overgrooms, but still: Make sure to offer her playtime or cuddles especially if she doesn‘t lick herself, otherwise she could see her overgrooming as a means to get your attention and won‘t give it up.
I wish you and your cat all the best!!!
1point
#2
No expert but have a rescue who occasionally still gets anxious. Cats love routine and the human sticking to one with them really reduces anxiety. Also trying to follow the general rule of how they like to live which is eat, play, groom, sleep. Also unless they have perches, the floor is their world and they really don't appreciate ever-changing clutter on it. Whenever you can give into what comforts them go for it! Spoiling goes a long way. If they're climber get them a perch. If they're a hider make them a safe haven. And love. Just love love love and respect and they will come around as far as they're meant to. And not to assume but we also had major changes when we switched to a non-allergenic food. 💕
1point