Vacations may be fun for owners, but how do they affect the feline family members?<\/p>\n
Cats don\u2019t usually make good travel companions, preferring the security of home.<\/p>
But even at home cats can find the holidays stressful, whether their owner is away or visitors are staying over.<\/p>\n
Any change in routine can create anxiety for cats, and this can impact behaviour and even make the cat susceptible to health problems.<\/p>
\u201cJust as stress is known to affect our health, it can have the same effect on cats.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile it may not be a direct cause it does make them more likely to develop various ailments such as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD), the number one reason why cats see veterinarians,\u201d said Dr Guy Fyvie, veterinary advisor to Hill’s Pet Nutrition.<\/p>\n
How can you tell if your cat is stressed?<\/p>\n
According to Dr Fyvie, how the cat exhibits stress depends on its personality.<\/p>\n
\u201cWithdrawing or hiding is the most common \u2013 if you haven\u2019t seen your cat around much that\u2019s a definite sign that something could be bothering it.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe cat may spend more time indoors, start pacing back and forth, meow or yowl or lose its appetite.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving \u2018accidents\u2019 or spraying indoors can be stress-related, as is a heightened startle response, being less playful or becoming defensively aggressive – with cats or people.\u201d<\/p>\n
But before you change your holiday plans there are several ways you can help your cat cope better this festive season.<\/p>\n
Is your cat stressed? Take the Kitty Stress-O-Meter test to find out www.hillspromo.co.za\/stressometer.<\/p>\n
For expert advice speak to your vet.<\/p>\n