Cat owners know that cats’ sweet personalities and mischievous ways make them wonderful and entertaining companions. But sometimes, their wild side can stem from more than the love of the chase—nervousness or stress can plague our pets, including our feline friends. If you have a scaredy cat that’s prone to restlessness, aggression, or hiding, spending personal time with your kitty, distracting them with toys, or feeding them a CBD treat may help to reduce their nerves.
In this guide, we’ll explore common signs and causes of kitty nervousness and dive into answering the question, “Does CBD oil calm cats?”
Is Your Cat Experiencing Nervousness?
As you observe your cat, you may notice that they experience panting, rapid breathing, a quickened heartbeat, shaking, and even drooling. You may also find that they act less like themselves or behave destructively.
For example, if your cat typically likes to spend its mornings sunbathing near your kitchen window but is now clawing at your carpet or hiding under your bed, they may be triggered by an external source, such as a noisy lawn mower or their canine roommate.
Your cat may also be feeling uneasy if you’ve observed any of the following:
- Litter box problems, such as urinating or defecating outside the box
- Spraying
- Pacing
- Unusual vocalizing
What Causes Unease in Cats?
Oftentimes, the cause of your cat’s stress may be apparent. Many cats often become panicked when they’re loaded into a carrier for a trip to the vet, for example. That said, cats have evolved to hide signs of pain or illness, which can make identifying the cause of your cat’s unease more difficult.
That said, it’s particularly important to identify any unusual behavioral changes, as this may indicate that something is bothering your kitty. Cats are sensitive animals, and they like routine and predictability, and small changes in the household can cause your cat more stress than you realize.
While physical aches or illness, such as age-related cognitive decline, may cause unease, psychological triggers can also play a part. These can often stem from:
- Changes in routine, such as a change in your work schedule
- A recent move into a new home
- New pets or people in the household
- A family member being away for an extended amount of time
- Loud noises from construction, fireworks, or yard work
- A long car ride to unfamiliar territory
Is Your Cat Suffering From Stress or Other Illness?
Sometimes, cats’ unusual behavior can signify another health problem. In the wild, cats cover up signs of illness as a defense mechanism.5 This can make it hard to spot the symptoms of health problems in our pet cats.
If you’ve observed changes in your cat’s behavior, it’s important to rule out any severe conditions that may be causing the issue. It’s time for a visit to the vet if you see any concerning signs such as:
