Cat Welfare Week

Is the modern world too stressful for our cats?

 

Are we a responsible nation of cat lovers or are we missing important signs that may mean that our beloved pets are suffering? That’s the question being raised by the charity Cats Protection during national Cat Welfare Week which runs from 23-29 November 2009.

Cat Welfare Week is dedicated to raising awareness of the factors that cause feline stress and reminding owners what actions and traits are simply normal behaviour and which could be an indication of compromised welfare.

While many aspects of feline health and welfare have improved over recent years, some aspects of modern living may be having a detrimental effect on domestic cats. Busy times of year such as Bonfire Night, Christmas or New Year can be particularly stressful for cats and chronic stress (be it emotional or physical in origin) can become a welfare concern that can lead to medical disorders.

Vet and feline behaviourist, Sarah Heath, has worked with cats for over 20 years and has noticed that increasing pressure is being put on our feline friends: “Due to our busy lives, cats are forced to cope with unstable routines, changing scents and strange people coming and going from the domestic space.

“Cats have simply not evolved to deal with this sort of lifestyle and as a result many live in a chronic state of stress. Unfortunately, this not only makes cats unhappy but stress can also aggravate or even cause a range of medical and behavioural problems. Signs of a stressed out cat include over grooming, urine spraying and scratch marking.

 

Cat stress symptoms

 

Signs of stress in cats are not always obvious to humans, a naturally social species. Cats often demonstrate different and subtle behaviours, as perfected by their ancestors, which allowed them to thrive in their wild environments.

“With a little understanding and some simple measures, we can drastically improve both the emotional and physical quality of the lives of our cats and truly enjoy them for the sensitive and independent creatures they are,” says Maggie Roberts, Director of Veterinary Services at Cats Protection.

“If an owner believes their cat could be suffering from feline stress, we advise that they consult their vet. Pheromone-based treatments used appropriately can help to reduce feline anxiety and improve welfare. We hope that Cat Welfare Week will encourage owners to assess the behaviour and needs of their own cats.”

To remind owners of the importance of reducing stress, Cat Welfare Week will be marked by the UK’s Biggest Cat Nap taking place in Hyde Park at 1pm on Monday 23 November.