FIVE THINGS that trouble your cat!

Dr Prachi Kshatriya
Cats have a strong sense of smell and hearing so they can identify any approaching dangers rather quickly. Also, they react weirdly to certain stimuli and get stressed easily
As pet parents you need to be extra cautious; loud noises, change in atmosphere and place, or pungent smells can trouble your cat. Making some changes in your homes if there is a constant irritant disturbing your kitty will prove beneficial. Let us aware of Five Things that can put your cat under stress.
Thunderstorms and firecrackers
Loud noises can scare cats. They might run for cover under a sofa or bed and may tremble as well. If she’s getting frightened confine her to a place where the intensity
of noise is less. Don’t force her to eat or try to entertain her as she may not like it. Also, if you live in thunderstorm prone area, then talk to your vet about prescribed anti-anxiety medications for emergency.
Strong odours
A cat’s sense of smell is 14 times stronger than that of a human. Cats do not like strong odours, especially citrus ones. Avoid spraying fragrances on their bedding, clothes, or in their litter box. If you get pest control or whitewashing done at home, shift your cat to a boarding shelter or a friend’s place for a few days to avoid undue stress.
Cleaning chemicals
Cats are sensitive to aerosols and cleaning agents. Some of the strong chemicals can even cause respiratory tract infections. Avoid the use of strong chemicals to clean litter
boxes. Instead you can use unscented petfriendly cleaners to protect your cat stress and anxiety.
 
Dogs
Dogs top the list for giving cats goosebumps! Cats can get baffled when they notice unknown dogs wandering into their territory. Scents from dogs or other predatory animals can frighten your cat and she may succumb to stress. High stress levels may lead to cats becoming defensive and attacking one another or even humans. Provide them secure environment so that they can live and roam fearlessly.
Change in environment
Cats are easily stressed by even the slightest change in their environment. The addition of a new pet or a new human visitor can be traumatic for some cats, causing them to
hide for prolonged periods of time, altering their eating and elimination schedules, and changing their access to favourite perches within the house. Sometimes, even slight
changes in the house can result in urinary tract problems, increased vomiting, diarrhoea, or loss of appetite. Be sure to monitor your cat whenever there is a change in the house, no matter how small it may seem to you. (Dr Prachi Kshatriya is MVSc Surgery & Radiology at Petcetera Clinic, Pune)