At a time when most people are confined to their homes due to the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the cats that live with us are directly affected. Spending so much time at home changes the routine of these animals and can be an important source of stress that aggravates or causes previous behavioral disorders.
That’s why, in this Animal Expert article, we’ll explain how to calm a cat during childbirth.
- Cats are animals of customs that.
- In general.
- Are very sensitive to changes in their environment.
- Even those that are imperceptible to us.
- As is inevitable.
- Confinement will change this routine because it increases pet time and interaction between cats and their caregivers.
- Which is not always well tolerated by cats.
- Especially if there are children at home.
- Because they are less respectful of their pets.
- Limits.
- More interactions mean more possibilities for conflict.
In addition, cats accustomed to access to the outside can see reduced this freedom, with consequences on their behavior at home. Another aspect to consider is that confined caregivers tend to be more interested in the cat as a way to keep busy. Therefore, it is normal for the search for interaction with the cat to be increased, to be more manipulated, to be offered food more frequently, to be encouraged to play, etc.
Stress symptoms in cats
Given all these changes, it’s no wonder cats have behavioral changes as a sign of stress. Stress symptoms in cats include:
Therefore, during childbirth, it is important to know how to relax the cat and, of course, consult the veterinarian if, instead of stress, we are faced with a physical problem. Although clinics are closed, veterinarians are essential services and continue to work by phone. They will be able to tell you how to make the consultation, if necessary, with all security guarantees. Below, we explain how to relax a cat paying attention to the five senses.
If you want to relax your cat, you can start by stimulating the sense of touch. To do this, nothing better than a massage, which brings benefits to those who practice it and to those who receive it. Of course, you should only do this when the cat is receptive. Forcing it would be totally counterproductive.
Relaxing cat massages should focus on the areas where you are trying to contact him. If you look, the cat rubs us with:
This will be the sequence to follow during the massage, always starting at an opportune time when both are calm.
To do the massage, you can use your extended fingers and apply a slight pressure with the spikes, always with delicate movements, which can be circular. It is important to know that cats release soothing pheromones through the cheek area, so that in addition to the sense of touch, we stimulate the smell.
In addition to the cheeks, there are two other sensitive spots on the head behind the ears and chin. You can lower your neck, back and tail with your hand outstretched, passing several times. With both hands, this same movement can be repeated on the sides, without descending to the abdomen, because it is an area in which many cats do not allow contact. The duration of the massage should not exceed 5 to 10 minutes, although the cat may interrupt it when deemed necessary.
In this sense, the food comes into play, which should be common, without exaggerating the prices. These should never exceed 10% of your daily caloric intake, but now is the right time, yes, to use your cat’s favorite foods to promote your well-being.
In addition, in food or water, you can add relaxing drops for cats. An example is Bach’s flowers. Although studies attribute it only to a placebo action, as they have no side effects, they can be used to keep cats calm. If you’re interested in how to relax a cat with flower-based remedies, you just need to add a few drops to the drinking water or cat food, although they can also be administered directly, if that doesn’t bother you. A well-known and used floral is called Rescue Remedy, which combines several species of flowers to combat stress.
The sense of smell is very important for cats. We have seen that massage can also stimulate you, since, among the relaxing aromas for cats, we highlight the tranquilizing pheromones that emit in moments of peace. These pheromones are used in various products designed to reassure cats. Thus, they are marketed in both spray and plug-in diffusers, and are already a classic choice for all those interested in the appeasement of cats, although they are not equally effective at all.
A particularly pleasant smell for cats is that of crawler or crawler grass, which can be purchased directly to plant at home or in different types of toys and prices to which it is added.
In this pandemic period, it is necessary to take into account an odor that is becoming common today. It’s bleach, it’s used to disinfect. It should be noted that some cats reject this smell; therefore, to avoid stress, it would be desirable to limit its use or seek a replacement. In contrast, for other cats, the smell of bleach is very attractive and they urinate on the surface where they detect it.
Another novelty of this pandemic state is the frequency with which noisy events occur that can be very stressful for cats. We refer to the applause, applause and performances that take place daily in many countries. If this is the case with your cat, you should provide as soundproof a shelter as possible. For example, a transport box covered with blankets and located in an interior room with curtains and closed windows.
But, if you are interested in how to relax a cat through the sense of hearing, you can resort to relaxing songs for cats. It would be better to try different melodies and observe their reaction. Classical music is often a success, as long as it doesn’t contain many loud or loud sounds, which can irritate the feline ears.
For more information, you can see this other Animal Expert article about cats love music.
Finally, cats love to explore, even more from above. Therefore, it is a good idea to offer them a high place to observe the street and the interior of the house. And don’t forget the environmental enrichment.
All cats, especially if yours was used to going out and can no longer do it now, need an environment to develop their natural behaviors, such as climbing, running, hunting, scratching, etc. So, relaxing a cat involves taking all these needs. account. Enjoy a recreation space, scrapers, protected resting place, water and food, games, caresses, adapted sandbox and, above all, respect, are the keys to a relaxed and happy cat.
Simply put, and in addition to being sure to relax your cat, remember the following guidelines to make containment more bearable for everyone:
If you would like to read articles similar to How to Calm a Cat, we recommend that you visit our Additional Care section.