ALL things feline were celebrated this week on International Cat Day.

From their cute purrs and soft fur, to their playful ways and amusing antics, cats are one of our oldest and most beloved pets.

To help pet owners thank their furry pals for this lifelong companionship, Lintbells, pet supplement manufacturers, have put together some tips on how to ensure cats are living a calm, happy and healthy life.

Encountering other cats, new and unfamiliar situations and even the busier summer holiday season can all lead to triggers that can stress your feline friend.

Lintbells is encouraging owners to take a ‘P.E.E.P’ at their pets:

Posture - are they hunched, tense or cowering?

Eyes – are they wide, strained or pupils dilated?

Ears – are they flattened or pinned back?

Position - are they turning away, hiding or fleeing/freezing?

If you spot any of these signs in your cat, there is a high chance they are feeling stressed and it could be down to several reasons.

Disagreements over territory can be a major cause of stress to cats and can end in serious injury. Problems arise if a more assertive cat extends their territory into yours - this can cause stress, fights or even lead to your cat becoming too scared to go outside. Stress can also affect indoor cats, particularly multi cat households, when they are forced to share resources. For homes with more than one feline, ensure there are plenty of feeding areas, water bowls, litter trays, beds, toys, scratching posts, high places and private places to hide so they don’t have to share.

There are several ways to reduce the number of unwanted felines around your home: use deterrents such as high fences where possible or invest in a chip/collar activated cat flap to avoid any unwanted visitors.

There are several new and different situations that can cause your cat to feel stressed or anxious. These can range from moving house, an extra busy household during a party, for example, or the addition of a new pet or baby.

Ease your cat into changes by introducing them slowly and make sure they have lots of familiar scents and sights around them such as toys, beds, litter boxes etc.

Just as a visit to the doctors can put us on edge, veterinary visits can cause anxiety in our pets. However, it is vitally important that cats are taken to the vets regularly, so if you spot any signs they are feeling nervous, ensure they have a familiar blanket and cushion in their carrier to make them feel at home. It may also be helpful to leave the carrier/crate out in-between vet visits so your cat becomes used it. Keeping it in a quiet place so they can become comfortable inside is also advised.