CATS are clever when it comes to hiding any ailments, but there are some signs to spot if your feline is feeling stressed.

The PDSA is urging owners to get their pet checked out by the vet if they are:

  • Going to the toilet in the wrong place, or more often than usual
  • Changing their eating habits – eating more or less than usual
  • Hiding away – especially if a cat has previously been outgoing
  • Sleeping more than usual

If the vet cannot detect an underlying medical condition, there are ways to help a stressed cat become more relaxed.

Make sure you have enough litter trays so there is easy access – the ideal amount is one more than the number of cats in your household, in separate locations.

Give each cat their own food and water bowls, plus one spare.

Make sure that food bowls and litter trays are not kept too close together.

Provide hiding places – cats often prefer to be up high where they feel safe.

For cats that go outdoors, allow them to choose when they come and go. An ideal way to do this is by using a cat flap – even better, one that recognises your moggy’s microchip so it won’t allow other cats into the house.

Try to keep to a daily routine. Cats are creatures of habit. If they know their lives stick to a familiar routine – that they already know is safe – it will greatly help to reduce stress.

Use a pheromone diffuser which can help your pet feel more relaxed. Pheromones are natural scents that are undetectable to humans but can help keep your pet calm.