Let's Talk About Stress

Have you ever felt stressed? Did you ever pig out on your favorite treat to help “cope” with the stress? What does your pet do when he or she is stressed? For a lot of pets, their coping mechanism for stress is acting out. For dogs, this may mean destructive behavior, and for cats, it often means inappropriate urination.

Cats who spend time outside may experience a variety of difficulties when suddenly brought indoors. The limited space can lead to frustration and boredom, which can cause destructive or aggressive behavior. Additionally, outdoor cats may become anxious and stressed due to a lack of normal stimuli. They are used to the smells, sounds, and sights of the outdoors, and without those things, cats can feel like their new environment is pretty boring.

A recent survey of 1,000 people found that 45% of them named moving as the number one most stressful life event. It’s undoubtedly one of the most disruptive life changes, affecting every member of the family—including pets. Cats are especially averse to change, meaning they’ll feel extra stress and possibly create complications when moving day arrives.

It’s not always easy to tell when a cat is ill or injured. You might think that you’d be able to tell right away if your feline friend were in pain. Unfortunately, even the most attentive and loving pet parents often don’t know there is a problem until it becomes quite severe.

Do you share your home with a deaf cat? Or have you wondered if, perhaps, your feline friend is hard of hearing? If so, you’ve likely wondered how to give a non-hearing cat the best life possible. Like their hearing counterparts, deaf cats can enjoy happy, enriching lives. And for the most part, they do not need much in terms of specialized care.

As a pet parent, you’ve probably looked at your feline friend countless times and wondered what was going through their head. While your cat, unfortunately, can’t talk to you, that does not mean they are unable to communicate. You just have to learn how to speak their language — and no, we don’t mean trying to translate their meows and purrs into English!

Few things are more exciting than welcoming a new pet into your family. Dogs and cats make excellent companions, and their unconditional love can make a house feel more like home. Make no bones about it, though—pet ownership is a serious commitment. Not every animal is right for every family, so it’s crucial to take your time and find a pet that’s right for you.