Here are the latest cat care tips from experts. Vets warn cat owners against showing excessive attention towards their pets. Cats show signs of life-threatening stress as owners spend more time at home due to COVID-19 lockdown.
Cat care tips: Here’s why you should be mindful of how much attention you give your cats
Cats are developing dangerous life-threatening conditions associated with stress. Male cats are experiencing blocked bladders while female cats showed cystitis during the pandemic. Pet parents are damaging their feline’s daily routines and pets find this overbearing. According to cat protection, rescue, and rehoming charity for cats, several cats are struggling to cope with the extra attention.
“Today the vet told me that since COVID-19, they’ve had to treat several cats with depression caused by irritation that their people are at home all day. It’s not funny but… that’s the most Cat thing I’ve ever heard. Dogs do not have the same problem,” tweeted a Twitter user. Joanna Mont’s tweet sparked a discussion on the issue.
According to research conducted at Australia’s James Cook University, the moods of dogs improved during the pandemic as they spent more time with their owners. However, “About 50% of cat owners reported that their cats were behaving in ways that were interpreted as being put out by their owners all the time. Whereas almost 100% of dog owners reported that their dogs were just loving the fact that they were home all the time,” reported Dr. Jessica Olvia, the lead of the study. “Cats are creatures of habit and any change in their routine is unsettling for them,” said Debbie James. James is an experienced veterinary nurse at the Vet’s Klinic in Swindon.
Here’s how you can help
Several vets suggest creating hiding places for your felines. This allows them to mellow their moods and relax. Additionally, they suggest owners keep their cat’s food and water trays in quiet areas.
However, if you aren’t sure whether your cat is depressed and stressed, look for a change in eating habits, if they are lethargic or, hiding. Additionally, speak to your vet about this. After all, we humans are not the only ones having to adapt during the pandemic.