As a cat owner, you want nothing more than for your feline friend to live a happy and healthy life. But, did you know that cats, like humans, can suffer from panic attacks?
In this article, we’ll look at what
As a cat owner, you want nothing more than for your feline friend to live a happy and healthy life. But, did you know that cats, like humans, can suffer from panic attacks?
In this article, we’ll look at what cat panic attacks are, how to recognize them, what causes them, and, most importantly, how to prevent and respond to them.
Cat Anxiety and Panic Attacks
While cat anxiety can be ongoing, a panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or distress that can affect a cat’s physical and emotional well-being. It’s a natural reaction to a perceived threat, but it can be overwhelming and lead to more serious health issues if not managed properly, which we talk about more below.
- Increased heart rate
- Dilated pupils
- Aggression or cowering
- Inappropriate urination or defecation
A panic attack is an extreme reaction to overwhelming feelings of anxiety, in both humans and cats. While the reasons for both species experiencing anxiety might be different, many of the symptoms are the same.
For example, when cats feel scared or threatened, they may react by lashing out. Alternatively, the complete opposite reaction could take place and you might find your cat hiding away from the threat in a dark corner of your home.
It’s perfectly normal for cats to experience short bouts of stress in certain situations, such as traveling or on hearing fireworks. However, if the threat is perceived constantly, then your cat may have developed anxiety. This can lead to panic attacks if it is not dealt with swiftly. Older cats with poor eyesight are generally more likely to develop anxiety because a lack of vision can make them feel more vulnerable to attack. Cats that were not socialized properly as kittens are also at higher risk.
What Does a Cat Panic Attack Look Like?
The generally accepted definition of a panic attack is a sudden burst of intense fear that results in severe physical reactions. Even when there is no actual threat present. Essentially, this means that your cat will exhibit physical signs of anxiety or a panic attack, even if there’s nothing for them to be afraid of. For a cat, the cause could be as simple as a stranger entering the home and smelling like another cat.
Cat Panic Attack Symptoms:
Panic attack symptoms in cats can be both physical and behavioral. Here are a few of the most common symptoms:
- Dilated pupils: Your cat’s pupils will appear larger than normal
- Hiding and refusal to come out: Your cat may hide away in fear
- Excessive grooming or vocalization
- Trembling or shaking
- Fast breathing/Hyperventilation: Panting, rapid breathing, or open-mouth breathing (if your cat is panting, read here to learn how to calm them)
- Inappropriate urination or defecation: Soiling or spraying around the house, incontinence, restlessness, which could mean an inability to go
- Unusual destructive or aggressive behavior
- Increased heart rate: If you can get close enough, you may be able to feel your cat’s heartbeat racing
To explain a few of the symptoms in more detail:
Changes In Activity Level
You probably 