A vet has shared a sign to look out for in pet cats (stock image) (Image: Getty)
A vet has shared a sign for cat owners to look out for whenever they have visitors over as their pet could be trying to tell them something.
Lots of people all over the world choose to welcome animals into their homes, with pets becoming beloved, vital members of the family. Cats are among the most popular choices of pets but, unlike dogs, their behaviour cues may be trickier to read.
When visitors come over, your cat may choose to “hide” and stay out of sight. This can be part of a cat’s regular routine, or it could be a sign of something more serious – stress.
Cats Protection states: “It’s part of a cat’s normal behaviour to hide, whether this is finding a safe place to sleep, lying in wait to pounce on a toy, or just because they feel safer hidden away.
“If you notice your cat hiding more than usual, however, it could be that they’re feeling stressed or anxious, or are feeling unwell. It’s best to take them to the vet to get checked over and rule out any illnesses.”
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Many owners turn to social media looking for guidance and expert advice, with a wealth of professionals eager to share their expertise.
One such pro is veterinarian Dr Amir Anwary, who has proved to be quite the hit online, amassing hundreds of thousands of likes on TikTok thanks to his regular video uploads where he shares his guidance and recommendations.
Alongside informative videos, he posts lighthearted clips of himself dancing while detailing humorous tales from his experiences with animals and their owners.
In a recent video, the vet shared indicators of stress in cats. He explained: “Does your cat get really stressed when you take them to the vet, or when guests come over? See, the thing is, cats don’t show stress the way dogs do – they hide, they scratch furniture, they over-groom – and most owners don’t realise that’s stress.”
Cats’ tendency to “hide” whether they’re feeling stressed is further backed up by Cats Protection. The leading cat welfare charity advises: “Their behaviour might change slightly, or they might begin to do things that you perceive as ‘being naughty’.
“In fact, the domestic cat can be great at hiding signs of stress or signs that they’re in pain, it’s in their nature. In the wild, this would help them avoid becoming an easy target for predators.”
Dr Anwary offered advice. He went on: “One of the simplest ways to help them is by using a calming pheromone diffuser. These products release synthetic versions of pheromones cats naturally produce when they feel safe.
“All you do is place it in the area where your cat spends the most time in and it slowly releases these calming agents into the environment.”
In the comments section, he added: “You don’t release how stressed out cats actually get, it’s truly shocking! They present to the vet clinic with blood in their urine or licking their fur off, it’s crazy!”
If you’re concerned about your cat’s behaviour, or you’re worried they’re possibly feeling stressed, it’s best to book an appointment with your vet for a personal consultation and tailored treatment plan.
