The lockdown restrictions during the Coronavirus outbreak has enabled many of us to spend more time with our furry friends at home. Whilst we are sure that your pets have been a welcome distraction during this uncertain and challenging period, all of this extra time that you are spending with them can lead to difficulties for your pet.

This may be anxiety when you return to ‘normality’ and go back to work, but for some pets, having more people in the house for longer or a change of circumstances, such as moving furniture and DIY, can also be stressful. This is especially common for cats, and stress in either of these situations can increase the potential for specific conditions and behaviours.

Since lockdown, we have seen an increase in certain conditions. Here are some things to consider and look out for in your cat during this period of change in your household.

Feline Urinary Tract Disorder

One of the most common conditions that arise in stressed cats is ‘Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disorder’, which results in cystitis. Bacterial cystitis is very rare in cats and rarely diagnosed in cats younger than 8 years old. When cats are stressed proteins are released which progressively damage the bladder lining resulting in cystitis.

A variety of factors can increase the risk of cystitis developing, for example, excessive weight and reduced water intake. We also tend to see this condition in cats that are fed on a dried diet. It’s also very important to note that tom cats, especially neutered ones, can progress to a urinary obstruction (inability to urinate) due to the fact that they have a narrow urethra (where the urine comes out of).

As an owner, you may notice that your cat seems uncomfortable when using the litter tray. They could be straining to pass urine and will often only pass small amounts of urine and be going more frequently. You may also notice them licking their genitals a lot. Occasionally, they may pass blood tinged urine. Some cats also start to urinate in inappropriate places, for example, in the bath.

This is an uncomfortable condition and in some cases, it can develop into a life threatening blockage - especially in tom cats. The blood and debris can accumulate in the narrow urethra resulting in a blockage. This can result in major electrolyte disturbances and is a medical emergency. Without treatment they will die.

When a cat is blocked and is presented to us, they will be admitted for treatment, which can include bloods, general anaesthesia, and placement of a urinary catheter to relieve the obstruction. Treatment in most cases is providing anti-inflammatory pain relief and managing the stress factors. In some chronic cases specific diets are needed.

Prevention of Feline Urinary Tracts Disease

Cats like their own space so make sure there are plenty of litter trays (one extra per number of cats), as well as water bowls and hiding spaces with comfy beds. Keep litter trays out of thoroughfare (i.e. keep them in quiet places, as cats like their privacy).

Increasing their water intake, especially if they are fed a dried food, is essential. This can be done by feeding a wet food, offering water in different bowls, cups and even buying a water fountain.

Maintain an appropriate weight for your pet and assess their environment. For example, make sure there is plenty of stimulation, such as toys. If possible, try and have multiple people in the house to help care for them. Different people feeding them and playing with them reduces their dependence on one individual.

It is sometimes impossible to remove the cause and we can only manage them. A simple and sometimes effective way to help manage them is using pheromone diffusers. There are a number of options, so please ask us about them.

Other Signs of Stress

Another sign that you may notice if your cat is stressed, is over-grooming. Your pet will excessively groom, often targeting their hind limbs and groin region. In many cases they strip the hair out resulting in some skin inflammation, and this can develop further into skin infections.

This can be a very frustrating condition to treat and factors such as fleas need to be excluded. Using the pheromone sprays, as mentioned above, can help to reduce the stressors, alongside maintaining a consistency in their routine. In certain cases, medication is required to reduce the over grooming.

None of us like to think of our pet’s suffering with stress, but it is an important condition to consider during lockdown, as well as when we return to our normal busy working lives. If this article has raised any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the team on 01665 252250.