Like many, you may have browsed pictures of cats that are squished into incredibly small spaces. You would never go into some of those spots, yet cats seem to love it. But not all cats can like tight spaces, can they? You find yourself asking this: can cats be claustrophobic?
Cats can be claustrophobic. Claustrophic cats will appear frantic in enclosed spaces and meow loudly.
Humans can tell us if they are claustrophobic, but cats cannot. It might sound strange that an animal can be claustrophobic, but it can happen to cats! If you want to learn more about what it means if your cat is claustrophobic, keep reading to understand.
How Can You Tell If A Cat Is Claustrophobic
A claustrophobic cat will try everything it can to get out of small spaces.
In most cases, a claustrophobic cat will avoid enclosed spaces that make him uncomfortable. Therefore, you will probably see most of the reactions coming from your cat when you are handling him.
You may notice that your cat is claustrophobic when you need to put him in a cat carrier to take him to the vet or groomers. He may try to get out at all cost!
A claustrophobic cat will also avoid getting in baskets and boxes. He may even avoid going under the bed or couch.
Do Kittens Get Claustrophobic
Kittens could get claustrophobic.
Kittens can get into many situations that make them claustrophobic. If you think about very young kittens, you might picture them piled around each other. The runt will often end up at the bottom of the pile, making them feel very claustrophobic!
A runt that is under a pile of other kittens should always be saved. Not only is the situation claustrophobic, but it could also be deadly for the kitten. It could get smothered by the other kittens by accident.
Do Cats Like Confined Spaces
Some cats like confined spaces.
Of course, all cats are different, but some cats do like confined spaces.
These spaces could be a variety of things, like boxes or beneath a couch. If you have a cat that likes to explore, you may find your cat wedged in any space that he can fit his body into. Even you might be surprised by how cats can squeeze into tiny spaces!
Remember that your cat may not like confined spaces, so do not try to force your cat into any small spaces if he does not seem to like it.
Why Is My Cat Claustrophobic
There is no specific reason why your cat is claustrophobic.
Just like any person, your cat may be claustrophobic without any one specific reason. It could simply be part of your cat’s personality that he is claustrophobic.
Your cat may also be claustrophobic because of a negative experience your cat had in the past. For instance, your cat may have gotten stuck under the bed or inside the couch. If he couldn’t get out, he may start to hate small, confined spaces.
If your cat is claustrophobic, do not force your cat into any situation that would make him uncomfortable.
How Do You Know If Your Cat Has Anxiety
Although cats cannot speak to us, it is often easy to tell if your cat has anxiety based on how he acts.
If you think that you may have a cat with anxiety, pay attention to his behavior and see if you notice any of the following signs:
- Cowering when you are near him
- Hiding often
- Hissing when afraid as a defense mechanism
- Pacing
- Urinating outside of the litter box
Some cats are nervous by nature, but cats with anxiety will show signs that they are uncomfortable in their environment.
How To Help A Cat With Anxiety
A cat with anxiety should live in a calm, stable environment.
Once you learn what triggers your cat’s anxiety, you can begin to remove those stressors from your cat’s life.
You may not be sure precisely what stresses out your cat, which is also acceptable. Make sure that your house or apartment is always as calm as possible. Try not to yell, slam doors, or make other loud, sudden noises.
It is also good to create a stable environment. In that environment, your cat will know what to expect from you and the house. It will remove any triggering stresses for your cat.
Things To Consider
Let’s say that you have diagnosed your cat with what you think is claustrophobia. This means that you’ll probably be dealing with a cat that also has some level of anxiety. We spoke briefly about how to help a cat with anxiety, but let’s dive a little deeper than that.
Whether triggered by claustrophobia or something else, a cat with anxiety does not have the best quality of life because he may be scared most of the time.
As we said, there are habits you can start to give your cat a more predictable environment. If that is not enough, what else can you do?
There are medications available that can help your cat calm down.
Pheromone sprays or drops are a standard product that helps cats and other animals become calmer. In addition to being sold as sprays or drops, you can also buy diffusers or collars for your cat. Pheromone products come in various options, which means that you’ll have your choice to decide what will work better for your cat.
It is more controversial than pheromone products, but CBD may also help your cat. Like pheromones, you can find CBD products in the form of treats or drops. Your vet is probably less likely to recommend CBD products for your pet, but you can also do your research on these products.
No matter the product you choose, it is essential to make sure your cat and any other animals you have are living a happy, healthy life.
It is sometimes challenging to avoid anxiety in some pets, but you can alleviate how your pet is feeling.
My name is James, and welcome to FAQCats!
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