It’s Pet Anxiety Month

Here are some signs of frustration (a cat may feel this emotion when they cannot move away from something, feel their space is being invaded, or they cannot access something. Frustration can occur if doors are shut or if feeding regimes change - a timed feeder can help if you are late home from work:

• Rotation of ears (like a pixie ear)

• Thumping of the tail

• Tail swishing from side to side

• Meowing a lot

• Biting - they can do this from frustration

• Licking the shoulder blade

Other signs of fear and anxiety can include (fear is a normal emotion but helpful to be aware of incase a visitor in your home is interacting with them and it's not needed)

• Pupil dilation - large saucer eyes

• Paw pads directly on the floor

• Flat ears

• Crouched body language

• Hyper-vigilance and easily being startled

• Head up off the floor rather than resting on it

• Hissing and growling

Celia Haddon has some great body language videos.

I also love this cat body language book.

This is a good app for cats who could be in pain.

Remember you can come to my behaviour surgery on 9/3 if you would like more tailored advice).