Anxiety disorders are common in domestic cats and significantly reduce their quality of life. Understanding the evidence base for anxiety management helps owners provide effective support.
Feline anxiety is frequently underdiagnosed because cats hide signs of stress and their behavioral changes are often misinterpreted as behavioral problems rather than welfare concerns. Chronic anxiety has real physical consequences: increased disease susceptibility, elevated cortisol, and reduced quality of life. Evidence-based management begins with identifying and reducing stressors, then applying behavioral modification techniques, and using pharmacological support when needed. A multimodal approach — combining environmental modification, enrichment, pheromone products, and medication — is most effective for significant anxiety disorders. Early intervention prevents chronic sensitization. Owners should work with veterinary behaviorists rather than attempting to manage severe anxiety alone.