Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Stress and Chronic Disease

Chronic psychological stress in cats is linked to a range of physical diseases including feline idiopathic cystitis, IBD, and upper respiratory tract infections.

Key Facts

Stress activates the HPA axis and suppresses immune function in cats
Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) has a strong stress component
Multi-cat households and environmental change are major stressors
Environmental enrichment and routine reduce chronic stress
Pheromone diffusers and environmental modification can help stressed cats

Welfare Considerations

Chronic stress significantly reduces feline quality of life and increases disease susceptibility. Identifying and addressing stressors is fundamental to comprehensive cat care.

What You Can Do

Identify and reduce sources of stress in your cat's environment
Provide hiding places, vertical space, and routine
Consider pheromone diffusers for anxious cats
Seek veterinary advice if your cat shows signs of stress-related illness