How to help my cat overcome sudden fear and anxiety of new things?

Question

About a month ago I came downstairs and Piper was visibly upset. I looked down the hall and there was a dryer ball I’d just bought. I picked her up and showed it to her. She freaked out, clawing me. Ever since then she’s been scared of the world. She sat on the top shelf of her closet for 2 days. She still likes to hide there sometimes. She’s scared of clean laundry and any object she doesn’t immediately recognize, sniffing frantically, wide pupils, claws out. It’s like the objects are haunted. Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 3 years old | 12 lbs

Claudia Fioravanti · Accepted Answer

Poor Piper, it must be really hard for her to live in this constant state of anxiety. I would personally suggest to help her settling in her own environment more, by providing lots of resources like places where she can hide if scared, feeding stations and introduce food puzzles, litter trays in quiet areas of the territory that she can access 24/7, and also recommend a pheromone diffuser https://amzn.to/3f74Ozw. There are also some nutritional supplements that helps reducing anxiety. Once she is more settled, try to leave an object out one at time and see if she will investigate it, go closer, sniff and praise her for doing so. This should be done in a gradual positive manner in order not to cause any stress. Hope this helps !

How to help my cat overcome sudden fear and anxiety of new things?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?

Can I use human contact lens solution as eye drops for my mouse?

Why is my new pet biting? Is she stressed or scared in her new home?

My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?

My guinea pig has a growing lump on its neck. Can it heal itself?

How do I safely fix my dog or cat's painful hangnail at home?

Share