Tools for the Approach of Fear, Anxiety, and Stress in the Domestic Feline: An Update

TL;DR

This paper reviews how to manage fear, anxiety, and stress in domestic cats, emphasizing their unique emotional systems and offering practical solutions.

Contribution

The paper provides updated insights and recommendations for understanding and managing feline emotional responses, including cat-friendly environments and pharmacological approaches.

Findings

Fear, anxiety, and stress are common behavioral problems in domestic cats due to their distinct emotional systems.

Creating a 'cat-friendly' environment is recommended to improve human–cat coexistence and reduce stress.

Pharmacological management can help ensure stress-free veterinary visits for cats and their caretakers.

Abstract

Domestic cats are one of the most popular pets worldwide. Despite their growing popularity, there remains a significant gap in understanding their specific needs, leading to frequent challenges in human–cat coexistence and behavioral issues. The distinct emotional systems of cats, compared to other domestic species and humans, complicate the interpretation of feline behavior. Notably, fear, anxiety, and stress are among the most prevalent behavioral problems in cats. This review delves into the core concepts of anxiety, fear, and stress responses in domestic cats, highlighting their unique characteristics and providing recommendations for effective handling. Additionally, it presents some key international recommendations for creating a “cat-friendly” environment, as well as suggestions for pharmacological management to ensure a stress-free visit to the clinic for the cat, its caretaker, and the veterinary team.