How do I deal with a stressed and scared kitten?
Kittens do occasionally get stressed and more so during noisy festivals or if you have too many visitors. After all, they are in a new environment dealing with completely new experiences. Here’s what you should know:
The signs of anxiety
Crouching low on to the ground, with tense body and dilated pupils may be a classic sign of anxiety. She may pant or lick herself more than usual.
Aggression and destructive behaviour
Your kitten is a hunter and will look for stimulation if she doesn’t get enough. A usually docile and affectionate kitten will bite and scratch if she’s bored. This behaviour also means that she thinks her territory is threatened.
Marking territory indoors or soiling indoors
A classic sign of stress, she may do this if there’s a new cat in the house or in case her normal routine changes. The smell left afterwards may encourage her to repeat it in the same spot. Rinse the area with clean water, then use a soapy solution to get rid of the smell. Cleaning products that contain ammonia smell like cat urine so do avoid those. Once everything is clean, she will go back to her regular routine. Give her lots of love and reassurance.
Nervous grooming
Stressed kittens might over-groom themselves by continually licking and chewing one particular area of her coat. This may lead to an uncomfortable skin condition. Consult your vet for advice.
