Create a Stress-Free Home for Your Cat: Complete Well-Being Guide

Recognizing Stress

• Hiding or withdrawing from family
• Over-grooming, bald spots
• Litter box changes (avoidance, accidents)
• Appetite shifts or vomiting unrelated to diet change
• Increased vocalizing, agitation, or aggression

If signs persist, consult your veterinarian to rule out medical causes first.

Environment: Vertical, Hiding & Scent

Vertical Space

Cat trees, window perches, and wall shelves let cats surveil safely.

Cat trees & towers

Safe Retreats

Provide quiet, enclosed resting spots—covered beds, cardboard dens, or a spare room.

Scent & Territory

• Place scratching posts at room entries to “claim” territory.
• Offer multiple posts: vertical sisal and horizontal cardboard.
• Maintain familiar scents; avoid strong cleaners on favorite spots.

Scratching posts

Litter Box Strategy

• 1 box per cat + 1 (e.g., 2 cats → 3 boxes).
• Spread boxes across the home, not all in one room.
• Use low-dust, unscented clumping litter for most cats.
• Scoop daily; full change/clean weekly.

Unscented clumping litters

Routine, Play & Predictability

Feed and play on a schedule. Predictability lowers anxiety and reduces nighttime wake-ups.

• Two daily wand sessions (AM/PM) ending with a snack.
• Calm, dim-light wind-down 30 minutes before bedtime.
• Place food/water away from litter and noisy appliances.

Interactive wands

Multi-Cat Harmony

• Double resources: extra bowls, beds, perches.
• Offer multiple escape routes (don’t trap cats in corners).
• Use slow, scent-swapped introductions for new cats.

Feeding tip: If one cat steals food, feed in separate rooms or use microchip feeders.

Microchip feeders

Calming Aids

• Synthetic pheromone diffusers (plug-ins) near stress points
• Calming treats/supplements—consult your vet for options
• White noise machines in loud households

Pheromone diffusers

Noise, Visitors & Travel

• Provide a sanctuary room during parties or construction.
• Carrier train with treats so travel is less scary.
• Cover carriers with a breathable towel in busy spaces.

Top-load carriers

Weekly Enrichment Plan