Cats are sensitive creatures who don't handle change well. Here's how to respond when your kitty gets the jitters.

We're all under stress - and all well aware of it. But sometimes we forget that our pets can get stressed out, too, and that there can be a direct relationship between the stress in our lives and the stress on our animal companions. When work or other issues have you stewing or sleepless, your cat may pick up on your anxiety and accept it as her own.

Although occasional mild stress is inevitable and seldom has serious consequences, excessive or prolonged stress can produce the same effects in your cat as it does in you, triggering internal defense mechanisms and raising heart rate (that fight-or-flight response). Over time, your cat's resistance to illness may lessen and she might get sick.

Fretting Felines

How your cat reacts to stress depends on her personality. The number one sign of stress is eliminating in inappropriate areas, so if your cat hasn't been using her litter box consistently, she may be asking for help in calming down.

If your cat is an introvert, she may take her stress out on herself, chewing, biting, or licking herself until her skin is raw. Or she may stop eating, vomit often, or get diarrhea. A more outgoing cat may scratch, bite, or chew on drapes, furniture, and other household items - or even on you.

Your first step should be a visit to your veterinarian to check for physical ailments. If the vet finds no medical problem to explain your cat's behavior, then it's time to do what you can to lower the stress level at home - both your cat's and yours. Find out what measures your vet recommends.

One change that should help is to spend more time with your cat. Boredom and separation anxiety are the two most commonly cited sources of cat stress. Your cat may need reassurance, mental stimulation or both. You'll be able to tell: Does she leap into your lap the second you sit down or does she go nuts when you bring out the fishing pole cat toy?

If your life is so hectic that finding extra time for her is tough, consider hiring a pet-sitter or a neighbor's responsible child to come over for regular play or cuddling sessions.

Never physically punish your cat, no matter if she's peeing in the wrong place or chewing your curtains. This response would only teach her to fear you or to limit the behavior to times when you aren't around.

Of course, the best solution is to eliminate the source of your cat's stress. But when the source is, say, a new baby or a new home, you have to try other measures.

The Role of Routine

Knowing what to expect is crucial to the security of cats, especially in times of stress. So make your cat's environment as stable as possible. Stress is cumulative, so even something as minor as changing the location of her food dish can make a difference.

Although your cat doesn't need a regimented schedule, she does need to feel confident that each day will bring food, water, a tidy litter box and some time with you. Establishing regular playtimes, two or three a day of 15 to 20 minutes each, gives her a routine that burns off energy and strengthens her bond with you, both of which help her thrive. (You may soon see your own stress level decline and find yourself looking forward to playtimes as much as your cat does.)

Causes of Stress

Situations that commonly cause stress in cats include:

• Transport or traveling
• A new home or new owner
• A new family member or visitor
• Cat shows
• A new pet, including a kitten
• Environmental changes
• New food
• Boredom
• Owner's absence

Whenever one of these situations arises, be prepared to give your cat lots of extra time and affection to assure her that she is still an important member of the household. Temporarily restricting her to one quiet room might keep her from being overwhelmed by new sensations. Place her favorite blankets and toys (along with her litter box) in the room with her.

If the cause of your cat's stress is a new pet, introduce the newcomer to her gradually, first allowing her just to learn his scent (keep them in separate areas), then moving on to visual contact and lastly nose-to-nose. Keep their food dishes far apart, and if the new pet is a cat, provide separate litter boxes and keep them clean.

Whether to Medicate

Medication is always the last resort. But if your cat is endangering her health or turning your household upside down, your veterinarian may recommend small doses of tranquilizers or hormones. This should be a short-term measure that's part of a multi-faceted plan to get your cat back to normal. You'll want to gradually wean her off the drug as you help her grow accustomed to the change that unsettled her.

In general, cat owners will do well just to be aware that cats tend to absorb their humans' anxiety and respond strongly to changes. Keep an eye out for situations that might rock your cat emotionally. Meanwhile, follow your usual plan for keeping her healthy, physically active, and mentally stimulated. You'll be able to relieve most stress before it creates a problem.