Watermark: Go Suck An Ice Cube

12 November 2004

Go Suck An Ice Cube

Is your cat stressed out? Perhaps the elections have been particularly difficult for your feline friend? If they have been stressful for you, the ever-helpful fishbucket offers this relief: Depressed Democrats Guide to Recovery.

But back to cats -- Franny Syufy points out:

Anyone who has suffered stress and anxiety knows the debilitating effects it can have on your health. Stress in cats acts much the same way, and not only can it exacerbate existing physical conditions, but it can lead to a number of problems.

Cats International tells us:

When a friendly, extroverted cat suddenly becomes nervous and reactive, it is generally obvious to the owners that the cat is stressed. Stress may not be as easily detected in the shy, introverted cat who may be manifesting stress by sitting in a fixed posture, immobile for long periods of time.*

Another expert says:

American cats are bored. And it’s the source of much of the stress, anxiety and behavior problems that lead to giving up cats . . . But the good news is that cat owners can improve the quality of life for their pets by improving their “environmental enrichment” through toys and increasing space . . .

And Dr.Dog.com [hmmm, possibly a less credible source] says:

Cats view many things as stressful that their owners may not even consider. Reducing your cat's stress often results in a happier healthier and better-adjusted pet.

Fortunately, scientists at Edinburgh’s Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies [I kid you not] have developed a tuna-flavoured ice cube to calm down stressed-out cats.** Unfortunately, this "icy fish cocktail" does not appear to be available just yet to the general public. Perhaps we ought not wait for the big pharmaceutical companies to take this on, and try a little home-made inventiveness.

Spike and Boo want to reassure you that they are not stressed out, and reminded me to tell you that this week's Carnival of the Cats is here; and Friday Ark is up.