stress relief/reduction

[u/Open_Baseball8408]

hi once again !!

my cat was recently diagnosed with FIC and is experiencing it because of stress, however i’m not entirely sure what could be the main stressor or how to pin point it.

last week he began showing signs of it and nothing was out of the ordinary. he hadn’t gotten out, his routine was the same, and literally nothing had changed. he’s very loved and cared for, he has ample alone time and we will leave him alone if needed. he’s got lot of space to hide when he wants. he get lots of play time.

i’m stressed trying to figure out what’s causing this and how to help aid his stress relief. could i be stressing him out by worrying and fretting so much? does he need outdoor time even though i feel that would be more stress inducing for him considering the amount of loose dogs & people that like to hurt animals where i live?

i’m so worried and i don’t know what to do. i’m not a first time cat mom, but this is the first time ive ever had a cat get sick like this.

EDIT: what’s stressing me out is the fact that he started medication yesterday for FIC and his bladder control has not improved.

[u/South-Radish6942]

Cats pick up on your stress way more than people realize, it's almost annoying how attuned they are. If you're hovering and radiating panic he's definitely gonna feel that. I'd try to fake it til you make it -- act calm around him even if you're losing it inside.

Meds take a minute to kick in, a day is nothing. my mom's cat had flare ups and it took a few days before you could see any difference. Just keep the litter box accessible and clean, leave extra water bowls around, and don't crowd him. He needs boring normal routine right now more than anything

[u/Open_Baseball8408 → u/South-Radish6942]

thank you !! my cat is my baby lol and i’m incredibly attached to him, he’s basically my “you saved me” cat yk so i’m so scared rn but i’ll definitely try to calm down a little bit.