Is your cat anxious or stressed? Besides the obvious hiding under the bed and hissing, a cat's behavior is much harder to read than that of dogs. Cats seem so independent that we mistakenly think they can be ignored and they'll be just fine. Know what is normal for your cat and watch out for changes in his daily activities that may signal a problem.

• Hiding
• Urinating outside the litter box
• Spraying urine on furniture or walls
• Scratching furniture
• Howling
• Pacing
• Excessive grooming
• Aggression

Cats are creatures of habit. A simple upset in their daily routine can cause anxiety. Did you recently move the litter box, or change brands of kitty litter? Have you switched from sand-like litter to paper or crystals or something else that feels different to his feet? Have you moved, added a new pet, or has a pet or family member left? Is there a new neighborhood cat hanging around outside the window? It doesn't take much to upset a cat!

There may also be a medical reason your cat is acting anxious. He can't tell you he has a bladder infection or a sore spot. His odd behavior may be his only way to communicate with you.

Establish a routine for your kitty. He feels safe if everything is where he expects it and looks and feels the same every day. Cats need exercise, play, and attention from you to be happy, just like dogs do. Provide a safe spot for your cat where he can hide when he is frightened or worried. Kitties like high places, so a cat tree or window shelf is a good solution. A soft bed in a quiet corner helps him feel safe and add a t-shirt with your scent on it for comfort.

Get your cat used to riding in a crate or carrier when he is young. Leave the crate out so he can explore it. You can even feed him in his crate with the door open. Trips to the vet or groomer will be less traumatic if he is prepared.

Introduce new pets or people slowly. Let pets sniff from behind closed doors and get used to each other's scent. The less his routine is disturbed, the better. Consider using herbal remedies, like Rescue Remedy, that you can add to his drinking water to relieve anxiety. Your veterinarian can also provide pheromone-based products like Feliway or other medications that calm a nervous cat and stop anxiety-induced behavior.

Abby sporting her winter coat.
Holly W