How does health relate to emotional wellbeing?
Physical health, mental health and emotional wellbeing are inextricably related. Physical problems can lead to poor mental health and emotional wellbeing, and vice versa. Good all-round health is a prerequisite for your cat’s day-to-day happiness and quality of life.
A cat experiencing physical health problems, pain or discomfort will likely have a lowered or depressed mental state and have poorer emotional wellbeing. Similarly, mental, and emotional issues can cause or contribute to physical health issues directly. For example, a stressed cat may experience lower urinary tract or digestive issues.
There are also knock-on effects of poor physical health, pain and discomfort which impact emotional wellbeing indirectly. For example, your cat may be prevented from exercising or expressing their natural behaviours and receiving all the associated positive mental and physical benefits.
In this section
You will learn more about:
- Pain in cats
- Weight Management
- Vaccines and parasite prevention
- Dental care
- Physical Activity
- Impact of Stress
Key terminology
Health
A state of physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing.1
Wellbeing
The state of being comfortable, happy and healthy.2
Mental stimulation
Any activity that activates or enriches the mind. Stimulation may be provided from the environment or internally from thought or learning.3
Obesity
An accumulation of excess body fat, resulting in excess body weight. Cats are classified as overweight when their body weight is 10-20% above ideal and obese if more than 20% above their ideal weight.4
Dental disease
Any disease process that affects the teeth and associated structures. The most common forms of dental disease in cats are periodontal disease (infection and associated inflammation of the tissue surrounding the tooth), and tooth resorption (progressive destruction of the crown or root resulting in holes in the affected teeth).5
Body condition score
A method of evaluating body composition based on a visual and feel-based assessment of the cat’s body and overall body fat.6
Regular health checks and spotting problems early
With the help of your veterinarian and advances in technology, many diseases, cat health problems, and conditions can be prevented or managed more effectively with appropriate prophylactic treatments (e.g., vaccinations, flea and worming medications) or if detected early. This is why a veterinary health check every six months is recommended. Taking an active interest in your cat’s health, enjoying regular, meaningful interactions, and having a strong bond with them, also means you’ll be much more likely to spot any changes quickly and be more in tune with your cat’s emotional needs. To find out more about the importance of preventative healthcare, follow this link.
Cats are masters of disguising pain
This ‘ability’ was important for their survival in the wild, but it can make recognising signs of pain and disease difficult. Changes in behaviour are often the first signs of a problem, so knowing what is normal and healthy for your cat is critical. You might simply notice that your cat is ‘just not themselves’.
Changes in behaviour that may indicate your cat is in pain or discomfort:7
01
Change in mood, including aggressive behaviour.
02
Increase or decrease in activity or energy level (less outgoing and social, hiding or sleeping more, hyperactivity.
03
Changes to their normal routine.
04
Changes in facial expression8 and body language such as a dropped head or hunched posture.
05
Changes in sleeping patterns.
06
Lethargy or apparent depression.
07
Increased sensitivity to touch.
08
Over- or under-grooming.
09
Increased or decreased appetite or thirst.
10
Changes in eating patterns behaviour during meal times.
011
Clumsiness or difficulty walking or jumping.
012
Appearing confused and disorientated.
013
Destructiveness (often excessive scent marking).
014
Excessive vocalisation.
015
Toileting inside the house or outside the litter box.
Interpreting behavioural change
This can be tricky to interpret behavioural changes as they can be subtle and there can be many overlapping causes. For example, it’s common for older cats who’ve always slept well during the night to begin having nocturnal disturbances as they grow older. They may have trouble falling asleep, or they may wake up periodically during the night. This can be caused by pain or a specific medical condition such as cognitive dysfunction syndrome (a disease that is similar to Alzheimer’s in people). Similarly, there are neurological and orthopaedic causes of discomfort, such as arthritis, that can cause difficulty climbing stairs, onto furniture or in and out of the litter box.9
Therefore, if you notice youre cat's behaviour has changed you should always raise concerns and schedule an appointment with your veterina...
This can be tricky to interpret behavioural changes as they can be subtle and there can be many overlapping causes. For example, it’s common for older cats who’ve always slept well during the night to begin having nocturnal disturbances as they grow older. They may have trouble falling asleep, or they may wake up periodically during the night. This can be caused by pain or a specific medical condition such as cognitive dysfunction syndrome (a disease that is similar to Alzheimer’s in people). Similarly, there are neurological and orthopaedic causes of discomfort, such as arthritis, that can cause difficulty climbing stairs, onto furniture or in and out of the litter box.9
Therefore, if you notice youre cat's behaviour has changed you should always raise concerns and schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
What does the research say about pain in cats?
Dr. E. Holden of the University of Glasgow and his colleagues found that it is difficult to determine whether a cat is in pain based on facial expression alone10. Chronic or minor pain, for example, may not be enough to elicit a feline grimace,9 yet is still enough to negatively impact your cat’s emotional wellbeing. Therefore, regular monitoring and reassessment of your feline friend, as well as open communication with your veterinarian are essential.
A study led by Dr. Gary Landsberg, DACVB, and his colleagues found that overgrooming is most often caused by physical distress or pain, such as allergies and gastrointestinal disorders11.
A study conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Hardie and colleagues at North Carolina State University evaluated 100 cats over the age of twelve whose owners reported the cats did not have any obvious pain; but found that 90 per cent had arthritis. So, i...
Dr. E. Holden of the University of Glasgow and his colleagues found that it is difficult to determine whether a cat is in pain based on facial expression alone10. Chronic or minor pain, for example, may not be enough to elicit a feline grimace,9 yet is still enough to negatively impact your cat’s emotional wellbeing. Therefore, regular monitoring and reassessment of your feline friend, as well as open communication with your veterinarian are essential.
A study led by Dr. Gary Landsberg, DACVB, and his colleagues found that overgrooming is most often caused by physical distress or pain, such as allergies and gastrointestinal disorders11.
A study conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Hardie and colleagues at North Carolina State University evaluated 100 cats over the age of twelve whose owners reported the cats did not have any obvious pain; but found that 90 per cent had arthritis. So, if you have a senior cat, they may be experiencing some physical discomfort or pain which may not be obvious to you12.
Weight management
Nutrition plays a key role in physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing for cats. As well as providing balanced nutrition that they need to physically thrive, feeding plays an important role in delivering enjoyment and pleasure. What, when and how your cat is fed can influence how they feel, look, behave and even how long they live.
Poor cat weight management can have serious detrimental mental and emotional impact for cats, as well as implications for their physical health. Being overweight, in particular, can reduce your cat’s enjoyment of, or ability to do, the things they love such as jump, climb, stalk, chase, pounce, and play. Unfortunately, the incidence of obesity in cats has greatly increased in recent years13.
Obesity
Overfeeding is one of the main reasons for obese cats which is associated with, or in some cases the cause of, several health complications.14 These range in severity from conditions which cause pain or discomfort such as joint problems, lower urinary tract disease, and skin disease,15 to conditions which can be life-threatening like heart problems. Obesity can also make your cat’s existing medical condition worse or increase pain and discomfort, for example, by putting increased pressure on an arthritic joint. You can find more information on this topic in Nutrition.
To treat or not to treat?
Treats or rewards can strengthen the bond between owners and their cat and improve the wellbeing of both parties. Some treats may have other benefits too, such as Royal Canin treats which support a range of health conditions and body systems such as gastrointestinal and urinary treats. Treats can also be used as a way to administer medications (for more information follow this link), modify behaviour through positive reinforcement and as a source of enrichment to provide mental stimulation (see Environment).
However, poor treating practices c...
Treats or rewards can strengthen the bond between owners and their cat and improve the wellbeing of both parties. Some treats may have other benefits too, such as Royal Canin treats which support a range of health conditions and body systems such as gastrointestinal and urinary treats. Treats can also be used as a way to administer medications (for more information follow this link), modify behaviour through positive reinforcement and as a source of enrichment to provide mental stimulation (see Environment).
However, poor treating practices can adversely affect health and contribute to obesity in cats. You can think of treat-feeding within the context of the daily energy and nutrition balance. Treats can replace up to 10% of your cat’s daily calorie requirements.16,17
There are also other methods of rewarding your cat such as grooming and play which also have a positive impact on the human-cat bond without the potential to contribute to overfeeding and obesity.
For tips on how to treat and more information on the impact of treats on your cat’s emotional wellbeing, see Nutrition.
Vaccinations and parasite prevention
Routine treatments like cat vaccinations and parasite control are cornerstones of veterinary preventative healthcare for your cat, protecting their physical health and the mental and emotional repercussions of poor physical health. Trips to the veterinarian for cat vaccination appointments and parasite prevention can be highly stressful for cats, which is why positive socialisation experiences from a young age can be beneficial for helping to reduce fear and anxiety (see Socialisation). You can also look for veterinary clinics that have received ‘cat-friendly’ accreditation and prioritise making your cat’s appointment as low-stress as possible. To learn more about Cat Friendly Clinics and to find one near you, follow this link.
For more information on Vaccinations, Parasite Prevention and the importance of neutering your cat, please download the below guide.
Dental care
Dental disease can interfere with your cat’s ability to eat and the pain it causes can have a serious impact on your cat’s happiness and emotional wellbeing. Dental disease can also lead to other serious health complications including heart and kidney disease as well as reduce your cat’s ability to carry out natural behaviours, like grooming, that are important for physical and emotional health.
Cats with dental disease may not always show obvious signs of pain and discomfort, but more than 50% of all cats over the age of three were found to have periodontal disease (infection of the tissues that surround the teeth)23. Owner awareness and regular veterinary check-ups are key to early detection and treatment and so it’s important to be an advocate for the best cat dental care.
Toothbrushing for cats
Early prevention may also reduce the frequency and severity of dental disease later in life, so it is important that kittens are introduced to an oral healthcare routine from a young age. Toothbrushing can even become a positive interaction between you and your cat and strengthen the human-cat bond. You can find more tips, including selecting toothbrushes for cats, and a step-by-step guide to brushing your cat’s teeth, here.
Toothbrushing can help prevent bad breath resulting from dental disease which can affect the bond you have with your cat and may lead to decreased interaction between pets and human family members.
Clinically proven treats
Certain cat foods and treats are clinically proven to reduce plaque build-up, such as Royal Canin Dental diet and WHISKAS Dentabites (for more information see Nutrition). When choosing dental treats or diet, it’s important to always provide safe options that are specifically designed and proven to be effective. A list of products, including dental health chews, clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar and approved as safe by the Veterinary Oral Health Council can be found here. ...
Certain cat foods and treats are clinically proven to reduce plaque build-up, such as Royal Canin Dental diet and WHISKAS Dentabites (for more information see Nutrition). When choosing dental treats or diet, it’s important to always provide safe options that are specifically designed and proven to be effective. A list of products, including dental health chews, clinically proven to reduce plaque and tartar and approved as safe by the Veterinary Oral Health Council can be found here.
Using cutting-edge DNA technology, researchers have recently discovered which species of bacteria are associated with periodontal disease in cats. This knowledge will be critical in developing the next generation of products to help combat dental disease in cats. You can find out more and read the study here.
Top tips for exercising your cat22,23
An active cat is a healthy and happy cat. All cats benefit from exercise in order to stay physically fit and healthy – and it’s just as important for good mental health and emotional wellbeing too. Physical activity can provide an outlet for your cat’s natural hunting instincts and help reduce problem behaviours, such as boredom and frustration. When done correctly, it enables cats to have positive interactions with their environment and express their natural behaviours24.
Cats prefer short bursts of physical activity of up to 15-20 minutes and will usually stop playing or simply walk away when they’ve had enough25,26. The amount of exercise your cat needs will vary depending on their health status, breed, and age, as well as their individual preferences and differences (see Individuality). Your veterinarian is the best person to guide you on how to exercise your cat including the right amount and types of exercise, and it is especially important to consult them if your cat has an underlying health issue, like arthritis or a heart condition.
The impact of stress
Stress is one of the major causes of anxiety in cats, but not all stress is inherently bad. Moderate, brief stress can trigger reactions that are essential for survival and help your cat deal with or escape a stressful situation. However, it’s important to be aware that prolonged stress can lead not only to anxiety, but also to other mental as well as physical conditions, such as suppression of the immune system11,27. To learn more about recognising the signs of stress in cats, please check out the guide below. Also please see Introduction, and Socialisation.
Mental stimulation
Cats need to exercise their brain as well as their bodies for fulfilment and require regular mental stimulation. One of the most important strategies to prevent stress and promote good mental health is to enrich your feline friend's world. This can be achieved in a variety of ways (see Environment). Examples include feeding different foods, providing safe places to hide and rest, playing with and grooming your cat (provided they enjoy this) and mentally stimulating cat toys. In other species, enriched environments have been shown to promote various aspects of brain growth and even the production of new neurons.34
Cognitive enrichment focusses on mental stimulation and encourages your cat to think about and puzzle through a problem or task. Solving suitable cognitive tasks, meeting challenges, and improving their skills can be satisfying for cats –...
Cats need to exercise their brain as well as their bodies for fulfilment and require regular mental stimulation. One of the most important strategies to prevent stress and promote good mental health is to enrich your feline friend's world. This can be achieved in a variety of ways (see Environment). Examples include feeding different foods, providing safe places to hide and rest, playing with and grooming your cat (provided they enjoy this) and mentally stimulating cat toys. In other species, enriched environments have been shown to promote various aspects of brain growth and even the production of new neurons.34
Cognitive enrichment focusses on mental stimulation and encourages your cat to think about and puzzle through a problem or task. Solving suitable cognitive tasks, meeting challenges, and improving their skills can be satisfying for cats – just as much for humans. Every cat will require and want different kinds and amounts of mental stimulation, so it’s up to you to get to know their individual needs (see Individuality).
Top tips for mentally stimulating activities for cats10
01
Provide safe access to the outdoors for exploring. This may include an outdoor enclosure or ‘catio’ and harness training.
02
Offer a variety of toys including interactive or food-dispensing toys.
03
Try non-toxic edible plants and catnip.
04
Provide elevated perches or cat trees and scratching surfaces.
05
Consider a companion, but choose wisely and be prepared to take the time to ensure both cats are comfortable.
06
Incorporate short, fun training sessions to teach your cat new behaviours.
07
Train your cat – yes, it’s not just dogs you can teach new skills!
Useful Links
We’ve also compiled some of our favourite links to fun activities and DIY projects to help keep you and your cat entertained:
We’ve also compiled some of our favourite links to fun activities and DIY projects to help keep you and your cat entertained:
Key Points
Physical Health
Physical health, mental health and emotional wellbeing in cats are inextricably related. Physical problems can lead to poor mental health and emotional wellbeing, and vice versa.
Behaviour
Changes in behaviour are often the first sign of disease or discomfort. Alongside regular veterinary check-ups, taking an active interest in your cat’s health and enjoying regular, meaningful interactions and a strong bond with them will help you spot any changes quickly and be more in tune with their emotional needs.
Proactive Healthcare
Proactive preventative veterinary healthcare such as routine vaccinations, dental care and parasite control will help you detect problems early to reduce their long-term impact on quality of life and emotional wellbeing.
Nutrition
Nutrition and weight management play a vital role in your cat’s overall health and emotional wellbeing. Cats that are overweight may experience a reduced ability to engage in pleasurable, species-specific behaviours such as stalking, chasing, pouncing, and jumping, as well as more physical health complications and exacerbation of current health conditions.
Mental Health
Promoting optimal mental health is crucial to reducing stress and associated behaviour and health problems that can negatively impact your cat’s emotional wellbeing. Daily exercise and enrichment opportunities are an essential source of mental stimulation and emotional enjoyment, as well as contributors to physical health. Every cat will have different requirements based on their unique needs including age, health status and individual preferences.
References
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- Mental Health Foundation, 2015, What is wellbeing, how can we measure it and how can we support people to improve it?, Available at: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/blog/what-wellbeing-how-can-we-measure-it-and-how-can-we-support-people-improve-it, Accessed 04 January 2022
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- Williams, K, & Downing, R, Obesity in Cats, Available at: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dental-disease-in-cats , Accessed 07 February 2022
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- German, A, & Butterwick, R, 2012, WALTHAM™ pocket book of healthy weight maintenance for cats and dogs, 2nd edition, WALTHAM™ Centre for Pet Nutrition: Leicestershire, p. 6
- Mathews, K, Kronen, PW, Lascelles, D, & Nolan, A, 2014, WSAVA Guidelines For Recognition, Assessment And Treatment Of Pain, Available at: https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Recognition-Assessment-and-Treatment-of-Pain-Guidelines.pdf, Accessed 10 January 2022
- Evangelista, MC, Watanabe, R, Leung, VSY, et al., 2019, Facial expressions of pain in cats: the development and validation of a Feline Grimace Scale, Scientific Reports, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55693-8, Accessed 07 February 2022
- Herron, ME, Horowitz, DF, & Siracusa, C, 2020, Decoding Your Cat: The ultimate experts explain common cat behaviors and reveal how prevent or change unwanted ones, 1st Edition, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt: New York
- Holden, E, Calvo, G, Collins, M, et al., 2014, Evaluation of facial expression in acute pain in cats, JSAP, Vol 55(12), pp. 615-622
- Siracusa, C, & Landsberg, GM, 2020, Psychogenic Diseases In: Feline Dermatology, 1st Edition, Springer Nature: Switzerland, pp. 567-581
- Hardie, EM, Roe, SC & Martin FR, 2002, Radiographic evidence of degenerative joint disease in geriatric cats: 100 cases (1994-1997), JAVMA, Vol 220 (5), pp. 628-632
- Banfield Pet Hospital, 2022, an Affiliate of Mars, Available at: https://www.banfield.com/en/about-banfield/newsroom/press-releases/2021/new-data-reveals-pet-obesity-epidemic-existed-long-before-quarantine
- Banfield Pet Hospital, 2017, Spotlight on obesity, Available at: https://www.banfield.com/pet-health/state-of-pet-health, Accessed 04 January 2022
- Öhlund, M, Palmgren, M, & Ström Holst, B, 2018, Overweight in adult cats: a cross-sectional study, Acta Vet Scand. Vol 60(5)
- Williams, K, & Downing, R, Cat Treats, Available at: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cat-treats, Accessed 07 February 2022
- Linder, DE, 2021, Treat Options for Dogs and Cats Without Unbalancing Their Diet, Available at: https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2021/10/treat-options-for-dogs-and-cats-without-unbalancing-their-diet/, Accessed 07 February 2022
- Day, MJ, Horzinek, MC, Schultz, RD, & Squires, RA, 2016, Guidelines For The Vaccination Of Dogs And Cats, Available at: https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/WSAVA-Vaccination-Guidelines-2015.pdf, Accessed 04 January 2022
- 19 Day, MJ, Horzinek, MC, Schultz, RD, & Squires, RA, 2016, Guidelines For The Vaccination Of Dogs And Cats, Available at: https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/WSAVA-Vaccination-Guidelines-2015.pdf, Accessed 04 January 2022
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- Howe, LM, 2015, Current Perspectives on the optimal age to spay/castrate dogs and cats, Vet Med (Auckl), Vol. 6, 171-180
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- Bonello, D, 2007, Feline inflammatory, infectious and other oral conditions. In: BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Dentistry, 3rd Edition, British Small Animal Veterinary Association: Gloucester, pp. 126-147
- Ellis, SLH, Rodan, I, Carney, HC, et al., 2013, AAFP and ISFM Feline Environmental Needs Guidelines, Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, doi.org/10.1177/1098612X13477537, Accessed 11 January 2022
- PDSA, The best exercise for cats, Available at: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/exercise-for-your-cat, Accessed 11 January 2022
- German, A & Butterwick, R, 2012, WALTHAM™ pocket book of healthy weight maintenance for cats and dogs, 2nd edition, WALTHAM™ Centre for Pet Nutrition: Leicestershire, p. 6
- Staley et al, 2018, Hormones and Behavior, 102, 55-68.
- Ellis, SLH, Rodan, I, Carney, HC, et al., 2013, AAFP and ISFM Feline Environmental Needs Guidelines, Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, Vol 15(3), DOI: 10.1177/1098612X13477537, Accessed: 07 February 2022
- Cornell Feline Health Center, 2018, Feline Behavior Problems: Aggression, Available at: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-behavior-problems-aggression, Accessed 11 January 2022
- Casey, RA, Vandenbussche, Bradshaw, JWS, & Roberts, MA, 2009, Reasons for Relinquishment and Return of Domestic Cats (Felis Silvestris Catus) to Rescue Shelters in the UK, Vol 22(4), pp: 347-358
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- Van Praag et al., 2000 Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 1, 191-198. Zhang et al., 2018, Nature Communications, 9:298 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-02748-x