How to Recognize Stress in Cats and Its Causes

Stress can affect us all—including our pets. It might be hard to believe that a cat, who enjoys basking in the sun and napping all day, can become stressed, but they certainly can. Cats are sensitive creatures, and they can become anxious or stressed if there’s too much happening around them. Here, you can read more about how to recognize stress in cats and what might cause it.

Signs of Stress in Cats

There are many signs that your cat might be stressed. It’s important to keep an eye on whether your cat is showing any of these signs—and whether it continues over a period of time. The different signs can be observed through changes in behavior and appearance. Here’s an overview of them.

Physical Signs:

• Losing appetite, overeating, or drinking an excessive amount of water

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Blood in urine or feces

• Significant weight loss or gain

• Eating non-food items

• Developing bald patches in fur

• Worsening symptoms of a chronic illness

Behavioral Changes:

Any change in your cat’s behavior can signal stress, so it’s always important to observe. However, there are many common changes seen in stressed cats.

• Eliminating outside the litter box

• Urinating in the house

• Refusing to go outside

• Refusing to come indoors

• Withdrawing from family

• Becoming overly dependent on family

• Becoming more aggressive toward people and animals

• Scratching furniture or clothes

• Hiding frequently indoors

• Not reacting to loud sounds

• Getting startled easily

• Over-grooming

• Meowing excessively

• Dashing around the house constantly

Changes in Appearance:

A stressed cat may also look different in terms of expression:

• Crouching often

• Ears turned back

• Shaking frequently

• Shaking their head a lot

• Swallowing or licking their nose frequently

• Pupils dilated so eyes appear almost entirely black

Why Can Cats Get Stressed?

There are many reasons why your cat might be stressed. Cats vary greatly, so it’s important to note whether this is unusual for your cat. Nevertheless, cats are sensitive to changes in their lives, so attention is crucial. Here are some of the most common causes of stress in cats:

New Home:

Moving is stressful for both humans and cats. Remember, your cat doesn’t know what’s happening when you relocate. So, it can be bewildering for them as you pack your belongings and move to a new home. Experiencing such large changes can be anxiety-inducing for them. When moving with your cat, it’s crucial to provide them with lots of attention. To avoid overwhelming them, introduce them to the new home gradually.

New Pets:

If you decide to add another pet to the household, be mindful of your cat. They are sensitive, so having a new cat or dog arrive can be intimidating. Cats are not always naturally social creatures, so it is important they get accustomed to the idea of having a new companion. Before the new pet moves in permanently, introducing them can help in building trust and security. The more interactions they have, the more comfortable your cat is likely to feel when the new pet becomes a full-time resident.

These are just two examples of what can make your cat stressed, but there can be many other reasons. Therefore, it’s essential to keep an eye on your cat and its behavior.

We recommend using calming aids such as Feliway, Pet Remedy, or Beaphar during moves, introductions of new pets, and similar situations.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.