Cats are usually quite good at hiding how they feel. They might look calm while napping in the sun or quietly watching the world go by, but just like us, they can get stressed out.
The tricky part? They can’t just tell you when something’s bothering them. Instead, they show it through some behavioral issues.
Whether it’s a new pet, a shift in routine, or even something as simple as moving furniture, stress can affect your cat in ways you might not notice right away.
Just like people, every cat reacts to stress differently. Your role as a cat owner is to pay attention to the small shifts in your cat’s normal behavior.
To help you out, we’re going to break down 10 signs your cat is stressed so you can spot the warning signs early and make sure your furry friend stays happy and healthy.
Contents
1. Changes in Appetite
When a cat feels stressed, one of the first things to change might be their eating habits. Some cats may experience loss of appetite, while others might start eating more than usual.
If your cat suddenly stops eating or shows unusual hunger, it could be a sign of stress—or even a health problem that stress is making worse.
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2. Excessive (or Lack of) Grooming
Cats are famous for being clean animals, but stress can affect their grooming routine.
For some cats, obsessive grooming to the point of creating bald spots or sores can be a way of dealing with stress.
On the other hand, some stressed cats might stop grooming altogether, leaving their fur matted or greasy. Either extreme could indicate that something’s wrong.
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3. Hiding or Avoiding Interaction
Your cat may naturally be antisocial. Yet, if your normally social cat starts hiding more often or seems to avoid you and other pets, it could be a sign they’re feeling stressed.
Cats might retreat to small, dark places when they’re anxious because it makes them feel safe.
So, in case you notice your cat being constantly out of sight, they might be trying to escape something that’s making them uneasy.
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4. Aggressive Behavior
Stress can sometimes make cats act out with unusual aggression. This could mean hissing, swatting, biting, or even attacking other pets or humans in the house.
When your usually calm cat suddenly starts acting hostile, it’s worth considering whether they might be feeling stressed or threatened.
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5. Changes in Litter Box Habits
One common sign of stress in cats is a sudden change in how they use the litter box.
Your cat might start urinating or defecating outside of their litter box, and this could be a reaction to stress or discomfort.
That said, be sure to rule out any medical issues (like urinary tract infection or kidney disease) first, though stress is often a big factor when litter box habits change.
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6. Excessive Meowing
If your cat is suddenly more vocal than usual, they might be trying to tell you something.
Increased meowing, yowling, or other vocalizations, especially at unusual times, can be a sign of stress.
Cats may become more talkative when they’re anxious or upset, trying to get your attention in any way they can.
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7. Changes in Sleep Patterns
Cats love to sleep, but stress can mess with their sleep schedule. A stressed cat might sleep more than usual as a way of avoiding stressors.
On the flip side, some cats may become restless and sleep less or have difficulty getting comfortable.
Therefore, it’s always important to keep an eye out for any noticeable changes in where and how long your cat sleeps.
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8. Loss of Interest in Play or Routine Activities
Cats ignoring their favorite toys or showing no interest in activities they once enjoyed could be a sign they’re feeling stressed.
By nature, cats tend to shut down or withdraw when they’re anxious. So, a loss of interest in play or routine interactions might mean something’s bothering them.
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9. Pacing or Restlessness
Restless behavior, like pacing around the house or being unable to settle down, can be a clear indication of stress.
Cats might move around constantly, looking for a safe or more comfortable spot. This behavior is often a sign they’re feeling unsettled or anxious about something in their environment.
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10. Physical Health Symptoms (Vomiting, Diarrhea, or Illness)
Cat stress can also show up as physical symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or other unexplained health issues.
Principally, cats are sensitive creatures, and stress can sometimes cause their bodies to react in physical ways.
If your cat is experiencing these symptoms without any obvious cause, stress could be the underlying reason.
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Tips for Reducing Stress in Your Cat
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to help your cat feel more at ease. In general, every cat responds differently, so finding what works for yours is key.
Here are 10 simple tips to reduce your cat’s stress and keep them calm and happy:
- Make sure your cat has a quiet, cozy spot to retreat to when they need to be alone and feel secure.
- Keep a consistent routine to help your cat feel more comfortable and less anxious.
- Try feline pheromone diffusers, calming sprays, or treats to help your cat feel more relaxed in stressful situations.
- Engage your cat with toys, puzzle feeders, and play sessions to keep them active and reduce boredom-related stress.
- Provide your cat with shelves, cat trees, or window perches so they can observe from high, secure places.
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Tips for Reducing Stress in Your Cat (cont)
6. Minimize loud noises, limit unfamiliar visitors, and gradually introduce new pets or changes in your home.
7. Clean the litter tray daily and place it in a quiet, easily accessible area.
8. When introducing new pets, furniture, or a new home, give your cat time to adjust slowly.
9. If stress signs continue, go for a vet visit to rule out health issues and get advice on managing anxiety.
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Final Thoughts
Understanding the ten signs your cat is stressed is the first step to helping them feel more at ease.
With just a few adjustments here and there, you can reduce your pet’s anxiety and improve their overall well-being.
However, if these stress signals persist, consider a veterinary visit for further advice on how to get your cat feeling calm and happy in no time.
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Amanda created and owns The Discerning Cat. A lifelong cat lover she is the proud parent of two Siberian cats, Alexei and Vladimir. She is passionate about understanding cats and different cat breeds.