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Key Takeaways
Cats feel stress just like everyone else. They’re just a little better at hiding it! Many of the signs they exhibit are extremely subtle. They’re so subtle, in fact, that you may not even notice your kitty is stressed. That’s all in their nature. But no one wants their cat to feel stressed, especially since stress can manifest in worrisome health issues, like changes in appetite and digestive problems. Learn how to tell if your cat is stressed and how you can help them with Cat-in-the-Bag!
When some kitties are stressed, they will make sure you know it! They’ll meow, yowl, growl, hiss…anything to get their point across.
How to Help: Take note of when they’re vocalizing. Is it before mealtime? Is it while you’re occupied with work or other chores? You may be able to help your cat’s stress with play sessions, sticking to a regular feeding schedule, or just a little more attention. And if you’re heading out, you could even take your kitty with you in the Cozy Comfort Carrier. Our soft cat carrier lets you securely hold and soothe your cat on the go and has a convenient seat-belt loop for easier car travel!
Urinating outside of their litter box is another sign of cat stress. The smell of their own urine is comforting, as it serves as a form of security and scent marking to other cats.
Keep in mind that this could also indicate health concerns, like urinary tract infections or kidney issues. Talk to your vet if this issue persists.
How to Help: Inappropriate elimination could mean your cat is telling you to clean their litter box or that you’re using the wrong litter. Keep their litter box tidy and away from high-traffic areas.
When cats are stressed, anxious, or uncomfortable, they may groom themselves to self-soothe. This is because grooming releases endorphins in cats, helping them to feel calmer! While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it becomes a problem when it’s excessive. Overgrooming can cause hair thinning, skin irritation, or even hair loss.
How to Help: Rule out medical issues first. Overgrooming can be allergy-related too. If it’s not skin allergies, establish a feeding and cleaning routine to keep them calm. You can also provide an enriching environment with interactive toys and scratching posts.
Hiding isn’t just a sign your cat feels threatened or scared. It’s also a sign of cat stress. Many felines will avoid human contact and retreat to a safe space when experiencing emotional and mental strain.
How to Help: Leave them be! Disturbing them while they’re hiding can exacerbate your cat’s stress. They’ll come out when they’re ready.
Stressful situations can make cats lash out. How to tell if your cat is stressed:
How to Help: Are they experiencing environmental changes in the home? Give them time to adjust, and make sure you’re giving them lots of love and attention for reassurance.
Cats may overeat or refuse food altogether when they’re stressed. Sound familiar? That’s because stress affects appetite in cats, just like it does with humans. It’s a coping mechanism!
How to Help: Keep mealtime consistent. Cats love routine. Their stress could also be because you introduced a new diet. If that’s the case, try to make these changes slowly to keep your kitty calm.
Digestive problems are also signs your cat is stressed. It could be due to changes in routine or environmental changes, such as moving, new pets, a new baby, or even changes in your furniture arrangement.
How to Help: If you’ve ruled out underlying medical issues, you can try to:
Does your feline have lower energy levels than normal? It could be a sign your cat is stressed! It’s their way to cope and remove themselves from stressful situations. They also may be tired from the added stress.
How to Help: Predictability eases cat stress, so stick to a routine. You can also provide a quiet resting area away from household disruptions.
If your cat is pacing back and forth like they’re about to give an important presentation at work, they’re likely feeling stressed and anxious.
How to Help: Increase play with interactive cat toys! You can also provide cat trees or shelves where they can feel secure.
Cats are practically famous for knocking things over. They’re naturally curious and playful, often at the expense of water bottles or vases. But sometimes, this could be a sign of cat stress. They may knock things off of shelves more than usual, scratch furniture, or essentially turn into a tiny ball of destruction.
How to Help: Provide more appropriate outlets for their energy: scratching posts, interactive toys, and human-kitty playtime.
It can be tricky recognizing cats’ stress, but it’s well worth it to ensure you have a happy, healthy, and stress-free kitty. Make sure you stick to a routine (it’s comforting!) and try the Cozy Comfort Carrier for a little extra bonding time. Follow our cat blog for more tips!
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Jeanne Starmack is a lifelong cat lover and the inventor of the Cozy Comfort Carrier, an innovative and mindfully-designed soft cat carrier. After creating the carrier and starting Cat-in-the-Bag, Jeanne participated in cat shows for 15 years where she built relationships with many cat owners. After seeing how much her own cat disliked traditional carriers and learning the issues other owners faced when traveling with their cats, Jeanne perfected a solution focused on the cat’s comfort above all else.
