Stress in cats can manifest in a variety of ways, both behavioral and physical. Recognizing the signs of stress is important for cat owners so they can take steps to identify the source of the stress and reduce it. This article will explore the common signs of stress in cats so owners know what to look out for.
Behavioral Signs of Stress
There are many potential behavioral indicators that a cat is feeling stressed or anxious. Some of the most common behavioral signs of stress in cats include:
- Excessive grooming or licking themselves
- Withdrawing from social interaction
- Hiding more often
- Changes in appetite
- Increased vocalization like meowing or yowling
- Aggressive behavior like swatting or biting
- Inappropriate urination around the home
- Pacing or restlessness
- Excessive scratching furniture
Cats that are feeling stressed or anxious may groom themselves excessively to the point of overgrooming. This can lead to hair loss or skin damage. Withdrawing from social interactions with human family members or other pets is also common when a cat is stressed. They may hide more often under beds or furniture. Changes in appetite can manifest as decreased interest in food or increased begging for food.
Vocalizing more with meows, yowling, or mournful cries can indicate a cat is not feeling relaxed. Aggressive behaviors like swatting, biting, or scratching are not typical behaviors for a happy cat. Inappropriate urination outside the litter box is a common sign of feline stress. Pacing, restlessness, and excessive scratching of furniture are other behavioral indicators.
Physical Signs of Stress
In addition to behavioral changes, there are some physical signs and symptoms that cats display when stressed. These bodily reactions are tied to the physiological stress response. Physical indicators of stress in cats can include:
- Dilated pupils
- Excessive shedding
- Urinating small amounts
- Changes in appetite
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Trembling
- Excessive perspiration from paws
A stressed cat’s pupils will often dilate or become very large and rounded. Excessive shedding can also occur when cats feel anxious. Stressed cats may urinate more frequently but in smaller amounts each time. As mentioned under behavioral signs, appetite changes are common with stress.
Gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhea can manifest when cats are stressed. Lethargy, trembling, and excessive sweaty paws are other potential physical indicators. Taken together or separately, these physical and behavioral changes can signal a cat is not feeling relaxed.
Common Stressors for Cats
There are many different stimuli that can trigger a stress response in cats. Some experiences that often cause stress for felines include:
- Introducing a new pet or person
- Changes to their territory like moving
- Loud noises from thunderstorms or fireworks
- Travel like car rides
- Conflict with other pets
- Changes to their routine
- Illness or pain
Bringing a new pet or person into the home can create stress as the cat adjusts. Big changes like moving to a new house are also very stressful for cats. Loud noises, travel, conflict with other pets, and shifts in their normal routine can also elicit anxiety.
Underlying medical issues that cause pain or discomfort are another potential source of stress. Identifying and addressing the specific triggers that cause stress for an individual cat can help owners reduce these situations when possible.
Short-Term vs Long-Term Stress
Not all stress is the same for cats. Experiencing occasional, temporary stressors is a normal part of life. Long-term, chronic stress takes more of a toll on feline health and quality of life. Some differences between short-term and long-term stress include:
| Short-Term Stress | Long-Term Stress |
|---|---|
| Caused by temporary stimulus like loud noise | Caused by ongoing issues like conflict with another pet |
| Lasts for minutes up to hours | Persists for weeks or months |
| Mild signs that resolve quickly when stressor ends | More extreme signs that continue even without stressor |
| May pace or hide temporarily | May lead to depression or destructive behaviors |
| Doesn’t usually require intervention | Requires identifying and managing source of stress |
Short bursts of stress from a temporary loud noise or disruption in routine generally resolve on their own as the cat returns to a relaxed state. But ongoing sources of stress that persist for long periods can lead to more harmful effects.
Long-term stress triggers can lead to chronic anxiety or other conditions. Extended high stress causes changes in hormones, appetite, and brain structure over time. This requires interventions to identify and control the stressors.
When to See the Vet
In mild cases of temporary stress, the signs often resolve on their own. But stress that is severe or persistent warrants a trip to the veterinarian. Cats experiencing any of the following symptoms require medical attention:
- Refusal to eat for more than 24 hours
- Significant lethargy or personality changes lasting more than 3 days
- Ongoing hiding and withdrawal for more than 3 days
- Aggression that is abnormal for the cat
- Inappropriate urination or defecation outside the litter box
- Excessive overgrooming leading to skin damage
- Vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours
A veterinarian can perform exams and diagnostic testing to identify any underlying medical conditions contributing to stress. They can also suggest treatments like medication or behavioral modification plans in severe cases.
Tips for Reducing Cat Stress
Some helpful tips for cat owners to help reduce stress in their feline include:
- Keep litter boxes clean and available – cats are very particular about bathroom habits
- Try synthetic feline pheromones like Feliway to promote relaxation
- Offer hiding spots and high perches for cats to retreat to
- Make time for regular play sessions to allow natural behavior
- Introduce any changes gradually like new pets or furniture
- Limit loud noises, commotion, and handling when cats are stressed
- Ensure separate food, water, and litter resources if multiple cats
- Provide mental stimulation with toys, scratching posts, cat trees
Providing clean, accessible litter boxes is essential for reducing feline bathroom-related stress. Products like Feliway mimic natural pheromones and help relax cats.
Providing hiding and perching spots allows cats to retreat as needed for their comfort. Regular play and exercise also helps relieve stress. Gradual introductions help cats adapt to changes in their environment. With patience, care, and attention to feline needs, cat owners can help their pets manage stress.
Stress Relief Products for Cats
In addition to the tips above, there are some products on the market designed specifically to help relieve stress in cats. Some popular options include:
Pheromone diffusers/sprays
As mentioned earlier, products like Feliway contain synthetic pheromones that mimic cat facial pheromones associated with contentment. Diffusers steadily release the pheromones into the air to provide constant comfort.
Calming treats/supplements
Calming treats and supplements for cats often contain ingredients like tryptophan, chamomile, and L-theanine which may help induce relaxation. They are available in treat, chew, or paste forms.
Calming cat beds/carriers
Some calming beds for cats utilize gentle pressure, warmth, or even heartbeat simulation to create a comforting environment. Calming carriers help make travel less stressful.
Anti-anxiety medications
In severe anxiety cases, prescription medications like fluoxetine and benzodiazepines may be prescribed by a vet for short or long-term use.
There are also many calming cat toys and calming collars designed to reduce stress. Trying different options can help determine what works best for an individual cat. As always, consult a veterinarian first if medication is being considered.
When to Seek Professional Help
For short-term mild stress, the tips and products above may provide enough relief for cats. But in cases of severe, persistent anxiety, professional help from an animal behavior specialist should be sought.
Seeking professional cat behavior help is recommended if the cat’s stress symptoms:
- Potentially endanger the cat or other pets
- Result in destruction of property, or soiling around the home
- Prevent the cat from leading a normal life
- Do not improve with initial attempts to resolve the stress
A certified cat behavior consultant or veterinary behaviorist can work directly with the cat and owner to identify the root cause of the stress. They will design an individualized behavior modification plan involving techniques like:
- Desensitization
- Counter-conditioning
- Environmental enrichment
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Prescription medication if needed
For severe feline stress and anxiety, professional intervention can provide lasting benefits for the cat’s quality of life and relationship with human family members. The specialist will determine if medication should be used in conjunction with behavior modification techniques.
Conclusion
Stress affects cats both behaviorally and physiologically. Changes like hiding, aggression, inappropriate elimination, appetite changes, vomiting, and excessive grooming or shedding can indicate a cat is not relaxed. While mild stress may resolve on its own, chronic or severe stress requires identification and management of the underlying cause. Products, techniques, medication, and professional help are available for stressed out cats. By understanding the signs of feline stress and taking action to reduce it, cat owners can promote happier, healthier lives for their pets.