How Can You Tell If Your Cat is Stressed?

Why do cats become stressed?

There are many reasons a cat may experience stress, and the truth is that it doesn’t always take much. Cats like things to stay the same and are easily stressed with any changes to their household, such as:

A move

A new pet

Death of another household pet

A new baby

Litterbox being moved or changed

Litterbox is not cleaned frequently enough

Using a new type of litter

New cats in the neighborhood

How do you help a stressed cat?

So, how can you help? Scheduling an appointment with the vet is always a good idea in order to rule out a medical condition. If your cat gets a clean bill of health, you can try:

Providing stimulating toys, such as puzzle feeders.

Adding perches and window seats to give your cat new views.

Calming products like collars and diffusers.

Enlisting the help of a highly rated animal behaviorist.

How do cats act when they are stressed?

Common signs that a cat is stressed include excessive grooming, hiding, pacing, or becoming unusually clingy. They might also vocalize more than usual, display aggression, or have vomiting or diarrhea. Recognizing these signs early can help address the cause and reduce your cat’s anxiety.

If the stress is severe, your cat may stop eating. This is a dangerous situation as a cat can become deathly ill after just two or three days without food. Unlike humans and dogs, a cat’s body cannot handle fasting. If your cat stops eating, go to the vet right away.

The sooner you get the cat to the vet, the less likely your cat will be to develop a serious health problem, such as kidney failure or fatty liver disease. Don’t ignore the signs of anxiety in your cat, as the stress is not likely to go away on its own. Instead, try at-home methods of dealing with the stress or seek the help of a professional.