If your cat is showing any of these stress symptoms, it may be time to take a closer look at their environment and see if there are any changes you can make to help them feel more comfortable. Symptoms of stress in cats can include changes in behavior, such as increased aggression or withdrawal from social interactions, changes in appetite, and changes in sleeping patterns. If you think your cat may be stressed, talk to your veterinarian about possible causes and treatment options.

Cat Stress Symptoms? What Are They and How to Treat Them

Stressful Environment

If you notice any changes in your cat’s behavior like it gets restless or has some strange habits. If your cat shows the same symptoms even in a stressful situation, then this is the time when you should think about taking your cat for checkups.

Unhealthy Diet

The main reason behind all the sicknesses and health issues of your pet is unhealthy diet. Poor nutrition leads to an increase in the level of cortisol hormone which makes your pet feel tired and also it increases blood pressure.

Bad Sleeping Pattern

Sleeping patterns are important because if you don’t sleep well then everything will be affected. This will cause stress, and high levels of cortisol can lead to bad digestion. So make sure that your cat sleeps on its own place with comfortable bedding material.

Excessive Grooming

Cats need to groom themselves regularly as it helps them to clean their fur. But if the cleaning goes beyond the normal amount, there might be a problem in the body.

Overweight pets

This is another common issue faced by the owners of overweight cats. Overweight cats don’t eat properly and spend too much time in sedentary activities.

You can easily spot the signs of stress in your cat through these tips, so it is better to take your cat to a vet for checkup at regular intervals.

What Are the Signs of Stress in a Cat? Cat Stress Symptoms

There are many reasons why your pet might be stressed. If you suspect that your cat is suffering from any of these issues, then you should consult a veterinarian. However, here are some of the most common causes of stress in cats.

Stress can cause your cat to become aggressive. This happens when he feels threatened by another animal.

If you notice that your cat has stopped eating, this could also indicate that he’s feeling anxious.

You may have noticed that your cat seems to be sleeping more than usual. He might be hiding under furniture or in other places where no one will bother him.

Your cat may start acting nervous around people who are unfamiliar to him. For example, he may hide behind you when someone comes into your home.

Cats can suffer from depression. If you notice that your cat is constantly lying down, then you need to take action immediately.

It’s important that you keep your cat safe. Make sure that there aren’t any dangerous items in the house. And don’t leave your cat alone for long periods of time.

•  The most obvious sign of a stressed cat is that he/she looks sad, listless or unwell. However, if the problem persists for longer than two weeks, it’s probably because there’s something else going on. This could be physical (a toothache), behavioural (your cat doesn’t like being touched) or emotional (he/she has been abused).
•  Stress may also cause your cat to stop eating, drinking water and sleeping. If you notice these symptoms, contact your vet as soon as possible – it’s not uncommon for a feline to become dehydrated due to poor diet and lack of exercise.
•  Your cat’s behaviour can often indicate whether she is happy, sad or angry; however, it’s important to remember that the way your pet behaves depends very much on his personality. A stressed cat might display nervousness and aggression towards other animals, but a relaxed one will only show affection towards you.
•  Some cats don’t feel comfortable around new people, so they might try to hide themselves away or even attack them in an attempt to escape the situation. Others have problems interacting with others and may appear shy. They’re usually more likely to retreat into hiding when feeling overwhelmed or threatened.
•  Anxious cats are always tense and restless. Their fur stands up, their eyes widen and they keep jumping from place to place. It can be hard to tell how stressed a cat is without looking at him/her directly – a good indication of stress in a cat is that he/she tends to groom less than usual and will avoid eye contact with humans.
•  Unusual vocalisation or growling could also indicate that your cat feels uncomfortable or distressed. Cats communicate using different sounds, including purring and meowing. Growls can be used to express anger or fear, while hissing and spitting is a form of aggressive behaviour.
•  Your cat may start scratching excessively. This is a clear sign of anxiety. Cats who are feeling anxious will try to get rid of the tension by clawing at the furniture or walls.
•  Your cat could start hiding food. Your kitty may seem like he/she is starving, but this is actually just another symptom of stress. He/she may eat less than usual, or he may refuse to eat altogether.
•  Cats that are experiencing too much stress will often have trouble sleeping. They’ll wake up multiple times throughout the night, and they may even begin pacing around their home.

How to Help a Stressed Cat?

Stress can be a real problem for a lot of cats. There are lots of things that cause their stress levels to rise. It’s important, therefore, to keep an eye on the signs of stress and take steps to help your cat deal with it. Some of these measures will depend on your personal circumstances, but you may find it useful to try them out even if you don’t currently own a cat.

It’s easy to spot the signs of stress in a cat. They can get really nervous around loud noises and unfamiliar people or objects. In fact, most cats dislike sudden changes to the environment, so be aware of any big moves you might make in your home. Your cat also has special needs that you need to cater for.

You should also look out for certain behaviours such as pacing back and forth, excessive scratching, biting or licking themselves, urinating excessively, hiding away, avoiding food, sleeping all day, being aggressive towards other animals or humans, not playing, and more.

•  Cats have a lot of energy and curiosity; if left alone for too long, they tend to become bored. This is why it’s important that you take the time to spend with your cat. They need attention just as much as you do. The more you give them, the happier they’ll be.
•  Exercise helps to reduce stress. A good way to exercise your cat’s body is through playtime. There are plenty of toys you can buy so you don’t even need to go into the shop!
•  Feeding the right diet will also help keep your cat healthy and happy. Your pet needs proper nutrition, whether it’s wet food or dry food, so make sure you get it from a reputable supplier.
•  Cuddles are great for relieving stress and helping to calm down your kitty. Try stroking their head gently, and massage your feline friend’s tummy while he or she purrs happily.
•  Play games together to keep everyone entertained. You can use old-fashioned board games like Snakes and Ladders, Monopoly, Cluedo and Chess. Alternatively you could play fetch, chase the laser pointer or hide and seek.
•  If you have an outdoor cat, then taking them outside for a walk each day will help keep them active. Not only does this help reduce stress levels, but it also provides your animal companion with fresh air and sunshine – both of which are vital to their well being.
•  Make sure you provide a safe environment for your cat at home. Don’t let any loose animals wander in the house, and make sure all your electrical sockets are covered.
•  Provide your cat with lots of attention, love, and care throughout life. It’s important to show them how much they mean to you by spending time playing with them every day.

Causes of Stress in Cats

Stress in cats can be caused by a variety of things, but they often come from a variety of issues such as being moved around, having too many animals around them, not getting enough sleep and feeling trapped. All these situations can cause a cat to become stressed.

If your pet is under a lot of stress then it’s very likely that they will begin showing signs of illness. This includes anything from vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, or even depression. If you notice any changes in your cat then contact your vet immediately. They can help with treating the problem and putting your cat back on the path to health.

•  Anxiety can cause major problems for your cat. If they’re not comfortable, then they won’t be able to enjoy life as much as possible. They might even start exhibiting signs of depression, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, and lack of interest in social interactions.
•  One of the biggest challenges owners face is when they see that their kitty isn’t feeling well. It’s normal for your cat to experience occasional bouts of illness. However, if you notice changes to their behavior over a long period of time (such as excessive sleeping), it could indicate that something more serious is going on.
•  Cats can also suffer from dental disease. This can lead to bad breath and pain during grooming sessions, which in turn causes stress in your cat. You should check out our post: Dental Care for Your Cat to learn more about how to care for your feline friend’s teeth.

There are many other unusual things you can notice if your cat seems stressed. One of the most important is that he won’t eat. Another symptom is his lack of interest in grooming. It’s also possible to see that your kitty isn’t acting right by looking closely at him.

If you think your cat might be showing signs of stress, you should keep an eye out for any of these symptoms:

• Stress from moving

• Fearful or anxious behavior

• Excessive grooming

• A change in eating habits

• Sudden illness or injury

• Unusual changes in a cat’s environment

Cats can also suffer from stress when they are separated from their owners or a loved one for an extended period of time. If your cat seems stressed or unhealthy, contact your veterinarian.

Conclusion

Stress in cats can be hard to detect. This is why it is so important to pay attention to your cat’s behavior. A stressed cat will have physical symptoms like a loss of appetite, hiding, excessive scratching and more. If your cat seems to be getting worse, you should consult with your veterinarian. Your cat may benefit from behavioral counseling or even medication. In addition to medication, some people recommend a change in diet.