Last Updated on May 3, 2025 by Cat Mad
Quick Answer: How Can I Tell If My Cat Is Stressed?
Signs of cat anxiety include hiding, over-grooming, appetite changes, aggression, and excessive meowing. Common stress triggers are changes in environment, new people or pets, or health issues. To help, create a quiet safe space, maintain a routine, offer playtime, try calming pheromones, and consult your vet if symptoms persist.
In This Article:
Cats might seem cool and collected, but even the most confident kitty can experience stress. Unlike dogs, cats often hide their anxiety behind normal-looking behaviours. So, how can you tell if your cat’s secretly a bundle of nerves, and more importantly, how can you help them?
How to Tell If Your Cat Is Stressed
Cats show stress differently than humans. Here are the most common signs to look for:
1. Hiding More Than Usual
If your cat is spending most of their time under the bed, behind furniture or in secluded corners, they could be trying to escape a source of stress. Occasional hiding is normal, but prolonged withdrawal isn’t.
2. Over-Grooming or Fur Loss
Licking is soothing for cats, but excessive grooming that leads to bald spots or raw skin often signals emotional distress.
3. Changes in Appetite
Eating too little, or too much, can be a sign that something is off. Any sudden appetite change warrants a closer look, especially when combined with other stress behaviours.
4. Increased Aggression
A stressed cat may lash out. Swatting, hissing, or biting, especially in a previously calm cat, could be defensive behaviours triggered by anxiety.
5. Excessive Vocalisation
Some cats “talk” more when they’re anxious. If your cat suddenly becomes more vocal, especially at night or in new situations, it could be a cry for comfort.
What Causes Anxiety in Cats?
Understanding the why behind your cat’s anxiety helps you treat it effectively.
🔄 Environmental Changes
Cats are creatures of habit. Moving house, home renovations, or even rearranged furniture can disrupt their sense of security.
📚 Research from the University of Lincoln highlights how UK cats are particularly sensitive to sudden environmental shifts.
👤 New People or Pets
New family members, human or animal, can feel like intruders to your cat. A baby, a partner moving in, or even frequent visitors might trigger territorial anxiety.
📚 The Royal Veterinary College reports that multi-pet homes are common sources of feline stress.
🏥 Undiagnosed Health Issues
Anxiety may stem from underlying health problems. Pain, illness, or even sensory decline (like hearing loss) can change a cat’s behaviour. Always rule out medical causes with your vet.
How to Help a Stressed Cat
Here’s what you can do to reduce anxiety and help your cat feel safe again.
🛏️ 1. Create a Safe Space
Give your cat a quiet, secure area to retreat to, preferably high up or enclosed. Add cosy bedding, familiar scents, and minimal foot traffic.
📆 2. Stick to a Routine
Feed, play, and cuddle at consistent times. Predictability helps your cat feel in control.
🧸 3. Encourage Play
Interactive play relieves nervous energy. Try feather wands, puzzle feeders, or laser toys to redirect focus and build confidence.
🌬️ 4. Use Calming Pheromones
Plug-in diffusers like Feliway mimic natural calming signals.
📚 A University of Edinburgh study found pheromones effective in reducing stress-related behaviours.
🐟 5. Consider Dietary Support
Supplements like L-theanine, alpha-casozepine, or calming treats can help balance stress hormones. Ask your vet before adding any supplement.
🧠 6. Behaviour Modification
Use positive reinforcement to reward calm behaviour. Gradual desensitisation can help your cat cope with stress triggers. For ongoing issues, consider working with a certified feline behaviourist.
When to Call in the Experts
If anxiety persists despite your best efforts, it’s time to seek professional support:
- ✅ Your Vet: To rule out pain, illness, or nutritional imbalances.
- ✅ Feline Behaviourist: For tailored advice on managing complex behavioural issues.
👉 Find certified professionals via the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC).
Final Thought
Your cat depends on you to make sense of their behaviour and to create a calm, secure environment. With patience and the right tools, from pheromones to play, most anxious cats can recover and thrive.
🧡 You know your cat best. Trust your instincts and give them the gentle support they need.
