Many feline guardians concur that their pets are akin to family. We’d go to great lengths for their well-being: anything. However, at times, we might overlook our own flaws as diligent pet owners. Despite having the best motives, we may introduce seemingly minor alterations that could be disastrous for our cats.
Okay, maybe disastrous is somewhat exaggerated. Or perhaps not. You are aware of how cats can be: overly dramatic.
This doesn’t imply that cats are fragile and delicate. Nonetheless, they do have a tendency to be sensitive to certain environmental stressors that their humans might not even notice.
Here are five indicators that suggest your cat is under stress.
1. Aggression.
If your cat begins to show increased aggression towards you or other pets by displaying unusual biting, scratching, or hissing behaviors, something in the environment might be causing them distress. It’s not that your cat suddenly dislikes you; it’s simply one of the limited ways she can communicate her distress. If your cat is biting or scratching, here are some suggestions on how to safely and positively curb this behavior.
The secret to alleviating your cat’s anxiety and fear lies in identifying the source of their stress, which may be evident to the cats but not to us humans.
2. Hiding.
Most cats have an instinctive sense of “stranger danger” and seek refuge under the bed when visitors arrive. But if your cat starts hiding consistently, even at times they would typically interact with you (such as mealtime), something in their surroundings might be causing them stress.
3. Litter box changes.
When a usually tidy cat starts eliminating outside their litter box, it is often a sign of stress. It could be a simple issue like your cat disliking the new litter you’re using, or you’ve placed the litter box in an undesirable location. Perhaps you’ve introduced a new cat or dog, which is a clear stressor. Or maybe you’re not maintaining the litter box as clean as your cat would prefer. Consider any recent changes you have implemented. Eliminating outside their litter box can also indicate underlying health problems, so a veterinary checkup might be necessary.
4. Excessive grooming.
Cats are meticulous groomers, spending countless hours grooming and cleaning their fur. A cat under stress might increase grooming as it helps calm them. Licking releases endorphins, aiding an anxious kitty in self-soothing. But anxious or stressed cats may start to groom excessively, known as feline psychogenic alopecia, to the point of licking themselves bald, pulling out fur patches, and scratching themselves raw.
5. A decrease in appetite.
While we often joke about cats always being hungry, many cat parents struggle with feeding a picky eater. There’s an endless list of wet foods my cat will turn his nose up at. The list of foods he will consume is remarkably short. So if he suddenly stops eating his preferred food, I’d be highly concerned. A decrease in appetite can indicate significant stress or even depression in your cat. A reduced appetite can also be a sign of illness, and a veterinary visit might be required.
Causes of Stress in Cats:
- Environmental alterations, such as introducing a new household member or changes in the physical environment (e.g., construction)
- A sudden shift in daily routine
- A monotonous household that doesn’t allow for natural cat behaviors like hunting, scratching, and territorial marking
- Conflicts between cats or other animals due to the introduction of a new pet
- The loss of a companion pet or owner.
Cats are quite adept at concealing their discomfort, making it challenging to ascertain if your cat is experiencing chronic stress. But as a member of your household, you likely understand them more than you realize. So if something seems unusual, don’t hesitate to consult your vet.
