How Do I Know My Cat Is Stressed?

Cats are extremely crafty at hiding illness, pain and stress. Understanding what changes might lead to stress can help us predict it.

Stressful situations

Stress can occur in many different situations, including:

• Changes in environment – new household members, new pets, renovations or any other changes that disrupt the household, are noisy and potentially frightening.
• Changes in routine – our cats thrive on regular care times including feeding and play.
• Changes in health – stress may occur when our cats are sick or in pain.
• Empathy – cats often sense our own stress, so if there is undue stress in your life, chances are your cat knows and feels the same.

Changes in behaviour

Being aware of your cat’s normal personality and daily routines will help you identify when something is wrong.

When cats are stressed, they change their behaviour. Most often, the changes may be very subtle to us; however, there are times when they might be obvious.

Consider, for example, where your cat normally sleeps, for how long, and at what times of the day. If you suddenly notice that your cat is sleeping in a new location, at different times or for longer periods, this might be a sign of stress. More obvious signs might include hiding, increased meowing or a loss of appetite.

If you think you are observing signs of stress and potential illness in your cat, schedule a consultation with your veterinarian as soon as possible so that they can help you identify and rectify problems before they progress.