Cats are subtle animals, so it can be challenging to tell if you are the owner of a stressed cat. Sometimes their behavior changes slightly, or it is perceived as 'naughty.' The domestic cat is a master at hiding signs of stress; it is simply in their nature.

Has your feline suddenly started scratching the furniture or spends most of the time hiding in the closet? If they used to be confident, the likelihood is that something is stressing them out.

Let's go step by step and first see what cat anxiety is, the main signs of cat stress, and what we can do about it.

What is Cat Anxiety?

Like human anxiety, anxiety in cats is the worry of the future. Is it about an imagined or real threat? It doesn't necessarily matter. The emotion that creates it is the most important. Cats' bodies respond to stress, which causes changes in their behavior.

Signs of Cat Stress

Anxiety manifests in many different ways.

Cat body language might look like a riddle, but there are specific signs of stressed cats telling you something is wrong. Has your feline recently started:

⦿ Avoiding eye contact

⦿ Hiding more than usual

⦿ Becoming intolerant

⦿ Hesitating to use the litter tray

⦿ Eating or drinking less

⦿ Overeating

⦿ Scratching the furniture

⦿ Excessively meowing

⦿ Hissing?

If you have noticed some of these signs, your pet might struggle with stress.

What is causing Cat Stress?

Some cats are hypersensitive, and conditions that affect one may not affect another. Some of the most common reasons behind cat anxiety are:

⦿ The cat is sharing a home with another cat. If you plan to adopt a cat, try to find a sibling pair.

⦿ Does your neighbor have a cat that likes visiting your backyard? Maybe your furry friend has been 'bullied' by another cat.

⦿ Cats love privacy, especially when using a litter tray. Keep it not only clean but put it in a quiet place.

⦿ Have you moved recently? Many cats don't like changing environments. New surroundings make them feel insecure.

⦿ Many felines like to cuddle, but some might find it overwhelming. Although cats are well-known for quick reactions, maybe yours find it challenging to show they are unhappy.

Pay attention to the cat's body language and give it the option to remove itself from the interaction.

How to Help a Stressed Cat

Are you worried about the change in your cat's behavior? You can do many things to calm it, but you can also visit the vet to hear a second opinion.

How to Reduce Stress in a Cat

One of the essential parts of relieving stress in cats is play. You read it well; play will help the cat release feel-good hormones. According to the experts, providing cats with physical and mental stimulation is as essential as giving them food and water.

⦿ Try to reduce cat anxiety by:

⦿ Making sure your feline has everything it needs

⦿ Not trying to handle them if they are not keen

⦿ Giving it some privacy

⦿ Helping them to manage changes

Stress in cats is an instant response to a threat that activates its fight response. It is crucial to spot the signs of stress in your pet in time and try to reduce it as much as possible so that it stays healthy and lives happily.