Is My Cat Stressed? 8 Warning Signs Every Cat Owner Should Know

Cats are masters at hiding their emotions. In the wild, showing weakness could make them targets for predators, so our domestic cats have inherited this instinct to mask their feelings. This means your cat could be stressed without you even realizing it.

Here's something that might surprise you: indoor cats often experience more stress than outdoor cats. Limited territory, lack of mental stimulation, and multi-cat household dynamics can all contribute to chronic feline anxiety. The key is learning to recognize the subtle signs.

What Causes Stress in Cats?

Cats are creatures of habit who value routine and territory above almost everything else. Common stress triggers include:

• Environmental changes - Moving, new furniture, renovations
• New family members - Babies, partners, roommates, other pets
• Multi-cat conflicts - Competition for resources and territory
• Loud noises - Construction, parties, thunderstorms
• Routine disruptions - Changed feeding times, owner's new schedule
• Medical issues - Pain or illness can manifest as stress behaviors

The 8 Warning Signs Your Cat Is Stressed

1. Hiding More Than Usual

All cats hide sometimes - it's normal behavior. But if your usually social cat has started spending hours under the bed or in closets, refusing to come out even for food or treats, stress may be the cause. A stressed cat seeks safety in isolation.

2. Over-Grooming or Hair Loss

Cats groom when they're stressed - it's a self-soothing behavior. But excessive grooming can lead to bald patches, especially on the belly, inner legs, or paws. This condition, called "psychogenic alopecia," is a clear sign your cat is struggling emotionally.

3. Changes in Eating Habits

Has your cat suddenly lost interest in food? Or maybe they're eating much more than usual? Both extremes can indicate stress. A cat who skips meals for more than 24 hours should see a vet, as this can quickly become dangerous.

4. Urinating Outside the Litter Box

This is one of the most common and frustrating signs of feline stress. If your cat suddenly starts urinating on furniture, beds, or laundry - especially near doors or windows - it's often a territorial stress response. (Always rule out urinary tract issues with your vet first.)

5. Aggression or Irritability

A stressed cat may become unexpectedly aggressive - hissing, swatting, or biting when touched. If your normally sweet cat has become "moody" or reactive, don't take it personally. They're telling you something is wrong.

6. Excessive Vocalization

Stressed cats may meow, yowl, or cry more than usual, especially at night. This can be particularly pronounced in senior cats experiencing cognitive changes. The vocalization is often a call for reassurance.

7. Decreased Activity or Lethargy

While cats do sleep 12-16 hours a day, a stressed cat may sleep even more or show little interest in play, exploration, or interaction. If your normally curious cat has become a "bump on a log," stress could be the culprit.

8. Scratching More Than Usual

Cats scratch to mark territory and relieve stress. If your cat has suddenly increased their scratching - especially on new surfaces or near windows and doors - they may be trying to establish security in their territory.

How to Help a Stressed Cat

Once you've identified that your cat is stressed, there are many effective ways to help them feel more secure:

Environmental Enrichment

• Vertical space - Cat trees, shelves, and perches give cats control over their environment
• Hiding spots - Cardboard boxes, covered beds, and cat caves provide security
• Window access - "Cat TV" (watching birds) provides mental stimulation
• Interactive play - Daily play sessions burn off anxious energy

Calming Products

• Feliway diffusers - Release synthetic feline facial pheromones that signal safety
• CBD oil for cats - May help reduce anxiety without sedation
• Calming treats - Often contain L-theanine or chamomile
• Thundershirts - Gentle compression can have calming effects on some cats

Multi-Cat Household Tips

• One litter box per cat, plus one - Prevents resource guarding
• Multiple feeding stations - Reduces mealtime competition
• Separate territories - Each cat needs their own "safe zone"
• Slow introductions - For new cats, take weeks, not days

When to See a Vet

Always consult your veterinarian if your cat's behavior changes suddenly. Many stress-like symptoms can also indicate medical problems. Your vet can rule out health issues and, if needed, prescribe anti-anxiety medication for severe cases.

Understanding Your Cat's Stress Level

Every cat responds to stress differently. Some show one or two subtle signs; others display multiple obvious symptoms. Understanding your individual cat's stress signals helps you intervene early, before anxiety becomes chronic.

Our cat anxiety calculator was designed to help you evaluate multiple aspects of your cat's behavior and environment, giving you a clear picture of their stress level and specific recommendations to help.