Is your cat trying to tell you something? How to know if your cat is stressed, and what you can do to help.

A lot of owners find it hard to believe that their cat may be stressed. They’ve got food, water, toys, a warm place to sleep.

What could they possibly have to be stressed about?

The short answer is, quite a lot! In this article we’ll have a look at the signs of stress in cats, the causes of
stress, and finally how to help a stressed cat.

Signs of STRESS

Cats are subtle animals so the signs of stress can be hard to spot unless you know what you’re looking for. In fact, a lot of the symptoms of stress may be misinterpreted as cats being naughty, aggressive or jealous.

The list of stress symptoms is long and varied. Your cat may not show all of these symptoms.

Stress in cats is far more common than most owners realise, so if your cat is showing some of these signs, then talk to your vet.

Some of the signs of stress in cats include:

• Hiding away
• Scratching (furniture, walls, fencing)
• Appetite changes
• Toileting in strange places
• Urine spraying
• Meowing or crying
• Hissing
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Overgrooming
• Cystitis
• Avoiding going outside
• Staying out for long periods
• Sitting crouched or hunched up
• Licking lips
• Half closed eyes

The main thing to look for is a CHANGE.

If your cat is doing something NEW or DIFFERENT then it’s worth considering that they may be worried about something.

For example, a previously friendly and confident cat may start to spend a lot of time under the bed. Or a cat who has always been litter-trained starts to wee in the closet or behind the sofa.

Perhaps your cat has started to avoid coming home for meals or is staying out all night.

If you cat’s behaviour changes then something may be wrong. Speak to your vet about how to help.

Causes of Stress

If you suspect that your cat may be showing signs of stress, then the next step is to try and work out what may be worrying them.

By far the most common source of stress for cats is OTHER CATS, either in the same household, or other cats in the neighbourhood.

Cats like to be in control of their environment. So when they have to share resources (space, feeding places, toileting places, resting places) with other cats they don’t usually like it.

Other sources of stress include:

• Boredom
• Illness
• Visitors
• New furniture
• A new pet
• A new baby
• Different litter
• Building work
• Too much attention
• Not enough
  attention

How to Help

There isn’t one quick fix to managing your cat’s stress. But thinking about your cat’s needs, and how you interact with them can help make things better.

Cats like to be masters of their own destiny: they are happiest when they are able to control their environment and choose when and where to eat, sleep, toilet, and play. Bearing this mind will help you make the right choices for them

• Ensure your cat has free access to food, water (in a separate place to his food), toileting areas and resting areas.
  
  If you have multiple cats, ensure that no cat can block another cat’s access to resources.
  
  A good rule of thumb is 1+1: have 1 of everything for each cat, plus 1 extra.
  
• Even if you only have one cat, consider whether other cats may be worrying your cat.
  
  Do neighbourhood cats come into your garden?
  Can they see into the house?
  Canthey access your cat flap?
  
  That is really threatening behaviour for a cat.
  
  If you don’t think this is a big deal put yourself in your cat’s place: imagine if your neighbours sat on
  your fence and stared into your kitchen, or just walked through your house on their way to the shops.
  
  Scary, right? That’s how your cat feels when another cat comes into his territory.

• If you have multiple cats always remember that YOU chose THEM.
  
  In most cases they did not choose each other, and they may not be happy about living together.
  
  Imagine if you had to live with someone you didn’t like!
  
  Bear in mind that just because cats are sitting NEAR each other, that doesn’t mean they are happy together.
  
  Bonded cats will curl up together and groom each other.
  
  Unbonded cats may sit near each other but face away, close their eyes, or stay in a crouched position.
  
• BOREDOM is another common cause of stress, especially among indoor-only cats.
  
  Make sure that your cat’s environment is stimulating and varied and interesting.
  
  Change things regularly to keep them interested.
  
  Many cats have a strong hunting instinct. If this is not satisfied they may become frustrated, destructive and anxious.
  
  Choose toys and games that allow your cat to express his natural desire to stalk, catch and eat prey.
  
• Consider your interactions with your cat.
  
  Some cats are very sociable and crave attention, while others prefer to have some space.
  
  To avoid causing them stress, let your cat decide when and how often to interact with you and your family.
  
• Finally, always consider that ILL HEALTH can cause stress as well.
  
  There is an link between emotional and physical health in people, and the same is true for cats.
  
  If you think that your cat is showing signs of stress, they may be poorly.
  
  Speak to your vet about your concerns and get him checked out.

Boredom Busters!

An interesting and varied environment is important for ALL cats, but indoor-only cats especially can suffer stress if they don’t get the enrichment they need.

Here’s some tips to keep your cats busy…

• TOYS TOYS TOYS.
  
  Have lots of different toys for your cat and change them regularly so they don’t get bored.
  
• Satisfy your cat’s hunting instinct by wrapping a treat or a piece of chicken or prawn in some waxed paper.
  
  Tie it to a string and play with your cat, allowing them to stalk, catch and then unwrap and eat his “prey”.
  
• Hide treats around the house for your cat to find.
  
  Start with them in easy-to-find spots and make it gradually harder.
  
  Hide treats under upturned yogurt pots or blankets.
  
• Make sure your cat can see out the window from a safe spot that is not overlooked.
  
• Cats love to hide in boxes and tunnels.
  
  Keep boxes from deliveries or shopping for your cat to play in.
  
  Hide toys or treats inside and make holes for your cat to reach through.

Key Points

• Any change in your cat’s behaviour may be a sign of stress.
  
• The most common cause of stress in cats is OTHER CATS.
  
• Help your cat manage stress by providing free access to key resources such as food,
  water, toilet areas, and resting and playing areas.
  
• If you think your cat may be stressed then speak to your vet for help.