Cats are known for their reserved nature, so you must have seen them staying aloof most of the time. This can also sometimes make them vulnerable to stress and anxiety. If you are a cat owner, you should be aware of certain signs of stress in the felines so that you can deal with them proactively to ensure good health.
Here are seven common signs of stress in cats,
1) Change in Behaviour
A behaviour change is one of the most apparent signs of stress in cats. If your normally friendly cat suddenly becomes disinterested in everything or starts hiding, know something is bothering them. On the other hand, a normally calm cat can become suddenly aggressive or clingy when they get stressed.
2) Loss of Appetite
Although cats are known for their picky eating, a drastic loss of appetite can be a sign of stress in them. If your cat is not eating as much as they used to or is refusing their favourite food, monitor their behaviour and consult the veterinarian immediately.
3) Too Much Grooming
While self-grooming is considered normal behaviour in cats, too much of it could indicate stress. Seeing your cat licking or chewing obsessively on one particular area of their skin could sign a stress problem.
4) Urinary Issues
Stress in cats can also be revealed through their urinary issues. If your cat suddenly starts urinating outside of their litter or has difficulty urinating, it could be a sign of stress-related issues like bladder or urinary tract inflammation.
5) Aggression or Destructive Behaviour
Cats can get aggressive or show destructive behaviour when they are feeling stressed. They may indulge in undesirable behaviour like scratching the furniture, biting, or hissing at family members or other pets. Understanding their causes is important to solve the behavioural issues in cats.
6) Avoiding the Litter Box
Cats care a lot about their hygiene, so if you see them avoid using their litter box next time, know that it could indicate stress. This could also be a sign of underlying illness, so you should immediately contact your veterinarian once you see this next time.
7) Making too Much Noise
Although some cats can be more vocal than others, excessive meowing or yowling can be a sign of a stressed cat. Pay attention to the intensity and frequency of your cat’s sound, as they may be trying to show their discomfort to you.
In Short,
These are 7 common signs that will instantly reveal to you that your cat is stressed. Once you see that they are in discomfort, you should immediately contact your veterinarian, who can tell you the exact reason. They will also identify the onset of any illnesses and nip it from the bud before they get complicated.
