How Do Cats Handle Stress?

Cats are creatures of habit. Disruptions to their routines can stress them out. For example, when a new pet is brought into the home, especially another cat that it does not bond with. They also pick up negative emotions from their owners. There are some ways to tell if your cat is stressed.

• Loss of Appetite: Cats are typically eaters. If your pet has lost interest in eating, that could be a sign of distress.
• Inappropriate Urination: Stress can cause cats to urinate outside their litter box. This stress could come from a dirty litter box. It could also be a sign of an underlying health issue. If the urination incidents persist, consult a veterinarian.
• Not Being Social: Despite the aloof stereotype, cats are social creatures. If your cats have suddenly isolated themselves, it could be a sign of distress.
• Excessive Grooming: Cats are very good about grooming themselves, but it is not normal to lick themselves raw or bald. If they are exhibiting behavior like this, it is a sign of distress, one that probably warrants a visit to the vet.
• Aggression: Aggressive behavior is often a sign of stress or sickness.

There are ways to soothe them. One is to play with distressed cats. Play helps them burn off excess energy and creates feel-good hormones. Spending quality time with them helps, too. Just sit down with them and give them affection in the way they like the most.

There will always be stress triggers that pop up sometimes. Recognizing and managing those triggers will help reduce problems.

Learn more:

Stress in Cats. [Internet] Available from: https://icatcare.org/advice/stress-in-cats/

Reducing Stress for Cats. [Internet] Available from: https://www.humanesociety.org/news/keeping-cats-stress-free

Print PDF