Signs of stress in cats: Symptoms and relief

From moving house to adding a new pet to the family, changes to your routine can trigger cat stress and anxiety. But knowing the physical signs of stress in cats means you can take steps to help them stay calm and address any underlying issues.

From hiding and unusual toileting habits to tense body language and destructive behaviour, here are 10 signs your cat is stressed. Please note that other underlying medical conditions, such as pain, can also cause these signs and symptoms.

When cats are stressed, their first instinct is often to try and get away. If your cat seems withdrawn or is hiding more than usual, it could be a sign that they’re struggling. 

Try not to disturb them and don’t be tempted to coax them out of their hiding place. It’s always best to let them approach you. Cat behaviour – such as hiding – can also be a sign of pain, so if you’re unsure, take your cat to your vet for a checkup.

Spraying urine is different from normal weeing, because it’s a deliberate act to mark territory. It’s more common in male cats, but females can spray too.  

Spraying is fairly normal outside, but can be a sign of stress if your cat does it inside the house away from their litter tray. Watch out for your cat standing with their tail quivering in the air as a tell-tale sign of spraying.  

Pooing in unusual but open places is called ‘middening’ and can happen when cats feel extremely anxious. Some cats may also get diarrhoea when they’re stressed.

While some cats are fussy eaters, don’t assume your cat is just being picky if they suddenly go off their food. Loss of appetite can be a sign your cat is stressed or anxious. Other signs include overeating, drinking less, vomiting and exaggerated swallowing or licking their nose.

Feline cystitis and urinary tract problems can be caused by stress. If you notice your cat is trying to wee more often but only producing small amounts of urine; struggling to urinate or weeing in strange places, it can be a sign something’s wrong. This is particularly worrisome in male cats, as this can be a sign of urethral obstruction (which is life-threatening).

These conditions can be painful, and urinary tract issues can be more serious in male cats. If you notice any of the above signs, contact your vet for a check-up as soon as possible.

Overgrooming is another sign of stress – you might see patches of sparse hair or even areas of skin with complete hair loss.

But don’t worry if your cat stops what they’re doing and licks themselves briefly; this is a displacement behaviour and is a simple way for your cat to calm themselves down if they see or hear something unexpected.

Some cats become more vocal when they’re stressed. This could mean meowing more than usual, but you might also hear your cat hissing, growling or yowling at night.

Some cats are just more talkative than others, but any changes to your cat’s usual vocalisation habits can mean something’s wrong.

Your cat’s body language can tell you a lot about how they’re feeling. Physical signs of stress in a cat include:  

• Ears turned back or to the side  
• End of tail twitching repeatedly  
• Head held lower than usual 
• Tail tucked under the body 
• Crouching down 
• Dilated pupils  
• Tense posture  
• Arched back

Stress can sometimes result in destructive behaviour like scratching furniture, carpets or other items. Scratching is normal, but if it’s more excessive than usual, it might be your cat’s way of coping with stress or anxiety.

Always make sure your cat has a scratching post and try redirecting them to it, rather than your furniture.

When stressed, your normally friendly cat might start biting, hissing or swatting at you with their paws.

The most common reason an adult cat starts biting is pain, so it’s always important to watch out for signs of pain and speak to your vet if your cat suddenly becomes aggressive.

Some cats become more withdrawn when they’re stressed, while others might start pacing or find it difficult to settle. Try keeping track of your cat’s typical activity levels, so it’s easier to notice when something changes.

To help your cat stay calm, try to identify what’s causing their anxiety. This might be something temporary, such as loud noises, or something more permanent, like an underlying medical problem or something environmental, like a new pet.

You can use our tips below to help reduce stress and encourage calmer behaviour, but it’s also a good idea to speak with your vet to rule out any health issues or pain.

Changes to your cat’s routine can make them even more anxious, so try to feed them at the same time and interact with them as you usually would.

If you’re home more than normal, you might be tempted to spend more time cuddling your cat or trying to play with them. While some cats enjoy this extra interaction, others may become anxious if they’re overhandled. Give them the room to move away and do their own thing, then wait for them to come back on their terms when they’re ready.

Pheromones are natural chemicals released by cats as a way to communicate. Pheromone diffusers and sprays contain a synthetic version, which may help with cat stress relief. 

Does catnip help cat anxiety? 

This really depends on your individual cat’s reaction to catnip – but it’s said that catnip can help to reduce anxiety and even alleviate pain in cats that respond well to it. 

Make sure your cat’s environment includes lots of opportunities for mental and physical stimulation. Add a tall scratching post with a wide base, places to hide and lots of toys. You could even set up a bird-watching station in a window, where your cat can watch the world go by.

If your cat shows signs of separation anxiety, spend some time helping them learn to be independent. Give them things to do, like a puzzle feeder or lick mat while you’re in the same room. You could even try leaving some ‘ cat music’ on for them – which research shows may lower stress-related behaviours.

To help with cat stress relief, make sure your cat always has a safe place they can retreat to.

Try placing their cat bed on a couple of cardboard boxes in a quiet corner. As some cats prefer to be up high, you can also make your home cat-friendly by placing a blanket on a shelf or by adding a cat tree. The darker and cosier the spot, the safer your cat will feel.

If your cat spends time both in and outside, adding a cat flap can help them feel more in control, as they can come and go as they like. You could try a high-tech version that recognises your cat’s microchip and prevents other cats coming into the house, or a lockable one so you can keep your cat indoors at night.

If you’re worried about your cat’s stress levels, or their signs of anxiety or stress continue after a situation is resolved, ask your vet for advice. If you have cat insurance with Petplan, you can also use our free Pet Expert Chat feature to connect with trusted experts who can help you come up with long-lasting solutions.  

Remember, every cat is different, and many factors affect what they find stressful. If you have multiple cats, one might find fireworks scary while the other isn’t bothered. That’s why it’s important to respond to potentially stressful situations in a way that suits your cat’s individual needs and personality.  

By learning to recognise the signs of stress in cats early, you can help your pets feel calmer, happier and healthier.