Signs Your Cat is Stressed Out

Cat owners know just how emotional and sensitive cats can be. They can be lonely, stressed or depressed. However, they don't express themselves like we do. This is why we need to pay special attention to the cat behavior that they exhibit.

Some of the most common signs that show your cat is stressed include diet changes (either overeating or the loss of appetite), being overly fearful or urinating outside of their litter box. Whenever your cat demonstrates any of these behaviors, you need to take a look at the environment. Even something as simple as a move can greatly upset your cat.

It is also important to pay attention to the toileting habits of your feline friend. This is because sometimes your cat will associate the pain of stress with her litter box. In such instances, your cat may begin going to the bathroom outside of her litter box. To be sure that this is a sign of stress, you will need to take your cat to the vet in order to ensure that she doesn't have a bladder or urinary tract infection. You may also find yourself dealing with a case of cat constipation whenever your cat gets stressed.

Your cat may have numerous different types of stressors that you may not have ever thought about. These include a new addition to the family (either furry or human), a change in your work schedule and loud noises. This may cause more cat grooming, hiding, or aggressive behavior than normal.

Another important note on cat grooming that you should know about is that stress can lead to skin problems for your cat. This is because your cat may either completely stop grooming herself or she may groom herself too much. In the first instance, your cat will become dirty and matted while in the second instance she may lick and chew on certain areas so much that she gives herself bald spots.

While the aforementioned signs of stress can be quite apparent, there are also some signs that really aren't as apparent. Some of the more subtle signs include eating more or less and a change in her sleeping habits.

Make sure to pay attention if you notice any of these symptoms. They are your cat's way of showing that she is stressed out or that something is bothering her. If you need additional help keeping your cat stress free, then make sure to talk to your vet.