Cats may appear to be relaxed, quiet beings, but just as humans, they can be prone to stress. Some things that can cause stress in cats include moving into a new home, adding a new cat to the household, having visitors over and other changes in your cat's environment and routine. Look for these signs that your cat is stressed.
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Obsessive Chewing
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Cats may chew and lick as a way to manifest stress and discomfort. This behavior can be carried out to the extent that your cat develops unsightly hair loss and even serious sores.
Loss of Appetite
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When stress affects cats, they tend to lose their appetite. Cats refusing food for more than a day or two should be brought to the veterinarian's attention, so that she can test for a disorder known as ''fatty liver disease."
Seclusion
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Stressed cats may develop a tendency to hide for long periods of time. This is often seen in cats that are exposed to loud noises or who have been around children or other pets that have caused stress and fear.
Inappropriate Elimination
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Stressed cats may urinate and defecate in places other than the litter box. The cat may be too fearful to move about and may decide to go near its favorite hiding places.
Aggression
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When cats are stressed, they sometimes become aggressive. A typical scenario is ''redirected aggression." With this condition, a cat may see a person or animal out of the window, become overcharged with fear, and then attack its owner.
Conclusion
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While stress in cats may be limited to a few days, prolonged stress may have a negative impact on the cat's overall health and well-being. If your cat is exhibiting symptoms of stress, contact your veterinarian.
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