Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety in Cats

It's hard to imagine that the ball of fluff curled up on your couch could be stressed. But cats may be even more prone to anxiety than humans are. Overcrowding, just a tiny change in the cat's environment, overnight guests or the arrival of a new baby or puppy or kitten can all cause a cat to show signs of anxiety and stress.

  1. Spraying

    • Even neutered male cats and spayed females spray indoors when they're stressed. Spraying is most common in multi-cat households, where overcrowding can cause the cats to feel anxious. Providing floor-to-ceiling cat trees for perching and tunnels or empty cartons for hiding expand the cats' territory and relieve anxiety. An outdoor enclosure also expands the cats' territory and reduces stress.

    Pulling Out Fur

    • Some cats groom themselves excessively or pull their fur out when feeling anxious. Rescue Remedy can take the edge off a cat's anxiety and will not make the cat feel or act drugged. Health food stores sell Rescue Remedy.

    Aggression

    • Cats who are stressed sometimes take out their anxiety on other feline family members. Playing several times a day with an interactive "wand" or "fishing pole" toy or going outside on a harness and leash will burn up energy and relieve boredom and stress.

    Hiding

    • Cats who are frightened by a very loud noise, overnight guests or a new kitten or puppy often seek safety under a bed or in a closet and may stay there for days. If your cat hides for more than a few hours, he'll need food, water and a litter box in or near his hiding place.

    Not Using the Litter Box

    • Inappropriate elimination is often a symptom of illness, but it can also be a sign of anxiety and fear. Putting a box near the "safe" location the cat has chosen could encourage the cat to start using the litter box again.