What are the signs of fear? When frightened, some cats may hide, try to appear smaller, pull their ears back and be immobile. Other cats may show signs of agitation or aggression, such as dilated pupils, arched back, pilo-erection (hair standing on end), and hissing.
Cat anxiety symptoms include:
Hiding, pacing, crouching defensively. New aggressive or overly clingy behavior. Meowing way more than usual. Coat changes from not grooming or bald patches from over-grooming.
Cats that receive insufficient exposure and contact with people, other animals and new environments during their first two months may develop irreversible fears, leading to timidity or aggression.
When we're afraid, our bodies release chemicals and hormones that can alter our scent. Cats can detect these changes with their powerful sense of smell and react accordingly. They may become more cautious or avoidant around fearful humans or offer comfort and affection to help ease our anxiety.
Causes of anxiety in cats
Most commonly, fears and phobias are a result of traumatic or unpleasant experiences or the inability to escape threatening situations. A cat can also develop fears and anxiety due to limited exposure to specific objects or situations while they were young.
Signs of Emotional Trauma in Cats and Dogs
Trauma can also manifest as “shaking, hiding, urination and/or defecation when the trigger attempts to interact, howling, pacing, excessive vocalization, and panting,” says Pia Silvani, director of behavioral rehabilitation at the ASPCA's Behavioral Rehabilitation Center.
Unfamiliar Objects, Fruit or People
But it is a good example of cats being afraid of unfamiliar things (people, objects, fruits, etc.). Cats like to feel safe and secure in their home — if something new enters their space, that's probably going to cause some stress.
Pacing and Pouncing —One of the most obvious ways your cat tells you there is an intruder is when they are trying to hunt them down. For example, if you see your cat sniffing and pacing around your kitchen cabinets you may have a mouse behind them!
Your cat is scared.
A frightened cat may start out with protest meows, but more often fear turns cries into hisses and growls. A truly frightened cat hides and falls silent, not wanting to draw attention to himself. Figure out what's scary and help relieve kitty angst.
Previous scientific research has shown that cats don't just purr when they're happy, but also when they're distressed or afraid. There is also a theory that purring is a defence mechanism, and a way for cats to keep calm in stressful situations, as the vibrations produced can help to keep cats relaxed.
When you take on a cat or kitten it may be quiet and wary for the first few days or even the first few weeks until it gets used to you and its new environment. However, some cats remain very fearful despite a gentle welcome and time to settle in.
This is because cats are territorial and their primary protective measure from predators is to hide in silence. Cats that are afraid (and cats that are injured) will seek areas of concealment such as under a deck, under a house, under a porch, or in heavy brush and they will not meow!
“If you have visitors and the cat isn't being social, ignoring him is the best idea—don't force him to come say hello,” says Larocco-Skeehan. “Make sure your cat has a safe place to escape to—set up a room with food, water, a comfy spot to rest and a litter box.”
If your cat is excited or scared, such as when they are in an unfamiliar situation or have just experienced trauma, they may have an abnormally high heart rate. The cat's pulse should be strong and easy to feel. If the pulse is weak or feels like it is getting weaker, then it is another sign of shock.
Cats alter their behavior when they mourn much like people do: They may become depressed and listless. They may have a decreased appetite and decline to play. They may sleep more than usual and move more slowly, sulking around.
In a research made by Nottingham Trent University, the findings show that cats are able to determine when their humans are anxious or stressed. Apart from this, they can also mirror their human's emotions and well-being.
Most animals that are being abused give tell-tale signs in their behavior. Commonly, the cats are described as seeming "cowed", hunkering down with dilated eyes, glancing around for an escape route.
To tell if your cat is in bodyguard mode, look for the following cat body language: Dilated eyes. Pointed ears turned out like satellite dishes. Sharp, quick tail movements.
Texture: Sticky paper, aluminum foil, heavy plastic or a plastic carpet runner (knubby side up) can be placed in areas you want to be off limits. Cats hate walking on these surfaces.
As a general rule, cats are sensitive when it comes to smells, but there are a few scents they hate that might just surprise you. They can't stand citrus and as much as you might love the smell of fresh herbs, cats hate rosemary and thyme. Banana and mustard are a big no-no too, as well as lavender and eucalyptus.
Cats can be scared of a wide range of noises, including doorbells, fireworks, household appliances, lawnmowers, slamming doors and thunder, as well as the honking of car horns or the loud blare of car alarms. Noises can be a particular problem for cats at certain times of year, such as Bonfire Night.
PTSD in cats is an anxiety disorder that can develop following exposure to a terrifying event or situation in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. This disorder can cause cats to change their behaviors drastically.