Increased vocalisation. Not wanting to go outside anymore. Scratching furniture – although many cats do this, an increase or scratching in a new place could suggest a rise in stress.
Symptoms Your Cat Is Stressed
Spraying and urinating outside the litter box are traditional stress symptoms for cats, even after they've been neutered or spayed. A howling cat that meows excessively may be a sign of stress, as can eating less or sleeping more. Excessive grooming and scratching can be stress-induced.
Common signs of stress include:
Territorial marking behaviors. Excessive grooming or self-mutilation. Immobility (depression) and hiding. Redirected aggression toward people or other animals.
Cats can also have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), reports Atlanta Pet Life. They can have it from abuse, abandonment, loss of an owner, and a life-threatening disaster.
While purring is most commonly associated with an expression of cat happiness, your cat may also purr while stressed or anxious, like when visiting the vet. If your cat is nervous, purring can be a way for them to self-soothe and calm down.
If your cat has anxiety, you may notice pacing or restlessness, hiding, decreased appetite, vocalization, hypervigilance, trembling, salivation, and excessive grooming.
Boredom can be a big problem for cats, but so can overstimulation. Because cats have sensitive hearing and skin, excessive noise and touching can cause a great deal of stress. Constant, loud TV and music, dogs barking and people shouting might be stressful. So is too much touching.
Loud and startling thumps, bangs, and clanks aren't the only noises that can stress cats. High-frequency sounds such as whistling tea kettles and even the sound of our voices can cause anxiety, says Dr. Jill Sackman, head of behavioral medicine service at Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners in various locations in Michigan.
Hissing, growling, biting, slashing, or digging their nails into your skin are fairly clear indications that a cat is not happy with you. Of course, some cats do play a little rough, and most cats will give a love bite now and then, but if your cat bites you hard enough to break the skin, that is one pissed-off cat.
They include, Approaching you (it's a little gesture, but it means they feel safe) Head butting and rubbing. Purring.
You'll know your cat is happy if they show affection to you and want to interact with you. A content kitty loves scritches, snuggles, head boops, and lap sits. Every cat is different, of course, and some prefer to lay near you rather than on you. In general, though, a happy cat shows it by being close to their human.
Given that catnip can have a calming, soothing effect, it can be used to: help reduce a cat's stress and anxiety when going to the vet, help reduce stress when traveling, help with urinary issues (note that stress is a major contributing factor to urinary obstruction in cats!).
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.
Signs of a Depressed Cat
Loss of appetite or changes in feeding habits. Changes in body language, including ears held back, tucked tail, and hairs standing on end. Meowing more or less than usual or making low-pitched, mournful meows. Lack of energy or a decrease in activity level.
Provide a stimulating environment for when they're alone: think hideaways and tunnels, cat trees and perches, hanging toys with catnip and interactive toys. Leave quietly while your cat is otherwise occupied. Don't play with your cat or pick him up for hugs and affection right before walking out.
In addition to being petted, do cats like to be held? Sometimes. Most cats love to snuggle, and they're typically responsive to being held if you introduce them to it gradually. The best way to approach your cat for a hug is to start with a few soft pets, then carefully pick them up.