10 Signs Your Cat Is Stressed (And What to Do About Each One)

Cats evolved as both predator and prey animal, which means showing vulnerability — including the vulnerability of being unwell or distressed — is not in their nature. A stressed cat does not usually come to you and communicate the problem. Instead, the signs appear in behaviour, in physical symptoms, and in subtle changes that are easy to miss if you do not know what you are looking for.

1. Hiding More Than Usual

All cats hide sometimes. A cat that suddenly begins spending most of the day in one hiding spot, or retreats behind furniture when they previously moved freely around the house, is telling you something has changed. Common causes: a new person or pet in the household, construction noise nearby, changes in routine, or an underlying health issue causing them to feel vulnerable. Do not force them out. Instead, identify what has changed and reduce the stressor where possible. Make the hiding spot comfortable rather than trying to eliminate it.

2. Changes in Litter Box Behaviour

Urinating or defecating outside the litter box is one of the most common signs of stress in cats — and also one of the most commonly misunderstood. It is almost never spite. A stressed cat may avoid the litter box because it feels exposed or unsafe, because the smell of another cat nearby is stressful, or because a medical issue (urinary tract infection, crystals, cystitis) has developed — stress is a well-documented trigger for Feline Idiopathic Cystitis. Any change in litter box use should prompt a vet check before assuming it is purely behavioural.

3. Overgrooming or Hair Loss

Cats groom to self-soothe. A stressed cat may groom compulsively, particularly on the belly, inner thighs, and base of the tail — areas they can easily reach. This results in thinning fur, bald patches, or skin irritation. The pattern is typically symmetrical. Causes include chronic stress, boredom, pain, and skin conditions. If you notice more grooming than usual or see patches of short, broken, or missing fur, mention it at your next vet visit.

4. Aggression Toward People or Other Pets

A cat that is usually calm but has become irritable — swatting when touched, growling, hissing at pets it previously ignored — is likely experiencing pain, stress, or both. Redirected aggression is also common: a cat that cannot reach the source of stress (a cat seen through a window, for example) may redirect their agitation toward a housemate or the nearest human. Address the trigger rather than punishing the behaviour.

5. Reduced Appetite or Refusing Food

Cats should eat consistently. A cat that skips one meal may simply not be hungry; a cat that skips two consecutive meals needs attention. Stress, illness, pain, and dental disease all suppress appetite in cats. Unlike dogs, cats cannot go without food for extended periods without risking hepatic lipidosis — a potentially serious liver condition. If your cat has not eaten for 24–36 hours, contact your vet.

6. Increased Vocalisation

Some cats become more vocal under stress — yowling, crying, or making sounds they do not normally make. This is more common in older cats and can also indicate cognitive dysfunction, hyperthyroidism, or pain. New or changed vocalisation, particularly at night, is worth a vet conversation.

7. Spraying or Marking

Urine spraying — backing up to a vertical surface and depositing a small amount of urine — is a stress response and a territorial marker. It occurs in entire and neutered cats of both sexes, though it is more common in unneutered males. Common triggers: outdoor cats visible through windows, new cats in the household, changes to territory (new furniture, renovation work, a house move). Spraying requires addressing the trigger, not just cleaning the surface — though enzyme cleaners are essential as ammonia-based cleaners can make the problem worse.

8. Crouching and a Tucked Body Posture

A cat that moves around in a low, crouched posture with their tail tucked close to their body is demonstrating chronic anxiety. The relaxed cat posture is upright with a loosely held tail. If your cat consistently looks like they are trying to make themselves small, the environment is causing them sustained stress. Vertical space, additional hiding spots, and reducing conflict with other pets are the most effective interventions.

9. Excessive Scratching

Scratching is normal behaviour, but a sudden increase in scratching — particularly in new locations or on furniture that was previously ignored — can indicate stress. Cats scratch more when they feel the need to mark territory, which can be triggered by the presence of other cats (inside or outside), changes to the household, or anxiety. Ensure scratch posts are in locations the cat actually uses (near sleeping spots and near exits) rather than in corners where you prefer to hide them.

10. A Change in Sleep Patterns

Cats sleep between 12 and 16 hours per day. A cat that is sleeping significantly more than usual, particularly in an unusual location or in a very hunched position, may be unwell or stressed. Equally, a cat that has become restless and is not sleeping well — pacing, unable to settle — may be in pain or highly anxious. Any significant change from your individual cat's normal sleep pattern is worth noting and discussing with your vet if it persists for more than a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reduce my cat's stress?

Identify the trigger first. Common ones: another cat (inside or visible outside), changes to routine or household members, insufficient vertical space, a litter box that is too small, in the wrong location, or not cleaned frequently enough. Then address the specific cause rather than applying a generic solution.

Should I use a pheromone plug-in for a stressed cat?

Synthetic feline pheromone products (such as Feliway) can help reduce stress-related behaviour in some cats. They work best as part of a broader approach that also addresses the underlying trigger. They are not a substitute for environmental changes, but a useful supplement to them.