Our feline friends can start to feel stressed or overwhelmed more easily than we realize. They are often very sensitive to their environment and even small disruptions can lead to your cat showing stressed behaviours. The early signs can be subtle, as cats are quite good at hiding when they are feeling overwhelmed. This makes it all the more important to know how to spot them.
Too much stress for cats can affect both your cat’s mental and physical health. That’s why learning how to tell if your cat is overwhelmed or showing signs of stress is important for maintaining their well-being. In this blog, we’ll share our tips on reading your furry friend’s signals, so you can help keep them happy, healthy, and content!
Some of the signs of cat stress take a keen eye to spot, but once you know what to look for, you’ll be able to tell when your cat is feeling uncomfortable. These signs can include:
When a cat gets overwhelmed, it’s mostly because they feel like their safety or territory is at risk. Our feline friends are creatures of habit and naturally territorial. They thrive on having a routine and can become uncomfortable when it’s disrupted.
If you notice your cat behaving differently, it could be a sign that they’re feeling overwhelmed. Some reasons for this can include:
As well as your cat showing signs of stress, your cat may also display specific behaviours. If you notice that your cat is behaving differently, this could very well be why. Understanding the behaviours of stressed cats can help us humans address the problems our kitties might be facing.
Behavioural signs of stress to look out for include:
Give your cat cozy spots to rest and elevated areas where they can observe their surroundings. When your cat is showing signs of stress, it’s important to create a safe space where they can be undisturbed to provide comfort.
The FELIWAY Optimum diffuser can help your cat feel more secure in their home environment. Cats naturally use pheromones for communication, and the message of enhanced serenity released by FELIWAY Optimum helps restore their emotional balance.
Simply plug the diffuser into the area where your cat spends most of their time, like their sleeping spot, and leave it plugged in 24/7 for constant reassurance.
If your cat seems overwhelmed, consistency in their daily routine can help them feel more secure. Provide regular feeding times, play sessions and try to keep a familiar layout at home.
Predictable human interactions are important too. Understand how your cat likes to be petted, when they enjoy being stroked and when a quick chirrup is enough. Creating a calm routine when you leave or return home can provide additional comfort and reassurance.
Control noise when possible, or make sure your cat has a quieter space to retreat to when things get noisy. If changes need to happen, introduce them slowly to prevent overwhelming your cat. In their safe space, make sure your cat has easy access to appropriate resources, like litter trays and scratching objects.
Cats like having control, so give them some choices! When you’re stroking them, pause after a few seconds and see if their body language shows they want you to continue or stop. This helps them feel more in control and at ease.
If you live in a multi-cat household, make sure they have enough separate resources, such as food bowls, litter trays and resting spots, so each cat can make their own choices and feel secure. We recommend one of each resource for each cat, plus one more.
Play is a really important part of a cat’s daily routine, as it provides an opportunity for physical exercise and mental stimulation while helping to build your bond with them.
Playing satisfies their natural urge to practice their hunting skills. It also helps build your cat’s self-confidence and keeps them in a positive emotional state.
Instead of one long play session, try incorporating shorter interactive play sessions throughout the day. You can also make mealtimes more engaging by adding puzzle feeders or scatter feeding to keep your cat entertained and mentally active.
If your cat’s signs of anxiety continue despite trying the suggestions above, there could be an underlying medical issue, or your cat may need more tailored support from your vet or a certified animal behaviourist.
You should also seek veterinary help if you notice significant changes in your cat’s appetite, toileting habits, or any signs that suggest they’re in pain or unwell.
If you’d like to learn more about feline well-being, explore more of the FELIWAY blog online for expert-backed advice and insights. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date with the latest tips and product support for a happier, calmer cat!