10 Signs Your Cat Is Stressed — And How You Can Help

Admin May 19, 2025 Pet Care Tips One Comment

Cats don’t always show when they’re upset or stressed. But if you notice some changes in how your cat acts, it might be feeling stressed. Stress can make your cat sick or unhappy, so it’s good to know what signs to look for.

Here are 10 easy ways to tell if your cat is stressed and what you can do to help.

Quick Table: Signs and What to Do

Sign	What You Should Do
Hiding a lot	Make quiet, safe spaces
Over-licking	Give toys, calm the area
Not eating/drinking	Offer favorite food, vet check
Avoiding litter box	Keep box clean and quiet
Aggression	Give space, find cause
Hyper or lazy	Play daily, keep routine
Meowing a lot	Spend time, be gentle
Scared body language	Let cat calm down
Trying to run away	Make home fun and calm

1. Hiding More Than Usual

If your cat is hiding under the bed or behind the couch a lot, it might be scared or stressed. Cats hide when they don’t feel safe.

What to do: Give your cat a quiet place where it can feel safe. Don’t try to pull it out — let it come out on its own.

2. Sleeping More or Less

Cats sleep a lot, but if your cat suddenly sleeps way more or is awake all the time, it could be stressed.

What to do: Keep its daily routine the same. If it still looks weird, check with a vet.

3. Licking Too Much or Not at All

Stress can make cats lick themselves too much, which can cause bald spots. Or they might stop cleaning themselves and look messy.

What to do: Try to make your home calm. Give your cat toys to keep it busy. If the problem doesn’t go away, see a vet.

4. Not Eating or Drinking

A stressed cat might stop eating or drinking water. This can be bad if it lasts for a long time.

What to do: Offer its favorite food and fresh water. Don’t change its food suddenly. If it still won’t eat, see a vet.

5. Not Using the Litter Box

If your cat starts peeing or pooping outside the litter box, it might be stressed.

What to do: Clean the litter box every day. Make sure it’s in a quiet and easy place. If you have more cats, have more boxes.

6. Being More Aggressive

If your cat suddenly starts biting or scratching, it might be feeling scared.

What to do: Give it space and don’t punish it. Try to find out what is making it scared.

7. Acting Hyper or Lazy

Stress can make your cat jump around a lot or just want to sleep all day.

What to do: Play with your cat every day. Keep its schedule normal.

8. Meowing a Lot

Some cats meow more when they feel anxious or lonely.

What to do: Spend more time with your cat. Talk to it softly.

9. Body Language Changes

If your cat’s ears go back, tail is down, or it looks scared, it might be stressed.

What to do: Don’t try to hold or pick it up. Let it calm down.

10. Trying to Run Away

If your cat tries to get outside a lot, it might want to escape a stressful place.

What to do: Make your home calm and fun for your cat. Give it toys and places to explore inside.

Tips to Help Your Cat Relax

Keep feeding and playtime the same every day.
Give your cat quiet places to rest.
Use calming sprays or diffusers made for cats.
Don’t make big changes all at once.
Give your cat toys and things to climb.

Taking care of your cat’s feelings is very important. If you notice any of these signs, try these tips and keep your cat happy. And if things don’t get better, don’t forget to ask a vet for help!