Cat Stress: Signs, Causes & Proven Solutions from a Veterinarian
Cat Stress: Signs, Causes & Proven Solutions from a Veterinarian
Written by Alessandro Didiano (doctor in veterinary medicine, MRCVS)
Disclaimer: This article is personally written by me, a licensed veterinarian with more than a decade of clinical experience. It’s for general information only and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a vet for health concerns or emergencies.
"He keeps licking himself, and now he's bald," said the young lady, describing her 3-year-old indoor cat, Kevin. Indeed, the poor cat looked very bald on his back and abdomen.
As I asked more questions, I learned that Kevin had spent his entire life confined to the third floor of a flat in London. His owner worked long hours, often away for 12-14 hours a day. To "keep him company," they had recently gotten a Golden Retriever. Unfortunately, the dog regularly chased Kevin around the flat with nowhere for him to hide, even eating his food when he could.
I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of empathy for Kevin, and I’ll admit, some frustration too. How could his owner not realize how damaging this situation was for him?
"Do you think he’s stressed?" I asked, my voice tinged with sarcasm, curious to hear what she would say.
"Oh no, he’s very happy!" she responded, clearly unaware of the emotional toll on her cat.
As a clinical veterinarian, I have seen over and over again how stress can affect our cats.
Yes, cats are known for being independent, but at the same time, they are highly sensitive creatures. Chronic stress can lead to a whole series of problems, from behavioral issues to physical health problems.
In this short article, I’ll break down the common causes of stress in cats and the most effective solutions to help your cat feel more relaxed.
Common Causes of Stress in Cats and Possible Solutions
Cats are creatures of habit. They need familiarity to feel secure in their environment. Both small and big changes, like moving to a new home, adding new furniture, or altering their daily routine, can have a huge impact. I’ve seen many cats in my clinical work who stop eating or start showing behavioral issues after something as simple as moving their litter tray to another room. These changes can leave them feeling unsettled and anxious.
Another very common cause of stress in cats is the introduction of new pets or family members. Many pet owners ask me why their cat has become more aggressive or withdrawn after a new addition to the family, like a dog or even a baby. Cats are territorial by nature, and any new presence can make them feel threatened. I always recommend slow introductions and positive reinforcement (give them a reward, such as their favourite treat, when they behave calmly and appropriately) to ease the transition. If you are about to have a baby, it could be a good idea to play newborn noises (you can find these on YouTube) a few minutes per day to get your cat used to the changes that will occur once the baby arrives.
In households with more than a single pet, cats need access to their own personal space. If they don’t have somewhere they can retreat to, their stress levels can increase dramatically. I often suggest setting up cat trees, shelves, or a quiet room, where your cat can have some alone time and feel secure. You can find some great options for cat trees here: Cat Trees.
Another big trigger is changes in routine. As discussed, cats love predictability, so when their usual routine is disrupted, they can become stressed. I see very often a rise in stress-related health issues in cats, especially when their owners experience lifestyle changes, such as job changes, which can result in altered feeding times, playtime, and sleeping schedules for the cat. These changes, although often unavoidable, can significantly impact your cat's emotional well-being. I fully appreciate that life happens, but whenever possible, try to keep their routine as stable as you can. This helps your cat feel more secure, therefore reducing the chances of stress and related health problems.
Loud noises (fireworks, thunderstorms, or even construction noise) can overwhelm a cat too. When they happen, you can try to create a quiet retreat for them. In cases of moderate anxiety related to loud noises, I recommend pheromone diffusers to help ease their anxiety. In more severe cases, prescription medications can be used.
A trip to the vet can also be a major source of stress for many cats. Unfamiliar smells, the car ride, the handling by strangers, and maybe even a couple of injections: no wonder they get anxious. I suggest getting your cat used to their carrier in advance (since they are as little as 8 weeks old) and using calming sprays before the visit to help reduce their anxiety. Once again, in some cases, we resort to the use of prescription medications, such as Gabapentin.
Lastly, underlying health issues can also contribute to stress. Painful conditions like arthritis, dental disease, or urinary tract infections can cause severe discomfort, which can surely lead to increased stress. Therefore, if your cat shows sudden signs of stress without a clear underlying cause, it’s very important to schedule a vet check-up to rule out any potential medical issues.
Chronic Stress in Cats: How It Impacts Their Health and How to Manage It
When stress becomes chronic in cats, it can lead to more serious issues, both physical and behavioural. Chronic stress doesn’t just make your cat feel anxious, it can impact their whole being: immune system, digestion, and overall wellness. It can result in conditions like urinary tract problems, excessive grooming or hair loss (like Kevin’s), and gastrointestinal issues.
One of the major challenges professionals and cat owners face with chronic stress is that it often goes unnoticed until symptoms become severe. It’s important for pet owners to recognize the signs early and take action before the stress turns into a more complicated health problem. Chronic stress in cats can initially manifest as subtle changes in behavior, such as withdrawing from social interaction, hiding more often, or suddenly becoming more aggressive.
Managing chronic stress in cats requires a diversified approach. First, we have to address the underlying cause (change in environment? new pets? health problems?). Then, we have to try to create a stress-free environment, at least as much as we can. Keep a predictable routine, reduce or eliminate as much as possible the responsible stressor, ensure your cat has safe spaces to retreat, and provide mental enrichment through toys and mind-engaging activities.
In cases of chronic stress, I also always recommend considering products that help reduce anxiety, such as pheromone diffusers: Pheromone Diffusers for Cats.
In some cases, prescription medications, such as Fluoxetine, are required, at least temporarily. However, I have to address the elephant in the room: if your cat is stressed or anxious, your role goes far beyond simply asking your vet to write a prescription for Fluoxetine. While this can definitely help, if the root causes aren’t addressed, we’re just sticking our heads in the sand (I see this way too often in my clinical activity).
Final Thoughts from a Veterinarian
Stress in cats, same as for us, isn’t just an emotional issue. It actually impacts their overall health. It is important to recognize the signs early and make adjustments to your cat’s environment. By addressing stress as soon as it arises and creating a calm and predictable environment, you can help your cat feel secure, and this can greatly improve their quality of life.
As usual, if stress-related behaviors persist despite your efforts, please contact your local vet for a physical examination.