Every pet owner wants their pet to be as happy as possible, but it’s not always easy to tell. If a human is upset, they can tell you verbally, but the same can’t be said for animals. That doesn’t mean you will always be oblivious to their emotions, though. If you have a cat, be sure to look out for these six signs of stress.
1. Not Eating
A sudden lack of appetite is unusual in all creatures. If your cat eats normally one day, but barely touches their food the next, it could be a sign of a health issue, so be sure to get your feline friend checked at the vets. It could be a stomach bug, old age, kidney failure, or another issue.
It’s important to consider that some cats are fussier than others when it comes to meals, too. Some will eat anything, whereas others demand only the best. For an even more enjoyable feeding time, Taste of the Wild Ancient Grains use unique proteins to make better tasting pet food.
2. Withdrawing from Affection
Not all cats are cuddly, but most of them show some sort of affection to their owners. If this suddenly stops, though, then it’s a sign your cat might be stressed. It could just be that they’re in a bad mood, but it’s always better to investigate, especially if the withdrawal from affection lasts more than a few days.
3. Not Using the Litter Tray
Cats learn to use the litter tray early in life. One day, though, you might discover some cat poop or urine in your home. A single accident might not be cause for concern, but if it happens a couple of times, your cat might be stressed and unwell, so make a vet appointment straight away.
4. More Meowing than Usual
Humans can easily communicate through words, but your cats have to rely on their body language and meows. Pay particular attention to their meowing, as more often than not, they are trying to communicate with you. For cats that suddenly become far more vocal, it could be a sign of stress—your cat might be asking for your help.
5. Non-stop Grooming
Grooming is a natural process that all cats partake in. It’s healthy and it keeps them clean, so it should, of course, be encouraged. If the grooming becomes excessive, though, especially to the point where it’s removing too much fur, then you have a problem on your hands. Schedule a visit to the vets to get to the root cause.
6. Aggression
Seeing your cat show signs of aggression may have you experiencing a range of emotions, from disappointment to frustration. It’s important to remember that most friendly cats don’t show aggression for no reason, and that it’s a sure sign of stress. Try to think about any new changes in your home—for example, a new pet or a remodeling—to figure out what might be stressing your feline friend out. If you are not sure, and the aggression continues, visit the vets.
To keep your cat happy, you must understand when it is unhappy, so that you can do everything in your power to make its life less stressful.