15 Most Overlooked Signs of Anxiety in Cats

In honor of Pet Anxiety Awareness Month, we’re highlighting all of the symptoms, treatment options, and need-to-know info about anxiety in cats.
Cats are independent, daring, and resilient, but they can still struggle with anxiety. They may have trouble coping with stressors like changes in the household, power struggles with other pets, traumatic events, and long periods of separation.
Here are some of the most common, often-overlooked signs of anxiety in cats.

15 Most Overlooked Signs of Anxiety in Cats

• Not using their litterbox
• Vocalization
• Hiding
• Hissing
• Scratching
• Changes in activity level
• Changes in appetite
• Compulsive behaviors
• Tail flicking
• Flattened ears
• Destruction
• Overgrooming
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Trying to escape

Changes in Potty Habits
Cats are clean by nature. When they suddenly refuse to use their litterbox, it’s always a red flag. Bowel or urinary tract issues can cause them to associate their box with pain, and they may seek out alternative potty spots in search of relief. If your cat has seen their vet recently and has been confirmed to not have an infection, blockage, or another issue, they might be suffering from anxiety.
Cats sometimes urinate and defecate in unusual places to surround themselves with their own scent. They may even use your bed, laundry baskets, and other areas of your home that smell like “you,” and while it can seem personal, it’s usually because your cat is feeling insecure, not because they are hoping to exact revenge on you.

Hiding More Often
While it’s expected for your cat to enjoy hiding in boxes and camping out in closets, a comfortable, confident cat will also perch where they can watch over the comings and goings of your household. Some cats are naturally shy and will hide out when you have guests over, but will come out of their shells when they’re around people they know and love.
A newly adopted feline can take up to six weeks or more to acclimate to your home, but if your cat doesn’t seem to be settling in, or if their behavior has changed out of the blue, they might be struggling with anxiety.

Avoiding The Food and Water Bowls
If your cat is not getting along with other pets in your household, they may be afraid to go near their own food and water bowls. If that doesn’t seem to be the issue, it could be anxiety messing with their digestion. In times of intense stress, your cat’s body may go into “fight or flight” mode. Their body may direct blood flow from their digestive system to their muscles so they’re prepared to flee any perceived danger. With chronic stress, their digestion may be slowed down, and they may not feel as hungry.
Make sure your cat’s feeding station is in a quiet place out of reach of other pets and children, and seek veterinary care if their appetite does not improve. If your cat won’t eat for even a few days, they may be at risk for hepatic lipidosis.

Vomiting and Diarrhea
Gastric upset is common in cats, but that does not mean it should be overlooked. If your veterinarian has ruled out inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other possible causes, it could be anxiety. While stress can slow digestion, it can also trigger the nervous system to go into overdrive. Muscles in the digestive system contract, causing diarrhea and vomiting with or without hairballs.

Compulsive Behaviors
Some cats respond to stress by attempting to self-soothe with compulsive behaviors. They may over-groom, licking, or chewing at their skin to the point of causing bald patches, raw, inflamed skin, and even bleeding wounds. Other compulsive behaviors include repetitive tail-chasing, chewing or sucking on fabric surfaces, pacing, or hunting for prey that doesn’t exist. A behavior is compulsive if it’s repetitive, seemingly inappropriate, and disruptive to your cat’s life, as though they cannot control it.

Anxious Body Language
Cats use body language to let us know when they’re upset. An arched back, flattened ears, and a flicking tail are all indicators that a cat is annoyed, stressed, or fearful. It’s normal for cats to show different emotions throughout the day, but for the majority of the time, they should seem happy and relaxed, with curious, forward-turned ears and their tail held high with an inquisitive curl at the end.

Changes in Attention Seeking
If your cat is normally friendly but suddenly won’t approach you, they might have anxiety. Alternatively, if your cat is normally independent but has become clingy, that’s another clue that their mental health isn’t at its best.

Trying to Escape
It’s not unusual for cats to attempt to flee out an open door. Most cats will take the chance to explore every now and then. But it’s best to keep your cat indoors to protect them from cars, other animals, disease, and all of the other dangers of the world outside. If your cat doesn’t normally try to escape, but their behavior has changed, there might be something going on in your household that’s making them feel anxious.

Treatment for Anxiety in Cats
Curing your cat’s anxiety can be as simple as managing stressors. This can mean getting perches, cat trees, and enclosed beds so they have more places in your home to feel safe. Or, your cat may need more time to adjust to new changes, like moving house or adding a new family member.
You might see symptom relief with over-the-counter cat anxiety products. If you are still having trouble decoding your cat’s anxiety, or your cat doesn’t seem to be improving, see your vet to rule out health issues. You can also find out if prescription anxiety medication is right for your cat.