Signs of stress
Some signs are easy to detect. Others are more subtle and may be more difficult to link with stress.
Obvious signs
These signs are more often reported as a 'problem' for you, the owner, than as signs of stress for your cat(s). There are 3 types of obvious signs which you should be able to easily identify:
Only vertical scratch marks are considered to be a sign of stress. But your cat can also scratch on vertical surfaces to keep its claws in trim. How can you differentiate the two types of vertical scratching? Read more...
If the cat targets only one or two specific sites in the home, usually in hidden or 'quiet' areas of your home, it is likely it is keeping its claws in shape for hunting.
If the scratching becomes more widespread, particularly if found in visible areas around doorways and windows, or centered on prominent objects such as a settee, then this may be an indication that the cat is unsettled or stressed. In this case the cat may be scratch marking to increase the number of visual and scent signals in the immediate environment.
For more information on how Feliway can help you stop this type of marking, click here
Feline urine spraying is one of the primary methods used by cats to mark out their territory. Whether male or female, neutered or not, it is exhibited in some way by almost every cat... Read more...
But while spraying urine outdoors may be acceptable, most owners find the behaviour difficult to tolerate in the home due to the strong odour and potential hygiene risks.
Urine marking is a very specific behavioural sequence where the cat adopts a posture that is easy to recognise:
- He approaches a vertical surface (wall, item of furniture…)
- He sniffs the surface and is seen to treads the floor
- Turns his back
- Standing with his tail erected, he emits a horizontal jet of urine onto the object
For more information on how Feliway can help you stop this type of marking, click here
Marks of urine are generally small and seen above the ground. Urine on the floor, large volumes of urine or urine in the sleeping area are typically not signs of urine marking. It is advisable that you consult your veterinary surgeon.
In very stressful situations, some cats can react aggressivly towards people, other cats or other household pets. Read more...
This type of behaviour usually only occurs when a cat has no way of escape or no other mean to express his stress.
Most importantly, it is important to remember that the aggression may not necessary be shown towards the person, animal or object causing the cat stress. If your cat is stressed, he may bite you just because you where in the wrong place at the wrong time, not necessarily because you are the direct cause of the stress…
If all or most of the aggressive behaviour is targeted towards one cat, Feliway may help by reducing the stress levels of all the cats in your household. For more information please click here.
Please note: If your cat is aggressive towards you or any of your friends or family, please contact your veterinary surgeon immediately.
Overlooked signs
Some cats will display more discrete signs such as
- Food intake disorders (anorexia or overfeeding)
- Overgrooming (bald areas) or undergrooming (matted or soiled fur)
- Housesoiling
- Decreasing level of activity
- Appearing withdrawn (reduced desire to play or interact)
