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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:

Scratch marks 

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, it is likely to be 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 couch or table, 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.

More information about how Feliway® can stop or prevent scratch marking

Urine marks 

Feline urine spraying is one of the primary methods used by cats to mark their territory. Whether male or female, neutered or not, it is exhibited in some way by almost every cat...   Read more...

While spraying urine outdoors may be acceptable, most owners find the behavior difficult to tolerate in the home due to the strong odor and potential hygiene risks.

Urine marking is a very specific behavioral sequence where the cat adopts a posture that is easy to recognize:

  • He approaches a vertical surface (wall, piece of furniture…)
  • He sniffs the surface and paces the floor
  • The cat then turns his back
  • Standing with his tail erect, he emits a horizontal jet of urine onto the object

More information about how Feliway® can help stop urine marking

Marks of urine are generally small and seen above the ground around eye level for cats. Urine on the floor, large volumes of urine or urine in the sleeping area are typically not signs of urine marking, and it is advisable that you consult your veterinarian for further work-up and diagnostic tests.

Aggression 

In very stressful situations, some cats can react aggressively towards people, other cats or other household pets.   Read more...

This type of behavior usually occurs when a cat has no way to escape or no other means to express his stress.

More importantly, it is vital to remember that the aggression may not necessarily be shown toward the person, animal or object causing the distress. If your cat is stressed, he may bite you just because you were 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 behavior is targeted towards one cat, Feliway may help by reducing the stress levels of all the cats in your household.

More information about how Feliway® can help reduce aggressive behavior

Please note: If your cat is aggressive towards you or your friends or family, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

Overlooked signs

Some cats will display more discreet signs, such as:

  • Food intake disorders (anorexia or over-feeding)
  • Overgrooming (bald areas) or undergrooming (matted or soiled fur)
  • House soiling
  • Decreased levels of activity
  • Appearing withdrawn (reduced desire to play or interact)