Understanding Cat Stress
What Your Feline Friend Might Be Trying to Tell You
At FellowKitty, we rescue cats and kittens from some of the toughest situations imaginable — abandonment, injury, starvation, and often abuse. But what many people don’t realize is that not all scars are visible.
Just like humans, cats feel fear, anxiety, confusion, and sadness. And unlike humans, they can’t tell us in words.
But they do tell us in quiet, subtle, incredibly important ways.
Whether you're caring for a beloved house cat or feeding strays in your neighborhood, understanding the signs of feline stress can make the difference between a cat that simply survives and one that truly thrives.
Why Do Cats Get Stressed?
Cats are creatures of habit. Sudden changes even ones that seem small to us can be incredibly overwhelming for them. In Sri Lanka, stray cats often endure stress due to:
Loud construction or traffic
Harassment by humans or dogs
Relocation or destruction of territory
Sudden lack of food or clean water
Medical pain or untreated illness
Overcrowded or unsafe shelters
Even indoor cats can feel stressed by changes in routine, new animals, guests, or boredom.
7 Common Signs Your Cat Might Be Stressed
1. Hiding More Than Usual
Is your cat suddenly nowhere to be found? While cats love alone time, excessive hiding can be a stress signal.
2. Loss of Appetite
Cats may stop eating when anxious or afraid. If mealtimes suddenly become skipped meals, take notice.
3. Increased Aggression
If a normally calm cat starts hissing, scratching, or biting — especially during handling — it might be a cry for help.
4. Overgrooming (or No Grooming at All)
Stress can lead to obsessive grooming (sometimes causing bald spots), or the opposite — a disheveled, unkempt coat.
5. Litter Box Problems
Urinating outside the litter tray is not always a behavior issue — it may be a sign of stress or discomfort.
6. Unusual Vocalization
Has your cat become suddenly loud, meowy, or vocal at odd hours? They're likely trying to tell you something’s wrong.
7. Withdrawal or Over-Sleeping
If your cat is suddenly withdrawn, low-energy, or sleeping far more than usual, monitor closely for emotional or physical distress.
How You Can Help Reduce Stress
Whether you’re caring for your own cat or a rescue, here are a few ways to help reduce anxiety:
Provide a safe, quiet space — even a covered box or secluded corner can offer comfort.
Stick to a routine — feeding, play, and rest times help build trust and predictability.
Use calming scents — certain sprays or diffusers mimic calming feline pheromones.
Play and interact — gentle play strengthens your bond and stimulates the mind.
Get medical advice — sometimes, what looks like stress could be pain or illness. Never ignore unusual behavior.
At FellowKitty, We See Stress — And We Heal It
Each cat that comes through our gates carries more than wounds. They carry trauma. Confusion. Fear.
And it’s our mission not just to heal their bodies but also to mend their spirits.
From the moment we rescue them, we start building a new world of safety, calm, and kindness. A world where purring returns. Eyes soften. And trust is rebuilt, one pawstep at a time.
You Can Help Too
Support our feline mental health work by donating to provide calming spaces, enrichment, and care for rescues.
Sponsor a stressed or traumatized cat through their recovery journey.
Share this blog to help others recognize and respect the emotional needs of cats.
Stress in cats is real. But so is healing.
All it takes is a little awareness, a little patience — and a lot of love.
🐾 Visit www.fellowkitty.com to learn more, donate, or get involved.
FellowKitty — Because every emotion matters.