Top Signs Your Cat May Be Stressed (And What To Do)

Cats can be mysterious creatures, but when something is off, they often show us in subtle ways. As devoted pet parents, it’s up to us to read the signs and offer the right support. If you’ve noticed a shift in your feline friend’s behaviour, they could be telling you they’re feeling stressed. In this guide, we’re diving into the top signs your cat may be stressed and sharing simple, effective steps to help them feel better. Because here at Petdirect, we get pet, and that means spotting what your cat can’t say out loud.

Common Behavioural Signs Of Stress In Cats

When cats are stressed, their behaviour usually changes first. Some signs are obvious, while others can easily be mistaken for feline quirks.

• Hiding more than usual: Not all hiding is harmful, but if your cat suddenly retreats under beds or into cupboards, it may be a red flag.
• Over-grooming or fur loss: Excessive licking or bald patches, especially on the belly or legs, can point to stress.
• Sudden aggression or irritability: If your usually playful cat starts hissing, swatting or avoiding interaction, stress could be the culprit.
• Changes in appetite or toileting habits: Not eating, overeating, or missing the litter box might be stress-related rather than a health issue.

Keep in mind that some of these behaviours may also signal medical concerns, so it’s always worth speaking with your vet if you’re unsure.

Physical Symptoms To Watch For

Not all signs of stress are behavioural. Sometimes, your cat’s body language or physical appearance says it all.

• Scratching furniture or walls excessively out of frustration or anxiety
• Flattened ears, tail tucked or puffed, dilated pupils — these are all physical signs your kitty is not at ease
• Lethargy or restlessness: Some cats retreat into sleep, others pace or vocalise excessively when stressed

If your cat is showing extreme signs of distress, or any symptoms continue for more than a few days, it’s important to consult your vet to rule out underlying health issues.

Common Causes Of Stress In Cats

Cats thrive on routine, and even small changes can unsettle them. Here are some of the most common triggers for stress in Kiwi cats:

• Moving house or rearranged furniture — a new home or setup can leave your cat feeling like their territory has been invaded
• New pets or people — adding another animal or a baby to the household can disrupt your cat’s hierarchy
• Loud noises or home renovations are overwhelming to sensitive feline ears
• Unclean or shared litter boxes — ideally, you should have one litter box per cat, plus one extra

Identifying the root cause is the first step toward easing your cat’s stress and restoring their inner zen.

How To Support A Stressed Cat

There’s plenty you can do to help your kitty feel more at home in their environment. Here’s how to support them back to a calm, relaxed state:

• Create a quiet, safe space with cosy cat bedding to retreat to
• Add scratching posts or wall climbers to help them mark territory and feel secure
• Offer calming aids and supplements like diffusers or treats from our Cat Anxiety & Calming Care range
• Keep a consistent feeding routine with quality cat food or wet meals they love
• Provide mental stimulation through cat toys like wands, puzzle feeders or interactive gadgets

Consistency is key. Try to keep your cat’s daily routine predictable — same meal times, same litter box spot, same play times. These little habits go a long way in creating a sense of control and calm.

When To Seek More Help

If your cat’s symptoms seem severe, aren’t improving, or are paired with physical illness, it’s time to check in with your vet. Stressed cats can quickly develop health issues or become withdrawn, so early intervention is best. You can also explore helpful solutions like calming diffusers, reliable smart cat doors to manage outdoor cats, or automatic litter boxes to make toileting cleaner and less stressful.

We Get Cats — And We’re Here To Help

Feline stress isn’t always obvious, but once you learn what to look for, you can make real changes to improve your cat's wellbeing. At Petdirect, we take the stress out of pet parenting with expert-approved calming essentials, enriching toys, and nourishing food options. Plus, with our Pet Perks loyalty programme and Autodeliver service, keeping your cat happy and healthy is easier (and more rewarding) than ever.

Spotted signs of stress in your cat? Explore our full cat calming collection today and support your feline friend with everything they need to feel safe, settled and loved.