I think my Cat is anxious? What does anxiety in cats look like and how can I help?

Cats can get anxious just like humans, dogs and other animals. You might notice them hiding more, over grooming, being aggressive and even toileting more frequently. Anxiety in cats can cause all sorts of behaviours that are not nice for them, or for you, so it’s important to keep an eye on things.

Many things can cause anxiety in cats, and just like us, it can happen at any time of life, especially when changes are happening in their environment.

In this article we’ll dive into what anxiety in cats looks like, what could be the cause, and how to treat it so you can help your cat live a calmer and happier life.

What does anxiety in cats look like?

Cats are naturally cautious animals. Even as their owners, the people who feed and house them, not all cats are up for fuss from us and will likely spend time with you on their terms! (We know – so rude). But that doesn’t mean they’re anxious, it just means they have a personality. They’re also more likely to hide from visitors or strangers.

So the signs of anxiety can be harder to spot until they’re more noticeable.

Some things you can look out for include:

• Hiding more than usual
• Spraying around the house or peeing outside of their tray and around the house
• Less interested in food
• Increased vocalisation
• More hypervigilance than normal
• Restlessness
• Trembling
• Changes in sleeping habits
• Aggression
• Excessive grooming and hair loss
• Urine infections – some cats get UTIs when stressed and anxious and the UTI might keep coming back if you can’t get to the root cause of the stress.

What can cause anxiety in cats?

A lot of the time it’s a change in environment. Even the smallest changes can trigger it – so it’s worth knowing a few examples so you can keep an eye on your cat around times that could be challenging for them, so you can prepare and help make transitions easier.

Changes could include:

• Moving house – new smells, new location and people.
• Building work – people coming and going and lots of loud unexpected noises.
• Changes in routine – from working form home to leaving the house every day. Cats are creatures of habit.
• Territorial disputes – this is quite common if a new cat moves in nearby, and something you might not even be aware of. But you might find your cat running in through the cat flap or staring out the window while making noises.
• Lack of enrichment – especially important if you have indoor cats. You need to mimic their outside environment, chasing mice, climbing and having fun!
• New family members (pets or babies!) – anyone new in the house is going to cause a little upset. Some cats get past this super quickly; others take time and need a little more support.
• Separation anxiety – just like dogs, cats can experience this when they’ve spent so long with their human companions (or furry companions) it can cause a similar upset.

What are the treatment options for anxiety in cats?

There are practical things you can do to help treat anxiety in cats, plus supplements, diffusers, and even veterinary support. Which route you go down depends on what you’ve already tried and how severe your cat’s anxiety is.

Creating a safe environment

Whatever is going on at home, a cat wants to feel safe. Give them their own safe spaces, with cat trees, scratchers and hiding places. Make sure children know they shouldn’t enter the cat’s space and respect their alone time.

Routine

If you have a cat, you’ll know how uncanny they are at noticing when it’s feeding time! Keep to consistent food routines to lessen any unnecessary anxiety or stress.

Play

Play is good for everyone! Even you. Get the cat toys out and play like no-one is watching. Unleash your inner child. Your cat will be very thankful for it.

Diffusers and other calming supplements

Specially made pheromone diffusers can have an effect on some cats. You can get plugs, sprays and even wipes. A lot of cat owners say they make a significant difference. But they don’t work for everyone. It’s worth a try.

Veterinary Support

If all else fails (or if your cat has developed physical symptoms like a UTI) it’s always best to see a vet and see what other support you can get.

When should you see a Vet about your cat’s Anxiety

If your cat starts displaying some more serious symptoms that just aren’t manageable at home, it’s time for a trip to the vets. So if you’re noticing:

• Appetite loss and loss of weight
• Aggression
• Problems toileting, for example trying to pee and nothing is happening, or trying to pee on items around the house
• Excessive grooming that’s causing hair loss and soreness
• Any anxiety signs that are more persistent and don’t seem to go away not matter what you try.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety in Cats

Can cats get anxiety?

Yes – cats can experience anxiety just like humans and dogs. Anxiety in cats is often caused by changes in their environment, loud noises, new pets, moving house, routine changes or territorial stress.

What are the signs of anxiety in cats?

Common signs of anxiety in cats include hiding, excessive grooming, aggression, spraying, peeing outside the litter tray, appetite loss, restlessness, trembling and changes in sleeping habits.

Why is my cat suddenly anxious?

Sudden anxiety in cats is often linked to changes in their environment or routine. This could include moving house, building work, a new pet, a new baby, visitors, or even another cat moving into the area.

Can stress make cats ill?

Yes – long-term stress and anxiety can affect a cat’s physical health. Some cats develop urinary tract infections, stress cystitis, digestive upset, hair loss from over grooming and appetite changes.

Can indoor cats get anxiety?

Absolutely. Indoor cats can become anxious if they don’t have enough enrichment or stimulation. Climbing spaces, toys, scratching posts and regular play can all help reduce stress and boredom.

How can I calm an anxious cat?

You can help calm an anxious cat by creating safe hiding spaces, sticking to routines, providing enrichment and play, reducing loud noises and trying calming pheromone diffusers. Some cats may also need support from a vet.

Do calming diffusers work for cats?

Calming diffusers work well for some cats, especially during stressful situations like moving house or introducing a new pet. However, they don’t work for every cat and may need to be combined with other support strategies.

Can cats get separation anxiety?

Yes – some cats experience separation anxiety, especially if they are very attached to their owner or another pet. Signs may include excessive vocalisation, destructive behaviour or toileting outside the litter tray when left alone.

When should I take my anxious cat to the vet?

You should see a vet if your cat stops eating, loses weight, becomes aggressive, struggles to urinate, develops hair loss or if anxiety symptoms continue despite trying calming strategies at home.

Is my cat anxious or just shy?

Some cats are naturally shy or independent, especially around strangers. Anxiety tends to involve ongoing behavioural changes such as excessive hiding, aggression, spraying, over grooming or changes in eating and toileting habits.