Awesome life hacks by ANGRY ORANGE

5 signs your cat is stressed

by Jessica Britt

Welcome to modern times, when everyone seems busy all the time! Our lives are full of so much activity every day, that we’re always on the rush. We’re trying to make room for long working hours, gym, cooking nights, movie nights, house chores, shopping, children, pets, visits to the relatives and the list could go on. No wonder we are so stressed out.

Luckily, there are countless techniques for managing stress so we can handle better our hectic lives. Yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, massage, aromatherapy are all great relaxation techniques that can help us cope with everyday challenges. We’re lucky to have so many options, but what about our furry friends?

I’ve been so busy trying to manage the stress and maintain a balance in all areas of my life, that I haven’t even noticed that my cat was also going through a rough patch. Yes, animals can also experience stress, but they aren’t able to verbalize their feelings.

Cats exhibit stress in many ways, but some of these signs can also indicate various medical conditions. That’s why it can sometimes be tricky to sort things out. Here are some common signs of stress in cats:

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1. Extra clinginess all of a sudden. Cats are traditionally known as independent and rather selfish creatures. They have a specific way of showing love to their owners and they might not seem very affectionate. If you notice that your cat became too needy and overly dependent on your presence or if they want to be held and petted all the time, they might experience stress and separation anxiety.

2. Decreased appetite. It is quite common for a cat to be picky and to suddenly realize they don’t like a certain type of food anymore. I don’t know about your cat, but mine surely has a strong personality! However, if you notice that your cat stopped eating and refuses any kind of food, you should pay attention. Loss of appetite might indicate some health issues, but it's also a common sign of stress.

3. Over-grooming. I’ve always believed that cats are true self-care icons. They know how to set boundaries and how to speak their needs, they are finicky with their food, have a great sleep schedule, and an amazing fur-routine. So, is there such a thing as an over-groomed cat? The answer is yes. If your cat is grooming excessively, sometimes to the point of creating bald spots, they might have a problem. In some situations, this behavior is caused by a skin condition. However, most cases also have a stress or anxiety component, so pay attention to any change in their behavior.

Source: Unsplash

4. Hiding beneath furniture or blankets. It’s in a cat’s nature to be evasive and hiding is an instinctual behavior, making them feel safe and comfortable. However, if your cat starts hiding much more often than usual, it could be a sign of illness or stress. Cats don’t wear their feelings on their sleeves, so this is their coping mechanism in stressful situations.

5. Urinating outside the litter box. If you have a litter box trained cat that all of sudden starts urinating elsewhere, pay attention. They might try to tell you something. An anxious cat might pee in different spots in your house as a way to relieve the anxiety because the smell of their own urine makes them feel safer.

It’s hard to tell what’s really wrong with our furry friends, that’s why we need to pay extra attention to them and recognize any early signs of stress or anxiety.