How does stress and anxiety affect my cat?
Written by Dr Madeleine Totham BVetMed(Hons) ABTC-CAB MRCVS, Veterinary Surgeon and Clinical Animal Behaviourist

​​Cats are highly sensitive to changes within their environment, and stress can have a significant impact on both physical health and behaviour.  In some cases the signs of stress are obvious, but many cats experience low-level stress which may go unrecognised for long periods of time, negatively affecting overall health and welfare.  Stress and anxiety often contribute to behavioural change in cats, but physical health problems and environmental factors may also alter behaviour.  Identifying and understanding the underlying cause of stress or anxiety is essential in order to resolve the problem successfully.

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What causes stress in cats?

Cats may experience stress for many different reasons.  In order to improve a cat’s emotional wellbeing, we first need to understand what is causing the stress.

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Common causes include:

• Competition over (or lack of) resources such as food, litter trays, resting spaces, or access to preferred areas​

• Lack of access to safe resting, hiding, or elevated areas

• Conflict between cats living in the same household

• Changes in routine or household environment

• House moves or renovation work

• New pets or family members entering the home

• Outdoor cats visible through windows or entering the garden

• Unpredictable daily routines

• Pain or underlying medical disease

• Negative experiences associated with handling, restraint, transport, or veterinary and cattery visits

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Stress does not always look obvious

Many people assume that stressed cats will appear fearful or nervous.  However, stress can present in many different ways and the signs are often subtle, as cats do not communicate emotional distress in the same way as people or dogs.

Possible behavioural signs include:

• Hiding more than normal

• Running away

• Increased vigilance, being easily startled or pacing

• Changes in appetite

• Sleeping less or sleeping in unusual places (feigning sleep is also common)

• Increased vocalisation

• Changes in grooming patterns

• Reduced play and exploration

• Urinating outside the litter tray

• Conflict with other cats

• Reduced social interaction with people

• Increased sensitivity to handling

• Irritability or increased reactivity

• Swiping, scratching, or biting people

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Stress often affects behaviour for a long time before more serious problems become obvious.

Stress can affect physical health

Stress does not only affect behaviour.  In some cats, chronic stress may contribute to physical disease or worsening of existing medical problems.

This may include:

• Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC)
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Reduced appetite or weight loss
• Excessive grooming

• Reduced activity levels
• Sleep disturbances
• Reduced quality of life

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Medical problems can cause behavioural change

Behavioural change should never automatically be assumed to be purely behavioural.  Pain, illness, or underlying disease can significantly affect emotional wellbeing and alter behaviour.

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Medical causes may include:

• Arthritis or chronic pain
• Dental pain
• Hyperthyroidism
• High blood pressure
• Cognitive dysfunction (“dementia”) in older cats
• Chronic gastrointestinal disease
• Neurological disease
• Skin disease causing discomfort or irritation

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Medical causes should always be considered alongside behavioural factors.

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Why addressing the cause is important

Attempting to stop unwanted behaviour without understanding why it is happening can make the problem worse.  Behaviour is a form of communication, so when a cat’s behaviour changes we need to look for the underlying reasons.  Successful treatment depends on identifying and addressing the underlying causes rather than simply trying to stop the symptoms.

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How a behavioural assessment can help

A full assessment looks at:

• Complete medical history and previous veterinary investigations
• Household layout and environmental set-up
• Relationships with other animals within the home
• Access to resources and safe resting spaces
• Daily routine and predictability
• Sources of stress within the environment
• Previous behavioural history
• The cat’s emotional wellbeing and overall welfare

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I then create a tailored management plan aimed at reducing stress, improving emotional wellbeing, and addressing the underlying cause of behavioural change.  This may involve environmental modification, changes to routine, reducing sources of conflict or stress, medical investigation where appropriate, and in some cases behavioural medication.

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Behavioural change in cats should never be ignored.  In some cases, behavioural changes may indicate pain, illness, significant chronic stress, or deterioration in welfare, and early intervention often leads to better long-term outcomes.  If you have any concerns about your cat’s behaviour, you should first see your registered vet so that underlying medical causes can be ruled out.

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About me

As both a qualified Veterinary Surgeon and Clinical Animal Behaviourist with a particular focus on cats, I understand that behavioural problems often involve complex interactions between physical health, emotional wellbeing, environmental pressures, and the cat’s individual experiences.  My approach focuses on identifying the underlying cause of behavioural change rather than simply trying to stop the symptoms.

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Finally…

If your cat has shown behavioural change, signs of anxiety, increased stress, or changes in normal daily behaviour, a behavioural consultation can help identify the cause and develop a practical plan tailored specifically to your cat and home environment.  In some cats, chronic stress may contribute to a range of other behavioural and medical problems, including conflict between cats living within the home, overgrooming, urinating outside the litter tray, or conditions such as Feline Idiopathic Cystitis.

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Contact me here to book a consultation.

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This page is intended as general guidance only and is not a substitute for veterinary examination, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your cat, please speak to your registered vet.

​Written July 2026

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