Recognising Stress and Anxiety in Cats

Cats are masters of masking stress and illness, making the ability to recognise subtle stress indicators critical for maintaining feline welfare in domestic settings.

Key Facts

Cats evolved as both predator and prey, making them naturally inclined to hide vulnerability
The Feline Grimace Scale enables pain assessment from facial expression alone
Stress indicators include hiding, reduced grooming or overgrooming, house soiling, and appetite changes
Chronic stress in cats is linked to feline idiopathic cystitis, a painful bladder condition

Welfare Considerations

Recognising feline stress requires understanding the species' tendency to conceal negative states. Unlike dogs, stressed cats typically withdraw rather than seeking reassurance, making their distress less visible to owners. Chronic stress manifests in physical illness including cystitis, dermatitis, and immunosuppression as well as behavioural changes. Environmental causes of chronic stress including resource competition in multi-cat households, lack of control over the environment, and unpredictable routines can be systematically addressed through enrichment, resource provision, and management changes.

What You Can Do

Learn to use the Feline Grimace Scale to assess pain in your cat
Provide multiple resources in multi-cat households to reduce competition
Establish stable routines to reduce uncertainty-driven stress in your cat
Consult your vet if you notice stress indicators — do not assume they will resolve without intervention