Cats are masters at concealing stress, and recognizing the subtle signs of chronic stress is essential for protecting their welfare.
Feline stress is one of the most underdiagnosed welfare problems in companion cats. Unlike dogs, stressed cats often simply withdraw, reduce their activity, and avoid contact — behaviors that owners may interpret as normal cat independence. Chronic stress is directly linked to feline idiopathic cystitis, over-grooming causing hair loss, reduced immunity, and behavioral problems. The most common causes of chronic stress are inadequate territory, social conflict with other cats, lack of predictability, and insufficient opportunity to express natural behaviors. Identifying and addressing the source of stress is far more effective than treating symptoms alone.