Feline anxiety is a prevalent but frequently underrecognized welfare problem in companion cats, often manifesting as subtle behavioral changes rather than overt distress signals familiar from other species.
Cats' stress responses are often silent and internalized, meaning many cats live with chronic anxiety that their owners do not recognize. The link between psychosocial stress and serious physical conditions (FIC, skin conditions, immune suppression) means that unmanaged stress has concrete health consequences beyond behavioral impact. The trend toward keeping cats exclusively indoors removes predation and traffic risks but can increase stress through environmental monotony and social conflict. Good feline welfare requires attention to the Five Domains, with particular emphasis on behavioral freedom — allowing cats to choose hiding, climbing, scratching, and hunting-like play behaviors. Environmental assessment and modification are often more effective than medication alone.