Anxiety is one of the most significant but underrecognised welfare problems in companion cats. Because cats hide fear and discomfort, many anxious cats live in chronic stress that goes undetected by owners and even veterinarians. Identifying anxiety and addressing its causes is a high-priority welfare intervention.
Common Anxiety Presentations in Cats
Hiding: Increased time spent in hiding places, reluctance to emerge in the presence of people, visitors, or other animals
Reduced grooming or over-grooming: Psychogenic alopecia (hair loss from excessive grooming) is a classic anxiety-related condition
Inappropriate elimination: Urinating or defecating outside the litter tray — especially in locations that feel "safer" to the cat
Aggression: Fear-based aggression (hissing, scratching when approached or cornered) is commonly anxiety-driven
Home renovation or redecoration (new smells, disruption)
Moving house
Conflict with other cats (including neighbourhood cats viewed through windows)
Insufficient resources (too few litter trays, feeding stations, resting places)
Inconsistent or unpredictable human behaviour
Veterinary visits and car travel
Environmental Management
Addressing the anxiety-causing environment is the most effective long-term intervention:
Provide adequate hiding spots at multiple heights (igloo beds, covered cat beds, boxes)
One litter tray per cat plus one extra, in quiet, private locations
Feeding stations away from litter trays and inter-cat conflict zones
Vertical space (cat trees, shelving) allows cats to survey their territory from safety
Pheromone diffusers (Feliway Classic) may reduce anxiety in some cats
Routine stability: predictable feeding times, handling, and human activity
Pharmacological Management
For cats with significant anxiety that doesn't respond to environmental modification alone, veterinary-prescribed anxiolytics (gabapentin, buspirone, SSRIs such as fluoxetine) may be indicated. Short-acting anxiolytics (gabapentin) are particularly useful for acute events (vet visits, fireworks). Long-term anxiolytics require veterinary monitoring and regular reassessment.