Signs that your cat is stressed

Does your cat keep mewling loudly? Excessive vocalization can be a sign that your cat is stressed or upset or sick—especially if you also observe other signs of attention-seeking (like clawing your furniture, or being extra clingy). Here are some signs that pet-owners can watch out for, and what you can do to stop the problem, before your neighbors complain or your furniture gets clawed into shreds.

Sudden howling

Some cat breeds, like the Siamese, are known for being more ‘expressive.’ They will love to talk to you, meowling and then waiting for you to reply. However, you should be concerned I a typically quiet cat will suddenly start meowling very loudly. Assuming he is not in heat, this could be a sign that he is growing deaf. Just like people, he is not aware of how loud they are! However, look for other symptoms. If your cat exhibits other symptoms, like rolling around on his back or running around the house in a wild feline marathon, then he could have feline hyperesthesia. Call your vet and you’re your cat checked.

PICA

Does your cat like to eat non-food items ? This phenomenon is called pica. While some breeds like Siamese and Himalayans like to suck on wool, a strange craving for plastic or string is dangerous—your cat can choke on these! Most of all, pica is a sign of stress.

Scratching everything

One of the best ways to stop your cat from scratching is to give or make him a scratching post. But sometimes your cat will decide to scratch on things he knows is off-limits, just to get your attention.

Causes of cat stress

Your cat’s anxiety or stress can be caused by one of many things: a change in environment (like moving to a new place, or a new pet or baby in the house), an experience of being attacked by another animal, or absence of the owner. Help your cat cope by giving extra attention and helping him recover a sense of familiarity. Set a schedule, give him a quiet and comfortable place where he can ‘escape’ and call his personal corner. Also, your cat’s safety comes first. If your cat has pica, remove any poisonous substances or keep them well out of reach (read our tips on pet proofing your home). You may also want to talk to your vet about any vitamin deficiencies that could be leading to pica.

Photo from slog.thestranger.com