Cats do get anxiety, and there's a good chance you're accidentally stressing out your kitty. Here's how to change that and keep your cat's anxiety at bay.
Do Cats Get Anxiety? How to Spot the Signs—And Help Your Cat
Updated on Jun. 16, 2025
A stressed-out cat can cause you worry—and wreak havoc on your household. But there’s a difference between a short-term stressor and something more serious, which begs the question: Do cats get anxiety?
According to the veterinarian and certified cat behaviorist we talked to, they do. Not only does anxiety lead to destructive cat behaviors, but it can also reduce your ability to get some quality bonding time with your pet.
While anxiety in your cats can be a challenging problem to deal with, and it won’t magically go away overnight, it is by no means impossible to overcome. We asked cat experts to weigh in on the issue and bust some cat myths—read on for solutions that’ll save everyone’s sanity.
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How can I tell if my cat has anxiety?
Contrary to what you might believe, cats can have anxiety disorders. And it’s perhaps more common than you think. While some signs of cat anxiety are clear, others are more subtle, notes veterinarian Jessica Herman, DVM.
Obvious signs of cat anxiety include:
- Increased aggression
- Hissing
- Excessive vocalization (especially if it’s more than usual)
- Pacing
- Extreme mood changes
- Clinginess
Subtle signs of cat anxiety include:
- Not using the litter box
- Hiding
- Trying to escape
- Lethargy
- Change in appetite (and therefore, weight)
- Digestive issues such as diarrhea
- Overgrooming, which may create bald spots or skin sores
Why do cats get anxiety?
Cats tend to be sensitive creatures who are highly attuned to their surroundings. Anything that disrupts the status quo can trigger their anxiety and lead to the above traumatized-cat symptoms, notes Dr. Herman. Below are a few common reasons for feline anxiety. Keep in mind that these various stressors can also trigger cat depression.
Moving to a new home
Whether they’re moving down the street or across the country, cats find it upsetting to learn a new space. They’ve scoped their old territory, left their marks and found their favorite spots. Needing to repeat all of that can cause a bit of anxiety. Fortunately, the anxiety will subside as they get used to their new abode.
Gaining or losing a pet or family member
Maybe you just had a baby or recently lost a sweet pet. Whatever the case may be, any shift in home dynamics can trigger cat anxiety. Cats don’t do well with change to begin with, and now, they may also be mourning their previous friend.
Changing their daily routine
The two scenarios above can majorly shift your cat’s routine. Even small adjustments, such as changing their daily feeding time or play schedule, can trigger cat anxiety. Sometimes, something as simple as rearranging the furniture can upset your cat. There are many other things you do that your cat hates and gets stressed from.
Experiencing boredom
Although expert loungers, cats do require mental and physical stimulation; without it, they can experience anxiety and engage in destructive behavior, notes Dr. Herman. Cuddles, cat toys and one-on-one time can help.
Feeling pain, discomfort or illness
Physical issues are common sources of cat anxiety. They can run the gamut from a hurt paw to an upset tummy to a more serious medical problem. When cats aren’t feeling 100%, they likely feel vulnerable, on guard and not equipped to handle challenges. This would cause anyone to feel a bit of anxiety!
Being separated from their human
While we often think of dogs as the animals most attached to their owners, felines deal with similar emotions. In fact, cat separation anxiety may have become more common after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted and people started going back to work. If you’re going from a work-from-home job to an in-office role, it’s important to ease your cat into the idea that you may be away from home more often. Leaving behind your scent via a shirt or blanket may help them feel calmer. Are some cats more anxious than others?
You might have noticed that some cats saunter around without a care in the world, while others are known for being skittish “scaredy cats.” And this makes sense because cats’ personalities and life experiences are all different.
“Just like humans, some cats are more anxious than others,” says Mikel Delgado, PhD, a certified applied animal behaviorist and cat behavior consultant for Feline Minds. “This is due in part to genetics, so some cats just might be born a bit more prone to anxiety. At the same time, socialization at a young age will have an impact on how sensitive a cat’s stress response becomes.”
For that reason, Delgado says it’s ideal for kittens to get lots of gentle, positive exposure to different people, animals, types of handling and experiences—such as being in a cat carrier—when they are young. Early exposure to different situations will help kittens cope better with change when they are older.
How do I make my cat less anxious?
All cats want to feel a sense of safety, control and choice in their daily lives and interactions with people and other animals, notes Delgado. Keep this in mind as you work to relieve your cat’s anxiety.
“Never punish a cat for exhibiting signs of anxiety, as this could make the anxiety worse and cause more unwanted behavior. You want to make them feel safe and loved,” says Dr. Herman. “Sticking to a routine will help. Feeding and playing with your cat at a similar time each day will help create security. Creating a mentally stimulating environment will help, as well.”
For example, you might add cat perches and scratching posts to your home and/or provide an array of cat toys, including food puzzles and interactive mouse feeders. In that same vein, make sure your cat has a quiet, safe place to escape.
A messy litter box can also trigger stress in your cat. Keeping it clean, one of the essential things your cat wants from you, also reduces their stress to some degree. On that note, Delgado says that you may need to add more litter boxes and food dishes to soothe a stressed cat, especially if they’re in a multi-cat home. Every cat should have their own.
“Calming cat pheromone products can help, as well,” says Dr. Herman. “Feliway spray, diffusers and wipes mimic a natural ‘happy feeling’ feline pheromone for your cat and can soothe, calm and relax him or her.”
And here’s an easy trick: According to a new study, cats like baby talk. In other words, speaking in a high-pitched, affectionate tone may not only help get your cat’s attention but also improve bonding between the two of you.
When should you see a veterinarian for help?
You should consult your vet anytime you notice a significant change in your cat’s behavior, personality or body language. As our experts tell us, behavioral changes are mostly anxiety-related. Keep an eye on how much your cat is sleeping too, as this may be an indicator that your cat isn’t feeling well.
“It’s also important to recognize that anxiety is more pervasive than short-term fear. Some cats will hide briefly after a loud noise or a visitor, but they return to ‘normal’ shortly afterward,” explains Delgado. “Anxiety tends to be more ongoing and doesn’t always have a clear trigger. Just like you would take your cat to the vet if they had a broken leg, anxiety can lead your cat to suffer and require medical treatment.”
During your appointment, your vet will likely ask for a detailed history of your cat’s behavior and perform a physical examination before determining the best course of action. “Your vet may recommend medication or behavior-modification techniques,” says Delgado, “or [they may] refer you to a behavior specialist who can help you assess your cat’s situation and environment for changes.”
Whether your vet prescribes your cat anxiety meds or not, you’ll definitely want to create a routine for your pet and ensure environmental enrichment. That’s ultimately what will help make your cat calmer.
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Sources:
- Mikel Delgado, PhD, certified applied animal behaviorist and co-founder of Feline Minds
- Jessica Herman, DVM, veterinarian with experience treating cats
