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Many cat parents laugh off behaviours such as excessive grooming, hiding under the bed or suddenly becoming clingy, but according to veterinary experts, these seemingly quirky habits may actually be subtle signs that your cat is experiencing stress.
On World Cat Domination Day on 24 June, Hill’s Pet Nutrition is encouraging cat parents to look beyond their pets’ larger-than-life personalities and pay closer attention to changes in behaviour that could indicate something is wrong.
“Cats are incredibly skilled at masking signs of stress, discomfort and even illness,” says Dr Karien Brink, Veterinary Affairs Manager at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “Many of the behaviours pet parents dismiss as quirky or typical cat behaviour may actually be subtle clues that something isn’t quite right. Because cats are naturally programmed to hide vulnerability, recognising these signs early can make a significant difference to their long-term health and wellbeing.”
While stress is a normal part of life for both humans and pets, cats often communicate their discomfort in ways that can be easy to miss. Changes in routine, unfamiliar visitors, loud noises, moving house, renovations, new pets, or shifts within the family can all trigger stress.
“The reality is that stress can affect everyone in the household, including our pets,” explains Brink. “While we can often verbalise when we’re feeling overwhelmed, cats communicate through behavioural changes. Understanding those changes is one of the most important ways we can support their wellbeing.”
Here are six common cat behaviours that may deserve a closer look:
- The great stare down
What we think: “They’re having another dramatic cat showdown.”
What it could mean: Prolonged staring between cats can indicate tension, territorial behaviour or underlying stress.
- The professional hider
What we think: “She’s being over the top.”
What it could mean: Spending significantly more time hiding can be a sign of anxiety, stress, illness, or discomfort.
- Extra clingy
What we think: “My cat finally realised I’m the favourite human.”
What it could mean: Changes in social behaviour, whether becoming unusually clingy or unusually withdrawn, can sometimes signal that something isn’t right.
- The overachieving groomer
What we think: “My cat is exceptionally clean.”
What it could mean: Excessive grooming may be linked to stress and anxiety.
- The fussy eater
What we think: “My cat is being difficult.”
What it could mean: Changes in appetite can often be one of the earliest signs that a cat is experiencing stress or an underlying health concern.
- Litter box changes
What we think: “My cat is acting out.”
What it could mean: Changes in urinary or digestive habits should never be ignored and may be associated with stress-related health challenges.
Why stress matters
Occasional stress is normal, but chronic stress can have a significant impact on a cat’s overall health and wellbeing. For cats, prolonged stress is more than an emotional issue. It can contribute to significant health complications, particularly urinary and gastrointestinal disorders, which are among the most common reasons cats are taken to the veterinarian. “Stress isn’t simply a behavioural concern,” says Dr Brink. “When stress becomes chronic, it can have a very real impact on a cat’s physical health, and pet parents may not realise there is a problem until symptoms become more serious.”
Because cats are so adept at hiding signs of discomfort, early recognition and veterinary intervention are critical.
Nutrition can also play an important role in supporting cats experiencing stress-related health concerns. Veterinarians increasingly use specialised nutritional solutions as part of a broader approach to managing stress-related urinary and digestive conditions.”With the right therapeutic nutrition, we can manage stress symptoms and related conditions,” says Dr Brink. “This approach allows us to support cat health while avoiding more invasive medical procedures.”
For cats experiencing stress-related urinary concerns, veterinarians may recommend Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Stress. Those experiencing stress-related digestive upset may benefit from Hill’s Prescription Diet GI Biome Stress. Pet parents should always consult their veterinarian to determine the most appropriate care plan for their individual cat.
As World Cat Domination Day approaches, Dr Brink says the occasion is a timely reminder that even the most independent and self-assured cats still rely on their pet parents to notice when something has changed.
“The cat hiding under the bed, refusing dinner, staring down the neighbour’s cat through the window, or suddenly following you from room to room may not be plotting world domination after all,” she says. “They may simply be asking for help in the only language they know.”
For more information, visit the Hill’s website