Anxiety in Cats: Causes, Symptoms & Coping Methods

If you’ve noticed your usually chill cat suddenly acting weird—like hiding under the bed all day or refusing to eat—it might not just be a "cat thing." Your feline friend could be dealing with something we often overlook: anxiety.

Yes, just like us, cats can get anxious. And no, it’s not just about being shy or moody. Cat anxiety is real, and it can seriously affect their well-being. But the good news? You can do something about it.

Let’s walk through what anxiety in cats looks like, what causes it, and how you can help your furry friend feel safe, secure, and more like themselves again.

What Is Anxiety in Cats?

Anxiety in cats is more than just occasional stress—it’s a chronic emotional state triggered by fear, uncertainty, or lack of control. It can show up as separation anxiety, general nervousness, or anxiety caused by specific events like moving house or loud noises (hello, thunderstorm season!).

Some cats are naturally more prone to anxiety—especially those with traumatic pasts, limited socialisation, or who’ve gone through major changes.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Unlike dogs, cats don’t wear their emotions on their sleeves (or paws). So it can be tricky to know when something’s off. Here are some common signs of feline anxiety:

• Hiding more than usual (under beds, behind furniture)

• Sudden aggression or over-grooming

• Destructive behaviour (scratching doors, knocking things over)

• Changes in appetite—eating less or binge eating

• Increased vocalisation (especially at night)

• Litter box accidents

• Vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive shedding

If your cat’s behaviour has shifted noticeably, anxiety might be the root cause.

What Causes Anxiety in Cats?

Cats are creatures of habit. They thrive on predictability, and when that’s disrupted, anxiety can creep in. Here are some common triggers:

Changes in Environment

Cats are territorial by nature. Moving to a new home, renovating a room, or even rearranging furniture can be incredibly unsettling. Their scent markers get disrupted, and they suddenly feel like strangers in their own space. Even something as minor as switching their litter box location or food bowl can cause anxiety in some cats.

New Family Member

Bringing home a new baby, roommate, partner, or another pet can make your cat feel insecure or threatened. Cats may see new additions as invaders or competition, especially if their usual routine or attention from you changes. They may hide, become clingy, or act out aggressively in response.

Lack of Stimulation or Routine

Indoor cats, in particular, need both mental and physical stimulation. Without play, engagement, or a regular schedule, they can become bored or restless—two emotions that often evolve into anxiety. Feeding and playtime at inconsistent times can also confuse them and increase stress levels.

Past Trauma or Neglect

Rescue cats or those with a history of abuse, abandonment, or being rehomed may carry emotional baggage. These cats often have a heightened fight-or-flight response and may be more prone to anxiety in new situations. Even loud voices, closed doors, or being left alone can trigger past memories and stress.

Health Issues or Aging

Pain or discomfort can also lead to anxiety. Cats suffering from conditions like arthritis, dental pain, or cognitive dysfunction (common in older cats) may become more withdrawn, irritable, or anxious. If their senses (sight, hearing, smell) start to decline, their world becomes confusing and unpredictable, increasing anxiety further.

How Is Cat Anxiety Diagnosed?

Diagnosing anxiety in cats isn’t always straightforward, but here’s how the process usually works:

Step 1: Rule Out Medical Conditions

The first thing a vet will do is rule out any underlying medical issues that could be causing the symptoms. For example, inappropriate urination might be caused by a urinary tract infection, not anxiety. Vomiting or lethargy could indicate gastrointestinal or systemic illness. A full physical exam, blood work, and possibly imaging may be recommended.

Step 2: Behavioural History

If medical causes are ruled out, your vet or a feline behaviourist will evaluate your cat’s behaviour and environment. You may be asked to share:

• When the behaviour started

• Any changes in your home or routine

• Specific triggers you’ve noticed

• How your cat reacts to certain situations (e.g., strangers, loud noises, being left alone)

Keeping a daily journal of your cat’s behaviour can help provide clarity and patterns over time.

Step 3: Observation and Response to Intervention

In many cases, anxiety is diagnosed based on your cat’s behaviour and how they respond to small changes. If removing stressors, enriching the environment, or using calming tools leads to improvement, anxiety becomes the most likely diagnosis. Your vet may also suggest trying calming supplements, pheromone diffusers or anti-anxiety medication to test response.

In complex or severe cases, referral to a feline behaviourist may be advised for in-depth evaluation and a personalised behaviour modification plan.

How Can I Help My Cat Cope with Anxiety?

Helping your cat manage anxiety involves a combination of environment changes, routine, and care. Here’s a more complete approach to what you can do:

1. Create a Calm and Safe Environment

Set up dedicated safe zones in your home where your cat can retreat when they feel overwhelmed. This could be a quiet room with a cozy bed, access to vertical spaces like cat trees or shelves, and their favorite toys or blankets.

Use pheromone diffusers like Feliway that mimic natural calming signals produced by cats. These can be especially helpful during times of transition, like moving or adding a new pet.

Keep noise levels low, avoid sudden changes in their environment, and maintain a consistent layout for food, litter boxes, and sleeping spots.

2. Stick to a Predictable Routine

Cats thrive on consistency. Try to feed, play with, and interact with your cat around the same times every day. Sudden changes in routine—like skipping meals, changing litter brands abruptly, or varying your own schedule too much—can make your cat feel out of control.

A predictable routine helps your cat feel secure and reduces the uncertainty that contributes to anxiety.

3. Provide Mental and Physical Enrichment

Enrichment is essential to keep your cat's mind engaged and reduce stress. This includes:

• Interactive play sessions (laser pointers, feather wands, etc.)

• Puzzle feeders to make mealtime more stimulating

• Window perches for bird-watching

• Cat trees or climbing spaces to satisfy their instincts

Rotate toys regularly to keep things fresh. Enrichment gives your cat an outlet for natural behaviours and builds confidence.

4. Consider Calming Products or Medical Support

For mild to moderate anxiety, natural calming solutions may be enough. These include:

• Calming treats or chews with L-theanine or valerian root

• Herbal sprays or diffusers

For more severe cases, your vet may recommend prescription medications like fluoxetine or gabapentin. These are usually used short-term and paired with behavior modification strategies.

5. Make Vet and Grooming Visits Less Stressful

Some cats become anxious just seeing their carrier, let alone stepping foot in a vet clinic. If your cat dreads vet or grooming visits, consider using housecall services instead.

Pawkit, for example, offers housecall vet services and mobile grooming, so your cat gets expert help without the stress of leaving their territory. This kind of service can be a game-changer for cats with anxiety, letting them stay calm while still receiving the care they need.

Anxiety in cats is real—but it’s also manageable. With patience, the right environment, and maybe a little professional help, you can make your cat’s world a calmer, happier place.

And if your anxious cat hates vet trips or salon days, consider making their life easier with housecall services like Pawkit. After all, a relaxed cat is a happy cat—and a happy cat means a happier home.