Bring Them to Your Veterinarian for a Health Check It’s important to note that cats never toilet in inappropriate areas in the house out of “spite,” but it can be caused by medical problems as well as behavioral issues. If you notice your cat constantly urinating or defecating inappropriately outside their litter box, then it’s time to consider if they are undergoing some sort of stress. If your cat has always used their box regularly, but begins having accidents, it could be due to stress or a medical problem.Ĭats are known for being very clean animals. It is important that cats do not go for too long without eating as a few days of anorexia (little or no appetite) can lead to hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), which can be fatal if untreated. If this persists, they will lose weight and suffer from poor body condition. Loss of Appetite and Weight LossĪ traumatized cat might be less inclined to eat. If your cat has become noisier, then it can be a sign that they are trying to communicate their distress to you. Meowing is mostly thought to be a vocalization that is directed toward people. Increased VocalizationĮxcessive meowing is a behavior that cats can show when they are feeling stressed. You might also find them pacing back and forth at night time.

As a result, they cannot relax enough to settle down. They are in a state of restlessness and agitation. Sleep disturbances can be seen in cats that are suffering from high levels of stress and anxiety. Traumatized cats might exist at such a high level of alertness they cannot settle down to sleep like normal. Trying to engage them in playtime might yield little result. Reduced Interaction With People and Other PetsĪ cat that has experienced emotional trauma is likely to become more withdrawn and less willing to interact with people or other pets in the family. When cats are very alert and on edge like this, you might also notice them becoming easily startled and spooked. They constantly scan the environment for danger, attuned to detecting small movements and noises, and looking for escape routes. In addition to producing exaggerated aggressive responses, they can become increasingly vigilant about their surroundings so as to avoid any potential threats. HypervigilanceĪs mentioned earlier, emotional stress can lead to a heightened state of arousal in your cat. If your cat spends most of the day in their hiding place and doesn’t respond to being coaxed out gently, they are likely going through a lot of emotional distress. Hiding is normal cat behavior but it is worrying when it becomes excessive. The urge to flee and hide is part of their “flight” response to keep themselves from harm’s way. Hiding is also tied to a cat’s “fight or flight” response-being hidden away makes them feel safer.Ī fearful and anxious cat is likely to spend lots of time hiding away as it makes them feel safer and more secure. This needy behavior is their way of finding some reassurance from you in order to feel more secure. They might seek out your company and find it difficult to be alone. You might notice your cat becoming clingier and more affectionate after experiencing something distressing. Though some cats will use aggression as a defense mechanism, other cats that are going through emotional stress might go the opposite way.

For example, you might approach to stroke them on the head and this could be enough to cause the cat to lash out at you. This can result in exaggerated responses disproportionate to the threat that is present. Traumatized cats will also have a certain level of background stress that can lead to a heightened state of arousal. If they are unable to escape due to being restrained, cornered, or too close to the supposed danger, they will resort to aggression in order to protect themselves. When cats feel threatened, their “fight or flight” response is activated. When a cat has experienced a traumatic event, this can make them more prone to displaying aggressive behavior. The goal is to manage the cat's stress and anxiety, and improve their overall well-being.īy recognizing the signs of trauma in cats, you can help manage the situation so that these negative emotions can be minimized.

Signs of psychological trauma in cats