How can you tell if your cat is anxious?

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Cats are experts at hiding discomfort, so anxiety isn't always obvious. Some cats become withdrawn, while others develop unwanted behaviours that owners mistake for bad habits. ​Common signs of anxiety include:

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• Hiding more than usual

• Being easily startled

• Excessive grooming or licking, sometimes creating bald patches

• Loss of appetite

• Overeating

• Urinating or spraying inside the house

• Aggression towards people or other pets

• Growling, hissing or swatting

• Excessive vocalisation

• Pacing or restlessness

• Sleeping much more than usual

• Following their owner constantly

• Refusing to interact with people

• Dilated pupils when there is no obvious reason

• Trembling or crouching

• Scratching furniture more than normal

• Difficulty settling or relaxing

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These behaviours can also be caused by illness or pain, so any sudden behavioural change should always be checked by a veterinarian first.

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What causes anxiety in cats?

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Cats like routine and predictability. Even changes that seem small to us can be very stressful for them. ​Common causes include:

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Moving house

A new home smells different, sounds different and lacks familiar territory.

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New family members

A new baby, partner or flatmate can disrupt a cat's sense of security.

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New pets

Introducing another cat or dog is one of the most common causes of feline anxiety.

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Changes to routine

Working different hours, going on holiday or spending less time at home can upset some cats.

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Loud noises

Fireworks, thunderstorms, construction work and loud parties can all trigger anxiety.

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Previous trauma

Rescue cats may carry emotional scars from neglect, abandonment or abuse.

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Medical problems

Pain, arthritis, dental disease, hyperthyroidism and other illnesses can make cats anxious or irritable.

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How to reduce your cat's anxiety

Keep a consistent routine

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Cats feel safest when life is predictable. ​Try to:

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• Feed meals at the same times each day.

• Keep litter trays in the same locations.

• Maintain regular play sessions.

• Avoid unnecessary changes to their environment.

Create safe spaces

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Every cat should have places where they can retreat without being disturbed. ​Provide:

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• Covered beds

• High shelves or cat trees

• Quiet rooms

• Cardboard boxes

• Soft blankets

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Never force a frightened cat to come out of hiding.

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Give them plenty of vertical space

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Cats naturally feel safer when they can observe their surroundings from above.  Cat trees, shelving and window perches help anxious cats feel more secure.

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Enrichment and mental stimulation

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A bored cat is more likely to become stressed. ​Provide:

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• Puzzle feeders

• Interactive toys

• Daily play sessions

• Scratching posts

• Window views

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Aim for two or three short play sessions every day.

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Make sure they have enough resources

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In multi-cat households, competition is a major cause of anxiety. ​Provide multiple:

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• Food bowls

• Water bowls

• Litter trays

• Scratching posts

• Beds

• Hiding places

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A good rule is one litter tray per cat, plus one extra.

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Avoid punishment

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Never punish an anxious cat for unwanted behaviour. Shouting, spraying water or physical punishment will usually make anxiety worse and can damage your relationship with your cat. Instead, identify the cause and work on reducing the stress.

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Products that can help

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Many anxiety products work best alongside environmental changes rather than as a cure on their own.

The following products are widely available in New Zealand through veterinary clinics and pet retailers.

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Feliway Diffuser

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One of the most commonly recommended products by veterinarians.  Feliway releases a synthetic version of the facial pheromones that cats naturally leave when they feel safe and comfortable.  ​It may help with:

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• Moving house

• Introducing new cats

• Fireworks

• Visitors

• General anxiety

• Urine spraying

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Allow several weeks before assessing whether it is helping.  

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Learn more about the Feliway Diffuser and how it can help reduce stress and anxiety in cats by visiting the official Feliway website.

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Feliway Spray

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Ideal for:

• Cat carriers

• Car travel

• Vet visits

• New bedding

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Spray the carrier around 15 minutes before placing your cat inside.

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Zylkene

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Zylkene is a natural calming supplement made from a milk protein that promotes relaxation without causing sedation.

It can be useful for:

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• Fireworks

• Moving house

• Vet visits

• Holidays

• New pets

• General anxiety

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Many veterinarians recommend starting it several days before an expected stressful event.

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Learn more about Zylkene and how it can help support cats during stressful situations by visiting the official Zylkene website.

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Royal Canin Calm Diet

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Available through many veterinary clinics in New Zealand.  ​This specially formulated diet contains ingredients designed to support cats experiencing stress and anxiety.

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Learn more about Royal Canin Calm Diet and how it can help support cats experiencing stress and anxiety by visiting the official Royal Canin website.

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Purina PRO PLAN® Veterinary Supplements Calming Care

 

Purina PRO PLAN® Veterinary Supplements Calming Care is a daily probiotic supplement designed to help cats better cope with stressful situations. It contains a specific beneficial probiotic strain (Bifidobacterium longum BL999) that has been shown to support healthy gut function while also helping to reduce signs of anxiety in some cats through the gut–brain connection. ​It may be beneficial for cats experiencing:

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• General anxiety

• Fear of loud noises, such as fireworks or thunderstorms

• Stress during changes to the household

• Separation from family members

• Multi-cat household tension

• Travel-related stress

• Changes in routine

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Unlike fast-acting calming products, Calming Care is designed to be given every day and may take several weeks before you notice an improvement. It is most effective when used as part of a broader approach that includes environmental enrichment, a consistent routine and reducing sources of stress.

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The supplement comes as a tasteless powder in individual sachets that can be sprinkled over your cat's food, making it easy for most cats to accept.

Learn more about Purina PRO PLAN® Veterinary Supplements Calming Care and how it can help support cats experiencing stress and anxiety by visiting the official Purina website.​

 

When to seek professional help

 

Contact your veterinarian if your cat:
 

• Suddenly becomes anxious.

• Stops eating.

• Starts urinating outside the litter tray.

• Becomes aggressive.

• Over-grooms to the point of hair loss.

• Seems to be in pain.

• Loses weight.

• Shows severe anxiety despite environmental changes.

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Medical conditions often mimic anxiety, so it is important to rule out illness before assuming the behaviour is purely emotional.

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If your cat has ongoing behavioural problems and your veterinarian has ruled out any underlying medical causes, it may be time to seek additional support. A veterinary behaviourist, or a veterinarian with a special interest in behaviour, can assess the underlying causes of your cat's anxiety and develop a tailored treatment plan. This may include behaviour modification techniques, environmental changes, and, where appropriate, anti-anxiety medication. Getting professional advice early can often prevent problems from becoming more deeply established and greatly improve both your cat's wellbeing and your relationship with them.

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Patience makes all the difference

 

Helping an anxious cat takes time. Improvements often happen gradually over weeks rather than days.

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By providing a predictable routine, a safe environment, plenty of enrichment and appropriate veterinary support when needed, most anxious cats can become far more relaxed and confident.

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Remember, your cat isn't being difficult, they're trying to tell you that something doesn't feel safe. Understanding what they're communicating is the first step towards helping them feel secure again.