Cat stress: Five things you’re doing without realising that are making your cat stressed

Cats aren’t known for being the friendliest or most affectionate pets, but if they start acting grumpier than usual and hiding more it could mean they’re stressed.

And that stress could be caused by us “without realising it”, according to clinical feline behaviourist Amanda Campion.

She has detailed the five ways we might be upsetting cats in a TikTok video and it’s a big eye-opener.

Watch the video above.

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The first thing that stresses cats out is loud noises such as high volume on the TV, noisy appliances or tradies doing work on the home or nearby.

“Cats have got really, really sensitive hearing so loud noises… that can really stress them out, so if you’ve got anything like that, any work like that or you wanna vacuum, really keep the volume down around your cat,” she said.

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Next on the list is inconsistencies in your cat’s routine, because “cats are creatures of habit”.

A routine with regular times for play, sleeping and feeding is important for cats.

“The predictability of their routine makes them feel safe and when you change this, whether it’s playtime, feed time, it can make them feel really anxious,” Campion said.

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Another thing that stresses cats out is forcing cuddles on them because not all cats like being held or touched.

“Consent is everything; some cats are happy to be picked up, some cats are lap cats but not every cat wants that level of interaction so if they’re happy just sitting next to you or by you take it as a compliment,” she said.

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Dirty litter boxes are another thing that stresses cats out because cleanliness is hugely important to them and it’s also unpleasant.

“Kindest thing you can do for your cat is always make sure they have a pristine litter box,” she said.

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Last on the list is a lack of safe spaces so things like having something for them to perch up high where they can see everything or a carboard box can help.

According to Dr Katrina Warren there are several reasons cats love cardboard boxes, including that they make a good hiding place.

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“As natural predators, cats possess an innate instinct to stalk and pounce on their prey. It is believed boxes provide them with an ideal vantage point from which to launch their ambush,” she wrote in an article for 9honey Pets.

Cardboard boxes also give cats a relaxing space to unwind away from overwhelming stimuli.

“Boxes may provide a sense of safety and security for cats, catering to their innate behaviour of withdrawing and seeking refuge in stressful situations. When faced with unfamiliar or overwhelming stimuli, cats instinctively look for a place to retreat and hide,” she said.

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