A change in behaviour implies something's not quite right. The stress of moving home, a new baby, or being left alone for long periods of time can all trigger antisocial behaviour. If those things have been ruled out you may need to arrange a visit to the vet, especially if your cat is growling or biting when touched.
If your cat is not feeling well, they may not look quite right. They may sit in a more hunched position or move with less grace than usual. Tilting the head or carrying the tail differently could indicate that something is wrong, too. Cats who feel unwell often do not groom themselves as well as usual.
Cats are very good at hiding illness and pain, but if you have a feeling something is wrong — anything from missing the litter box, to new eating habits, to hiding or hunching or meowing more than usual — it's often a good indication that your cat could use a helping hand from your veterinary team.
Pain, discomfort, or illness: Physical issues are common sources of cat anxiety. They can run the gamut, from a hurt paw to an upset tummy to a more serious medical problem.
They Are Sick
This hunger will make them cry for food more than usual. Stress can make your cat meow a lot, and they may not be comfortable. The cat could be in pain or not feel good. If you think your cat may be suffering from physical or emotional pain, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Howling, crying, hiding, and otherwise acting in a way that is out of character for your pet should alert you that something may be seriously wrong. Changes in litter box habits, particularly in male cats, can indicate a serious health problem.
Signs That a Cat is in Pain
Tail flicking. Won't eat or reduced appetite. Limping. Avoiding being handled, picked up or petted.
Cats that are not feeling well may just look a little “off.” The cat might sit in a hunched position, might not move as gracefully as before, might not lift its head properly, might have a head tilt, or might carry its tail in a different way than normal.
Think food puzzles to engage minds and bodies, vertical space for climbing and surveying their domain, scratching posts, safe outdoor access (like a catio), window perches and interactive play. “Play is an important part of relieving stress,” Delgado says. “It helps cats release those feel-good hormones.”
Make a Clean, Comfortable Bed Available
To make your cat feel more comfortable, add special touches to their cat bed or whatever place your cat likes to sleep. Add extra blankets for cushioning, and be sure to change the blankets regularly if your cat is having trouble getting to the litter box.
While hugging your ailing cat might make you feel better, it's likely not what your kitty wants. The best way to comfort your sick cat is to provide a warm and quiet place to sleep, make sure they have easy access to their litter box and food—perhaps you can move them closer? —and let them rest.
If your cat has a fever, try to keep them cool by placing them in a quiet, well-ventilated room. If they have an upset stomach, a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice can do wonders. However, it's important to remember that if your cat's condition doesn't improve, you should certainly seek professional help.
A short meow is like a standard greeting or 'hello'. A drawn-out meow can be a demand for something immediately like 'feed me now' or 'open the door'. A higher pitched longer meow, or yowl could mean pain or anger. This could be if another cat is in their territory; e.g. 'I don't want you here!
Some cats may show an obvious change in their facial expression when in pain, while with others it may be more subtle for example: Your cat may squint or close their eyes. Their ears may appear slightly flattened or pressed to the sides. Their mouth, nose and cheeks may appear tenser and more compressed.
Providing they are not caused by an underlying medical reason, if your cat is stressed it may show one or more of the following signs: Inappropriate toileting, such as urinating out of the litter box or spraying. Trouble toileting. Fighting/attacking you or other pets.
Aging and Stress May Change Your Cat's Behavior. When cats are sick or emotionally distraught, they can act depressed, become withdrawn, overly quiet, anxious or even extremely vocal. They may display unexpectedly aggressive behavior towards their owners and other animals in the household.
The most common sign of illness in some cats is hiding in a quiet, out-of-the-way place. Sick cats often lie quietly in a hunched position. They might neglect grooming. They may be purring, which cats do not only when they're happy, but also when they're sick or in pain.
If your cat sleeps on your bed, he may choose a position that lets him see out your bedroom door more easily. If he's curled up in a ball under your bed or in a quiet corner, then he may be hiding. Cats who sleep under the covers might love being close to you, or they might be hiding to feel safer.
Growling, hissing or spitting indicates a cat who is annoyed, frightened, angry or aggressive. Leave this cat alone. A yowl or howl (they sound like loud, drawn-out meows) tells you your cat is in some kind of distress—stuck in a closet, looking for you or in pain.
How different is it for cats? It is widely accepted that animals also feel pain in the same way that we do, being both a sensory and emotional experience in response to damage, or potential damage to the body.
Cats have an instinctual drive to hide pain and discomfort because they are hardwired to survive in the wild. When a cat is injured or sick, they become more vulnerable to predators and other dangers, making it essential for them to conceal any signs of weakness or illness.
All in all, even the most aloof and brooding cat will be able to pick up on your warmth and devotion. Whether they choose to admit it or not, they can sense when a person loves them (and hates them). So always make sure you're emitting good, kitty-positive vibes, and your cat will be sure to indulge in the lovefest.