A cat that hides, scratches furniture more than usual, or refuses to use its litter box isn't necessarily being fussy—it may just be stressed.
On the CBDSOL blog, we wanted to take a closer look at a topic that concerns many cat owners. Cats rarely show obvious signs of distress, and it’s often small changes in behavior that give them away. Let’s take a look at how to recognize these signs, what causes stress, what simple steps can help relieve it, and when you should seek veterinary advice.
How can you tell if a cat is stressed?
Cats are discreet animals. The recommendations from the AAFP and the ISFM—two associations of veterinarians specializing in feline medicine—emphasize that cats rarely show visible signs of stress, even when their bodies are experiencing it. More often than not, we only notice it when they exhibit behavior that is considered disruptive.
Here are the signs you should look out for:
- He hides more often or for longer periods than before.
- he urinates or defecates outside the litter box, or marks the walls
- He licks himself a lot more—sometimes to the point of losing his fur in spots
- he eats less, or, on the contrary, more
- He's not meowing anymore, day or night
- He becomes irritable and is more likely to spit or scratch.
None of these signs on its own proves that your cat is stressed. Several of them may also indicate an illness. That is why a change in behavior should always be taken seriously.
What causes stress in cats?
Cats love their territory and their routines. The more predictable their daily life is, the better they feel. Conversely, anything that disrupts their routine can make them anxious. The Cornell University Feline Health Center specifically cites changes in environment, changes in feeding schedules, and the arrival or departure of another animal.
There are other situations that come up often: moving, home renovations, the birth of a baby, guests, the prolonged absence of a family member, or even tension with other cats in the neighborhood—even if they’re just glimpsed through a window. Boredom is also a factor: a cat that can’t play or explore will eventually start to feel the effects.
Tips for Calming Your Cat
The AAFP and ISFM recommendations regarding cats’ needs are based on five pillars. They provide a solid foundation for finding a peaceful home:
- A safe haven: a cardboard box laid on its side, an open pet carrier, or a high shelf, where he can retreat and observe without being disturbed.
- Separate and multiple supplies: food, water, litter, a scratching post, a sleeping area, and a play area placed in different locations, especially if there are multiple cats.
- Play and hunting: Short daily sessions with a feathered wand or a ball help him burn off his energy.
- Gentle, predictable touch: Let him come to you, focus on stroking his head, cheeks, and chin, and maintain a consistent routine.
- Respect your cat's sense of smell: Avoid heavily scented household products and scented litter, which can confuse your cat.
One last, essential piece of advice: never punish a cat for relieving itself outside the litter box or for marking its territory. Punishment adds fear to stress and almost always makes the situation worse.
What about pheromone diffusers?
Diffusers replicate the pheromones that cats leave behind when they rub their cheeks against objects. Recommendations from the AAFP and the ISFM indicate that they may have a calming effect in an unfamiliar place or a stressful situation. However, studies remain mixed: a study published in 2016 in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery found no effect on stress levels in the cats observed. If you’d like to try one, ask your veterinarian for advice.
When should you see a veterinarian?
Your veterinarian is the first person to contact as soon as a behavioral change persists or begins. He or she will first check to make sure there isn’t an underlying medical cause: pain, an emerging illness, or a urinary problem can all mimic stress.
Stress can actually make a cat sick. According to Cornell University’s Feline Health Center, it appears to play a significant role in idiopathic cystitis, a common form of bladder inflammation in cats. Seek veterinary care promptly if your cat urinates frequently in small amounts, cries out while urinating, has blood in its urine, or urinates outside the litter box. If your cat strains but is unable to urinate, this is an emergency: the bladder may be blocked, a higher risk in male cats.
And what about CBD?
CBD is the subject of research in veterinary medicine, but studies conducted in cats have focused primarily on the molecule’s tolerability. No efficacy studies in cats are cited in the review published in 2025 by the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science. in the UK Any product that claims to have an effect on an animal’s health is considered a veterinary drug and must be approved. Any questions on this topic should therefore be directed to your veterinarian. We provide an overview of the current state of veterinary research in our article.
Finally, THC is toxic to animals. If you have hemp products at home, keep them out of your cat’s reach, and learn the precautions you need to take to prevent any accidents. With a suitable environment, patience, and your veterinarian’s help, most cats quickly regain their sense of calm.
