A stressed cat may eat more or less than usual. Sudden changes in appetite, including refusal to eat, can indicate stress.
Cats often seek solitude when stressed. If your cat starts hiding in unusual places or isolating themselves from family members, it may be a sign of stress.
While grooming is normal for cats, excessive licking, especially to the point of creating bald patches or sores, can be a sign of stress or discomfort.
Stress can manifest as aggression or unusual behavior. If your normally calm cat becomes aggressive or displays out-of-character behaviors, it might be due to stress.
Stress can affect a cat's bathroom behavior. Look for changes in litter box habits, such as avoiding the box or urinating outside of it.
Excessive meowing, yowling, or other vocalizations that are not typical for your cat may indicate stress. Some cats become more vocal when they are anxious.
A normally active cat that becomes lethargic or shows a significant decrease in playfulness might be experiencing stress.
Stress can manifest physically in cats. Watch for symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, or changes in coat condition, as these may be indicators of stress-related issues.