How to Know if a Kitten Is Stressed

Last Updated: March 12, 2023 References

All cats experience stress, but too much stress can be a bad thing. Cats show that they are stressed through changes in their behaviors. To know if your cat is stressed, look for physical changes like lack of appetite or changes in urination. You should also notice any behavioral changes, like excessive grooming or isolation. Finally, figure out if your home has experienced any recent major changes that may lead to stress.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Recognizing Physical Changes

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Notice any digestive problems. Stress and anxiety in a kitten can lead to digestive issues. Diarrhea and constipation are common reactions to stress. As you clean out the litter box, notice any abnormalities or changes in their habits.^{[1]
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- They may also start defecating outside of the litter box.
2
Monitor for a lack of appetite.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Brian Bourquin, DVM
Veterinarian
Expert Interview. 20 December 2019.} Kittens that are stressed may stop eating as much as usual. They may eat less in volume each day, or they may stop eating completely. This can lead to problems since a cat that goes without eating for more than a day can get sick.^{[3]
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- Remember, there are many reasons other than stress for a kitten to stop eating, so a vet check is essential.
- If you notice your kitten is not eating, take them to the vet as soon as possible.
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3
Determine if your cat is urinating outside of the litter box. Unclean litter boxes can lead to stress for a cat. If the litter box isn’t cleaned regularly and it is dirty, your cat may eliminate outside of it. This may also happen if there are not enough litter boxes or they are placed in high traffic areas.^{[4]
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Trustworthy Source
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
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Go to source}
- Stress can cause inflammation of the bladder lining which results in an increased need to urinate and passing blood. The signs are similar to other urinary conditions so you’ll need to have the kitten examined by a vet.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Identifying Behavioral Changes

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Look for distressed grooming. Cats who are stressed may groom more than is normal. Most cats groom often, but a kitten who is stressed may groom themselves until they have bald spots or sores.^{[5]
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- Some cats may even experience hair-pulling behaviors.
- Your cat may also scratch excessively.
- This excessive grooming is usually centered around the abdomen.
2
Watch for isolating behavior. Stressed cats may start acting differently than normal. They may isolate themselves more than usual.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Brian Bourquin, DVM
Veterinarian
Expert Interview. 20 December 2019.} This means they may start hiding in rooms, running from people or other pets, or finding dark, solitary spaces to spend their time in.^{[7]
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- If your cat was solitary to begin with, they may start being needy and clingy with you.
3
Listen for excessive whining and meowing. If your cat has started vocalizing excessively, they are probably trying to tell you something. This usually points to stress due to a huge change in the house, like a move, someone leaving or arriving, or another change.^{[8]
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- Your cat may meow, screech, whine, or make other signs.
4
Watch for changes in sleeping patterns. Cats are lazy and like to sleep. However, a stressed kitten may sleep more than is normal. They may sleep most of the day or through an excessive number of hours each day.^{[9]
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- Think about your cat’s normal sleeping habits. Look for any changes that could indicate something is wrong.
5
Look for outwardly aggressive behavior. If your kitten starts acting aggressively or violently towards you, people, or other pets, they may be stressed. This may be irritability or violence towards a person or other animal when bothered.^{[10]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Considering Changes in the Environment

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Pay attention to other cats in the home. If there are multiple cats in the house, there may be conflicts between the cats causing your kitten stress. If another cat is hostile, this can upset the cat. Notice how the cats in your house interact with your kitten.^{[11]
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Trustworthy Source
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty
Go to source}
- If there are cats outside, this can upset your cat because they think that a cat is encroaching on their territory.
2
Expect stress if you have moved recently. Moving to a new location can also cause a lot of stress to your cat. This can be because of a change in location or familiarity. Cats may also not do well if you move and expect them to go outside or inside when they are used to the opposite.
3
Think about any changes in the home. Cats may become stressed if the situation in the home has changed. This may include different people moving in or leaving, or getting a new pet. Even something like remodeling your house or playing loud music can cause stress for some cats.
- New smells, new furniture, or too much activity in the home can also cause stress.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Reducing Stress for Your Cat

1
Take your cat to the vet. Many of these symptoms may indicate a problem. Some of the symptoms, like lack of appetite or excessive grooming, can lead to other conditions or problems. If your cat shows signs of stress, you should take them to the vet for an examination.
- Make sure to tell your vet all the symptoms your cat has, along with any recent changes in your home.
2
Reduce the number of cats you own. Having too many cats in your home can cause unnecessary stress to all of them. You should evaluate the number of cats you own and consider reducing that number. Fewer cats in your home may help lower your kitten’s stress.^{[12]
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- This is particularly important if your cats don’t all get along or you have hostile cats.
3
Make sure your cat has enough stimulation. Cats may get stressed if they don’t have their needs met. This includes keeping them busy. You should make sure your cat has the right things in your home to make them feel safe and happy. Provide beds, hiding places, perches, scratching posts, toys, and litter boxes for each cat in the home.
- Sharing a litter box is a major source of stress for a cat. Always obey the golden rule of 1 litter box per cat, plus 1 spare. For instance, if you have 2 cats, you need a minimum of 3 litter boxes.
- Play with each cat for 5-10 minutes twice per day. Spend some time grooming each cat and making a fuss over them.

How Do You Tell If A Cat Is Stressed?

Expert Q&A

Question

Why is my kitten not using its litter box?

Brian Bourquin, DVM
Veterinarian
Brian Bourquin, better known as “Dr. B” to his clients, is a Veterinarian and the Owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic, a pet health care and veterinary clinic with three locations, South End/Bay Village, the Seaport, and Brookline, Massachusetts. Boston Veterinary Clinic specializes in primary veterinary care, including wellness and preventative care, sick and emergency care, soft-tissue surgery, dentistry. The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. Boston Veterinary Clinic is an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited hospital and Boston’s first Fear Free Certified Clinic. Brian has over 19 years of veterinary experience and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University.

Brian Bourquin, DVM

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

If you have cats that don’t get along or there have been any major changes in the house, your cat may also not use the litter box.
Question

How can I tell when my kitten gets stressed?

Brian Bourquin, DVM
Veterinarian
Brian Bourquin, better known as “Dr. B” to his clients, is a Veterinarian and the Owner of Boston Veterinary Clinic, a pet health care and veterinary clinic with three locations, South End/Bay Village, the Seaport, and Brookline, Massachusetts. Boston Veterinary Clinic specializes in primary veterinary care, including wellness and preventative care, sick and emergency care, soft-tissue surgery, dentistry. The clinic also provides specialty services in behavior, nutrition, and alternative pain management therapies using acupuncture, and therapeutic laser treatments. Boston Veterinary Clinic is an AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited hospital and Boston’s first Fear Free Certified Clinic. Brian has over 19 years of veterinary experience and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University.

Brian Bourquin, DVM

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Your kitten may try to hide by itself when it feels stressed or it may lose its appetite.