9 Telltale Signs Your Cat May Be Unhappy
Cats can be mysterious, but their behavior usually tells a bigger story than people realize. When a normally calm pet starts acting off, it can be a sign that something in their world feels wrong.
That might mean illness, grief, stress, or simply a change in routine that leaves them unsettled. For cat owners, the tricky part is that these shifts are easy to miss or dismiss as personality quirks.
Here are nine common signs your cat may be unhappy, and why they are worth paying attention to.
1. When they seem lazier than usual.
Some cats may be lazy in general, but it's quite easy to spot when your usually active cat seems sluggish lately. Do note that cats need constant mental and physical stimulation to avoid boredom and depression.
As your cat ages, it's normal for their social skills to tone down. However, when you notice that they are completely inactive for long periods during the day, it's a clear sign that something is wrong.
To prevent your cat from having a sedentary lifestyle, be sure to provide them with toys, boxes, or anything to climb on so that there is always something to occupy their minds. If you can afford to give them a playmate, then do so, but be sure to follow the proper bonding procedures first so that their new companion won't distress them even more.
2. When your cat is purring and producing sorrowful sounds.
Cats can also be dramatic and will try to express their sentiments to you in that manner. If they seem to be making sounds that resemble crying or wailing, then there is something they are trying to communicate to you.
Fret not, however, because their meowing may only signal that they want you to spend time with them. After all, they crave your time and presence, too!
If the meowing becomes excessive, be sure to check with your veterinarian in case something is genuinely wrong.
3. When they keep displaying manic behavior.
If your cat is usually cuddly and sweet but seems to have changed overnight and turned into a raging creature, it can indicate outright unhappiness. Cats may hiss and swat you occasionally, but when they seem too aggressive for both of your likings, then it's time to check your pet thoroughly.
Here are some illnesses that may trigger a cat's hostile behavior, according to Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine: hyperthyroidism, osteoarthritis, dental disease, and central nervous system problems. They also suggest consulting a veterinarian first before making your own adjustments to manage this kind of behavior.
4. When they get picky with food or when they overeat.
Humans, when stressed, tend to fall into the pit of overeating to cope with their overwhelming problems. The same goes for cats; they also tend to overeat when they are happy.
Conversely, the opposite may also happen—they may undereat. When this occurs, it could indicate the presence of a dental problem.
Be sure to provide them with clean food and water. You may even introduce new food to see if that will help revert their eating routine to a healthier one.
If the behavior continues, consult your vet as soon as possible.
5. Excessive grooming, or the lack of it
Cats are very meticulous when it comes to cleaning themselves. They also exhibit this behavior in taking care of their young.
If your cat suddenly stops grooming themselves and ensuring that their paws and tails are clean, examine their behavior and check what could be wrong. Like humans, cats who seem to stop their self-care routines often feel that something is wrong.
According to Vest West Animal Hospitals, cats spend 30% of their time grooming. So if they seem sluggish all of a sudden about their cleaning habits, then it's time for a check-in.
That shift can be easy to overlook at first.
It’s like the couple whose morning cat food demands turned into a full-blown tension.
6. Stinky disasters
Cat owners know that if their kitty seems to be having problems with using the litter box properly, then it's an indication that they are in distress. It's one of the most common signs that indicate a cat is unhappy.
If a cat seems to purposely leave their waste outside the litter box or urinate nearby (but never properly in it), then they are trying to communicate something to you. This may mean that they are feeling unsafe, or they simply don't like the litter box you provided for them.
Try to keep the box clean and fresh (well, after every business is done). If you have already changed the litter box and they still exhibit the same behavior, then a visit to the vet would be best.
7. When they seem too mopey.
For pet owners, it's important to learn the different kinds of body language of their furry friends that may indicate any kind of emotion. A happy cat will generally be more relaxed and cuddly, while an angry one will be evidently more jumpy and mopey in their attitude.
The infographic here shows the behaviors you need to keep in mind to understand your pet a little bit better. If something seems off, then don't hesitate to seek professional help.
8. When they seem to avoid you and anyone else.
Cats are social animals, even when they don't seem to be. They may only display good social behavior under the right circumstances, especially when they are happiest or most comfortable.
While they are also natural hiders, too much hiding can indicate unhappiness. When they tend to avoid their loved ones, they may be suffering from something, or it can be due to their annoyance with something or someone.
Instead of pushing yourself to get close to them, try to observe them closely at first so they won't get all riled up. Avoid taking pictures of them for a while, but do monitor their behavior from time to time.
Sometimes the quietest warning signs are the hardest to spot.
9. Scaredy-Cat
Cats are peculiar creatures in general, but they can also be spooked just as we sometimes get spooked by them. When they feel excessive fear, stress, and anxiety, they can become quite jumpy and paranoid most of the time.
If you think that your cat is showing any of these signs, be sure not to make solutions solely by yourself and always seek professional help as much as possible. Do monitor their behavior closely at first to see what you can initially do, but avoid taking any major actions until you receive a vet's go signal.
What do you think of these signs that indicate your cat may be unhappy? Do you have anything more to share from your experience?
Comment down your thoughts, or share this article with all your cat-lover family and friends to see!
Want the worst-case version of neglecting cat care tips, see what happened in this guide to the consequences of ignoring top cat care tips.
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