Compared to dogs, cats are relatively low maintenance. Fortunately, unlike, dogs they don’t require much companionship, walking, training, etc. However, like any pet, they do require care. To feel relaxed, some cats need to know precisely what will happen next.
Cats, like humans, go through a wide range of feelings, and there will certainly be moments when they are depressed. They may not be able to express their dissatisfaction, but they communicate. All we must do now is learn to understand their behavior.
Look for changes in each cat’s individual behavioral habits to see if something is wrong. Cats are creatures of habit, so it’s unlikely that a sudden change in their behavior is the result of chance. Other members of your family, as well as your cat sitter, will help you detect alarming changes.
Has your generally outgoing cat turned quiet and reserved now? It’s because she is not happy, and you never noticed it. Today we are going to tell you about the Signs Your Cat is Unhappy. With no further ado, let’s make an effort to understand your cat.
11 Signs Your Cat is Unhappy
1. Hiding
Your cat will occasionally be found tucked away in a cozy corner, sleeping or simply resting. However, if this regularly, you should investigate further. Cats enjoy hiding because it adds to their mystique. They don’t exactly wear their emotions on their sleeves, and this only gets worse when they’re sick or unhappy.
They become more fearful and withdraw to protect themselves or to hide that vulnerable feeling from you. If your cat is hiding more than usual and you can’t figure out why, you should seek professional assistance at your nearest veterinarian. This hiding can sometimes lead to running away.
2. Lethargy
Cats are well-known for their sleep deprivation. It’s not called catnapping for no reason! While it’s common for cats to sleep up to 17 hours per day, a cat who is emotionally and physically healthy will break up those naps with bursts of activity and play. A contented cat will want to explore, play, and hunt in its surroundings.
If your cat exhibits a sudden change in sleep behavior, such as sleeping excessively when they should be awake, a lack of energy, or a refusal to play with or interact with favorite toys, this could indicate that your cat is unhappy.
3. Swishing and Twisting Tail
An irritated cat’s tail is a dead giveaway. The tail of a happy cat moves like a soft feather duster, whereas the tail of a sad or depressed cat may strike with quick, hard strikes.
Because cats are creatures of habit and dislike change, find out what’s bothering them by doing some research. Begin by addressing any recent modifications. Visit a vet if you are not able to find help online.
4. Fraidy Cat Ways
There’s no denying that cats are creepy. Your sweet girl takes a peaceful bath for one minute. The next moment, she sees an unseen force and is propelled out of the room like an arrow. Cats, like humans, experience fear and stress. Anxiety can make a cat unhappy if fear and stress are present regularly.
For some cats and kittens, hiding from strangers in the house is natural. Many animals avoid new experiences by hiding from the unknown, but how can we tell when normal fear has turned into crippling anxiety?
5. Climbing Walls
When cats are upset, unlike their human counterparts, they literally go off the rails (and on). This bad behavior can be a sign of depression, especially if they have been properly trained to follow your house rules. Their bad mood could be due to boredom, so make sure you give them plenty of stimulation if they’re depressed.
Cat toys, climbing trees, cozy beds, toys, and scratching posts should all be present in your home. It allows the cat to have its own space and feel like a family member and having things to sleep in or play with will help it do so.
6. Verbalizations
Cats can be very vocal animals, but if their vocalizations change, it could indicate that something is wrong. A loud, mournful yowl with a low pitch can be their way of expressing their dissatisfaction.
Excessive purring can also indicate that a cat is dissatisfied. While purring usually indicates that a cat is happy, unhappy cats may purr more than usual to comfort and soothe themselves.
7. Spraying or Changes in Bathroom Habits
To make themselves feel better, a sad cat may urinate in inappropriate places. There are a variety of reasons why cats urinate outside the litter box, but stress, depression, and sadness are among the most common.
To spread their own scent, your cat may urinate in high-value areas such as lookouts, your bedroom, or places where the scent of a deceased pet or missing human lingers. Also, if your cat soils outside of the litter box, you should be concerned.
8. Body Language
Cat owners should become familiar with cat body language to detect more subtle signs of unhappy cat behavior. If your cat’s ears are pinned back and their fur is standing on end, they’re probably upset.
There’s even a unique “cat tail language.” Your cat may be annoyed, angry, or scared if its tail is tucked instead of held high. If your cat is limping, there’s a good chance they’ve been hurt, and you should take them to the vet as soon as possible.
9. Litter Box Problems
Litter box issues are one of the first things cat owners notice when their feline companion is unhappy. A cat who begins urinating or defecating outside of its pan expresses his or her dissatisfaction by leaving puddles and piles for you to clean. Issues can range from a dislike of a particular brand of litter to a lack of security.
Furthermore, discerning noses dislike any kind of odor and will not put their paws in what they perceive to be dirty dirt. Make sure the litter is fresh and scooped, and that each cat has its own pan. To keep the cats happy, add an extra litter pan.
10. Aggression
Aggression in cats is frequently misunderstood as a simple response to a threat, but it can actually communicate a variety of messages, including their mood.
Unhappy cats are more likely to perceive things as threats, whether or not they are. As a result, when a cat is upset, they often become more hostile and lash out at various objects.
11. Not Wanting to Participate
If a cat loses interest in playing with his or her toys, it could be a sign your cat is unhappy or distressed. Unhappy cats have less energy. They might also stop playing or interacting with their human companions. It’s normal for cats to want some alone time to relax, but if their behavior differs significantly from what they’re used to, something may be wrong.
Cats have a reputation for being mysterious, but this isn’t always the case. All we must do now is learn to recognize the signals they send us. If their normal behaviors have changed, the problem could be emotional, and a trip to the veterinarian can help them get back on track to being happy and healthy.
Conclusion
This article was intended to become the voice of your unhappy cat. We hope that it gave you a better idea about the signs your cat is unhappy.
If your cat is showing any of the signs, don’t worry and call your vet. They can suggest lifestyle changes or medical treatment to keep your kitty happy and healthy.
