Feline stress

Feline stress is the physiological and behavioral response a cat shows when it perceives a threat or loss of control over its environment.

Acute stress produces a rapid rise in heart rate and cortisol along with hiding, flattened ears, dilated pupils, a low body posture and, sometimes, hissing or swatting. Chronic stress is subtler and shows as changes in appetite, overgrooming, litter box avoidance, reduced play and increased sleep, and it has been linked to feline idiopathic cystitis and other health problems. Common sources are new animals or people, boarding, veterinary visits, construction noise and competition for resources in multi-cat households.

Veterinarians evaluate stress through history, examination to exclude illness and structured tools such as cat stress scores used in shelters and clinics. Environmental management, including predictable routines, separate feeding stations and vertical space, is the primary approach, with behavioral therapy and medication as needed. Cannabidiol-specific clinical evidence in cats is limited, and environmental and veterinary approaches remain the mainstay.