Most people would say their cats have a pretty good life, especially our New York cats! They get to laze around all day, maybe spend the afternoon pigeon- watching, meander to the kitchen for a little snack, and then snooze the afternoon away! But remember, just because our kitties might seem to lead what to us is a charmed life, doesn't mean they're not susceptible to their own very real kinds of stress.

Cats are highly sensitive, which is one of the reasons we love them, but that also means they show their stress in different ways than their doggie counterparts.

Improper elimination, i.e. going to the bathroom outside the litter-box, is actually a very common symptom of stress in cats, as are digestive trouble like constipation or diarrhea. Excessive grooming, hiding, and even aggression can also be symptoms.
If your cat starts behaving in a way that's unusual for him or her, you should make an appointment with your vet as soon as you can.

Your vet can help rule out any health issues that might be causing the behavior. He or she might also ask about possible environmental stressors such as moving, divorce, new children or roommates, or even new pets in the home. Even construction in your building might make an extra sensitive kitty feel unsafe.

Depending on the type and severity of stress your cat is experiencing, there are a variety of approaches your vet might recommend, ranging from behavioral modification techniques to medication. Many Pet Maven clients have also used products from Feliway, a simulated pheromone that has been found to comfort kitties, with great success.

The only thing you should not do is ignore the problem. The longer you let an unhealthy situation continue, the more likely it is to increase in severity. You owe it to your cat, and to yourself, to tackle the kitty's stress with some TLC.