Cats are some of the most subtle creatures out there. They are masters of composure, hiding illness and fear from all but the most observant. Unfortunately it means that we often do not see cats in the veterinary office until the illness they have been hiding is quite advanced, or until the stress has really gotten the best of them.
Learning about feline body language is one of the keys to detecting stress and disease in a cat. There are many photos all around the web of cats in all states of emotion (after all, cats are taking over the web, aren’t they?) and if you are a cat owner, understanding these emotional cues can go a long way to helping your feline live a long happy life.
A cat in distress will hide. If you have a cat that is constantly in hiding, that no one ever sees, who comes out only at night when others are asleep, this is not good. This is a severely stressed cat who is not enjoying life in the least. It can be a little more subtle, such as the cat that seems to prefer only one room (and when you think further, is really avoiding other family members, human or furry.) This is an issue that absolutely needs to be addressed! Distressed cats will often resort to what looks like destructive or “vengeful” behaviors, such as urinating outside the box and spraying. Sometimes it is that the cat does not feel he has access to the litter box- if it is outside his safe zone, or being defended by a bully in the house for example.
A relaxed cat is one that will roam about at will, feeling comfortable to stretch out and rest wherever he is in the house. He should feel free to eat and drink when he pleases, look out the window, and walk slowly from place to place. His eyes will be relaxed and often in classic cat slits. (A cat with dilated pupils all the time is very stressed!) This relaxation will show itself as a cat who feels comfortable enough to roll onto his back, groom in a relaxed manner and spend time with other people or pets in the house.
If you have a stressed cat, take some time to evaluate your home situation and see what the causes might be. After taking a long look, speak with your vet or a behaviorist to determine what you can do to help the cat have a better quality of life. Everyone deserves to relax in their own home.