How do I know if my cat is stressed? What are the common symptoms?

Symptoms of anxiety can include hiding, aggression, extreme vocalization, lethargy, changes in appetite, not using the litter box, and excessive grooming. Keep in mind, however, that these symptoms can also be due to a medical illness. For example, a change in appetite could be due to a systemic illness, which lethargy could be due to injury, and not using the litter box could be due to feline idiopathic cystitis. Because of that, the only way to prove your cat has anxiety is to take her into the vet. Medical causes for certain behaviors need to be ruled out first before diagnosing a cat with anxiety, and only a vet can do that. Best of luck.

True separation anxiety is not horribly common in cats. But the signs would that your cat shows distress when left alone or separated from you (or other people she's attached to). You might be self-inflicted trauma, excessive vocalization, urinated or defecating inappropriate places, lack of appetite, withdraw, over grooming or (less commonly) destructive behaviors. She might be hyper focused on you when you are around or vocalize/follow you when you prepare to go. It's important to check for a medical reason for any of the symptoms you're seeing (for example, if there are litter box issues, it could be separation anxiety, or could be related to illness or cystitis or many other causes). Generally, videotaping what she does when you're not home is helpful in diagnosis, and then a full blood panel (CBC, blood chemistry, urinalysis, fecal test) and exam to check for medical issues. I hope that gives you some idea about if your kitty is effected and how to proceed! Good luck!

Cats with separation anxiety can exhibit many signs. Hiding / reclusive behavior, meowing / vocalizing more, scratching at walls or doors, shaking, inappetance, drooling, etc. can all be signs that your cat is experiencing separation anxiety. I would recommend using products such as Feliway and NaturVet Quiet Moments Calm Chews with Melatonin which you can find online or at your local Petco. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Stress can cause cats to hide or act abnormally. For example if you had house guests or got a new pet this could stress your cat out. However medical issues can also cause cats to hide. Cats may hide if they are feeling bad. I would keep a very close eye on your cats appetite, water intake, BMs, and urine if your cat is hiding. If you notice anything that is not normal I would take your cat in for a thorough exam and some basic bloodwork. Older cats can be prone to things like diabetes, renal disease, and hyperthyriodism. These can be fairly well managed with meds once daignosed. If your cat is a male, keep a very close eye on the litter box and be sure he is urinating ok. Male cats can get thier urethra blocked and become unable to urinate. This is an emergency and can be fatal very quickly if left untreated. If it turns out to be just stress I reccomend trying a product called Feliway. Feliway mimcks the phermone produced by mother cats and has a calming effect on cats. Feliway should be available over the counter at your local vet. hope this helps

Just let her relax and don't bother her too much. If she still doesn't seem well tomorrow you should get her to a vet for an exam. If she stresses out easily you may want to consider using some Feliway diffusers in your house at all times. https://www.feliway.com/us/Why-Use-Feliway/Cats-not-eating-5-things-to-do

This is a very stressful situation for her, and stress can provoke a bladder inflammation in cats. try to keep her calm as much as you can and if these symptoms get worse take her to the vet after the storm have calmed down to get the bladder inflammation treated.

This is a great question with no great answer. Perhaps if they move away and escape noise that is an indicator. There are some anti anxiety medications you can ask for from your local veterinarian if you think this could help.