Can Cats Die From Stress?

Stress is a serious problem in cats which is unfortunately common. You may have heard the phrase ‘scaredy cat’ in reference to someone who is timid and easily upset. This is due to the reputation of the domestic feline as an animal that will jump at the slightest disturbance. Even standing next to a cucumber can make a cat leap many feet in the air.

When there is a genuine danger or threat in their environment, it is healthy for a cat to have such a fight-or-flight reaction. When it occurs at any stimulus which is otherwise completely benign, it will eventually take its toll on the cat. A healthy cat will easily recover from a single scare, but when stress breaks down their organism or when they have a preexisting health condition, stress can be a killer.

In this way, stress can kill a cat. It may not be a direct causes, but over time stress can lower the immune system and cause physical damage. Without experiencing stress, the cat would otherwise live a healthy and happy life. It can also lead to deleterious behaviors such as losing their appetite or ignoring their hygiene which can harm their health.

For this reason, it is important to try to prevent a cat from being stressed. The following are common causes of stress in cats, especially those that are not allowed outside access:

• Not going outside: if your cat is locked up at home every day and don't have much space indoors, they may feel trapped. This is a common cause of stress in cats, although some may be happier to live in small apartment spaces than others. To alleviate stress, we need to provide everything they need indoors. They need sufficient mental and physical stimulation. This includes environmental enrichment for cats, regular play sessions and even introducing a new cat for company, where suitable.
• Unfamiliar people or situations: cats tend to get stressed when people they don't know come into the home. Similarly, too much movement in their environment, such as when moving house, disturbs their peace of mind. In light of this, ensure your cat always has access to a place they can hide and feel secure. Learn more with our article explaining why a cat is scared of everything.
• Introducing new family members: although providing a cat with company can reduce a cat's stress, this is dependent on the individual. If your cat is easily stressed, a new cat entering the home can feel like a serious threat to their security. They may feel there is a competition for resources or even simple safety. This can happen with non-feline pets or even new humans in the home. For example, if your cat pees in your kid's bed, it is possible they are protesting their presence.
• Traveling: whether going to the veterinarian for a checkup or taking them on a long car trip, cats can easily become stressed. The stimuli these experiences provide such as other cats in the waiting room or the loud sounds of traffic can be very threatening.

As we have said, a cat can exhibit a stressful reaction in the moment. In a healthy cat, they will return to their normal behavior and routine very quickly. When stress is compounded and prolonged, it will result in a cat developing various behavioral and even physical changes. Since stress can be the trigger for life-threatening health problems in cats, ensure you do not ignore the following signs of stress in cats:

• Changes in appetite: if your cat is feeling stressed, they may change their eating habits. Some cats may lose their appetite and noticeably lose weight. Others may eat more as a form of stress eating. Boredom and anxiety are common reasons why cats overeat. Check out our guide to see if a cat is overweight.
• Changes in urination: another response to the discomfort caused by stress in cats is urinating outside the litter box. This can also be indicative of a problem in their urinary system, something which itself can be a result of stress.
• Changes in behavior: different cats react to stress in different ways. Some can be more aggressive, but others can become overly dependent and needy. This can make certain stress-related behaviors difficult to determine.
• Changes in grooming: a cat's coat is an indicator of their general health. If the cat stops grooming, their fur will become rough and lose conditioning. This is a clear indicator of stress since they are neglecting their basic hygiene. It can also be the result of physical illnesses or parasitization. Overgrooming can be equally indicative of these problems.
• Changes in sleep: your cat may sleep more or may become very restless and not get enough sleep.
• Excessive vocalizations: too much crying, meowing, growling or whining indicate that your cat needs to release their energy and is unable to do so. Likewise, if your cat needs to release its energy and finds it difficult, they may start scratching furniture, curtains or destroying whatever they can in order to release energy.

Various strange behaviors can be indicative of stress, but they may also have other interpretations. Check out an example with our article on why a cat bites and humps my arm.

As we have mentioned before, if a cat dies from stress, it will not happen directly. Stress can be the major factor, but it is what stress does to the cat's organism which results in potentially fatal health issues. These effects of stress usually take time to accumulate and cause damage, meaning it will be a progressive issue. However, very acute stress can be enough to kill a cat if the damage has already been done.

The most common health conditions in cats which are a result of stress are the following:

• Cardiovascular system problems: in these situations, blood pressure increases, causing changes in heart rate. This puts more pressure on the heart. As a result, heart problems can develop more easily and stress can result in issues such as heart attacks.
• Urinary system problems: cats that are frequently stressed tend to develop urinary tract problems, such as urinary blockages, cystitis or crystals in their urine. This is because stress affects the nervous system, with the bladder being particularly compromised.
• Gastrointestinal problems: problems such as vomiting or diarrhea may also occur due to stress. Since acid secretions in the stomach may increase, intestinal transit is accelerated and the cumulative effects can influence their overal state of health.
• Immune system problems: stress can drastically reduce the body's ability to defend itself, making your feline more susceptible to infections or developing any disease which can be fatal.

It is important to note that sometimes there may be pre-existing health problems that are aggravated by stress. Prolonged stress can affect your cat's body and can result in various pathologies that can worsen over time. These lead to diseases that could seriously compromise your feline's health and even result in their death.

Check out our video below to see some practical tips on helping a stressed cat relax:

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Can Cats Die From Stress?, we recommend you visit our Mental problems category.