7 Signs of Poor Mental Health in Cats

Cats are more emotional than many people think. They bond closely with their owners and other animals. If a loved one dies or leaves, cats can feel loss, just like humans do.

In a study from Brazil, about 13.5% of cats showed stress after being separated from someone they were attached to.[1] Another study from Oakland University looked at over 400 cat owners who had lost a pet.[2] Many said their cats began hiding, acting sad, or sleeping more. Here, we’ve broken down some of these behaviors, which can be signs of poor mental health in cats.

1. Eating Less Than Usual

Cats that are emotionally upset often lose their appetite. They may walk up to the bowl, sniff, and walk away, or only nibble on favorite foods. This can lead to weight loss and low energy.

In the Oakland study, many owners said their cats ate less after losing another pet. [2] Even though no exact number was given, it was one of the most common changes.

2. Tired and Less Active

Most cats sleep a lot, but they also enjoy short bursts of play and curiosity. A cat that seems lazy or uninterested, ignores toys or seems bored all the time, it could be feeling emotionally low. 

In the Brazilian study, over half the cats with stress seemed tired and dull.[1] In the Oakland study, cats who were grieving often stopped playing and slept more than usual.[2]

3. Hiding More Than Usual

It’s normal for cats to nap in cozy spots, but hiding all the time can be a red flag. If your cat starts avoiding you, skips meals, or stays under the bed for hours, it may be feeling anxious or overwhelmed. Hiding was one of the top changes seen in grieving cats in the Oakland study. [2]

4. Changes in Meowing or Crying

If your cat suddenly meows more, cries at night, or goes completely quiet, it could be reacting to emotional stress. Vocal changes often happen when cats feel lost or confused.In the Brazilian study, about 63% of cats with separation stress had noticeable changes in how they vocalized.[1]

5. Grooming Problems

Healthy cats groom often to stay clean and relaxed. But if your cat suddenly stops grooming or starts licking one area too much, this could be due to stress. Some cats develop bald spots or irritated skin from overgrooming (called psychogenic alopecia). Others let their fur become dull or dirty.

6. Peeing or Pooping Outside the Litter Box

This is one of the most frustrating signs for owners, but it’s often misunderstood. Cats may stop using the litter box because they are scared, upset, or confused—not because they are being bad. In the Brazilian study, 60% of cats with separation stress peed in the wrong places.[1]

7. Clingy or Distant Behavior

Cats have different personalities. Some are very independent, while others love to cuddle. But if your cat suddenly becomes clingy (or avoids everyone), it could be feeling stressed or confused.

In the Oakland study, cats who lost a close pet friend often changed how they interacted. Some became very needy, while others pulled away. [2]

When to Get Help

If your cat shows two or more of these signs for more than two weeks, it’s time to talk to a vet. Emotional distress can lead to physical health problems too. The good news is that with the right care, most cats bounce back and feel better with time and love.

References

1. de Souza Machado, D., Oliveira, P. M. B., Machado, J. C., Ceballos, M. C., & Sant’Anna, A. C. (2020). Identification of separation-related problems in domestic cats: A questionnaire survey. PLOS ONE, 15(4), e0230999. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0230999

2. ‌Greene, B., & Vonk, J. (2024). Is companion animal loss cat-astrophic? Responses of domestic cats to the loss of another companion animal. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 277, 106355. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106355

   
   

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