Chapter 4: Fear, anxiety and stress signals

Advanced owners should learn to separate fear from aggression. Dilated pupils, flattened ears, tucked tail, crouching low and freezing in place all point to anxiety, often triggered by thunderstorms, Hari Raya fireworks or unfamiliar visitors. A stressed cat may also stop grooming, hide for days or eliminate outside the litter tray. Identify the trigger, give the cat a quiet retreat room and avoid forcing interaction. Persistent hiding or appetite loss warrants a veterinary check to rule out pain.