In this video, we will talk about 15 signs that indicate your cat is unhappy. Two or more cats in the household are fighting Although many cats enjoy the company of other felines, some cats prefer to be alone. If your cats constantly pick up a fight with each other, it is a sign they are having a hard time sharing space. On the contrary, a happy cat who’s well-adjusted will sleep with, play with, and groom the other cats. These can all be positive signs that your cat is happy and gets along well with their other buddies. Keep in mind that aggressive behaviors can also be a sign of health problems. If your friendly cat is suddenly aggressive towards you or other felines in the house, make sure to take them to a vet for health check. They always hide Cats like to hide, but if your cats are always hiding, it could mean they are fearful or unhappy in their environment. Sometimes cats hide if they are unfamiliar with an environment or are new to your family. If that is the case, provide your cats with their own personal space to help them relax and adjust. And remember, if your cat has suddenly started hiding and the hiding is out of character, it may be a sign that they have an underlying health issue. Sick cats often hide to avoid predators who might take advantage of the sickness. An Absence of Joy If you try to play with your cats and they're not interested, it may be a sign they are feeling unwell. Keep in mind that in order to enjoy play, cats have to be carefree, relaxed and trust their owners. If they are stressed about something or in pain, they often won’t play much. On the contrary, a cat who’s playing with their toys, or who is ready to join in a game of laser chase, is probably a very happy cat. Your cat is feeling good and comfortable enough with their surroundings to cut loose and truly play. Their tail is often in lowered position Cats use tail positions to tell you how they are feeling. It’s their way of letting you know when they are happy and content, feeling scared, threatened, or even in pain. Happy cats hold their tail upright or in a question mark position. These cats are in a good mood and ready to interact. On the contrary, a lowered tail, a thumping tail, or ears held back indicates the cat is in fearful, aggressive, or anxious. This is often a clear sign that your pet is not happy in their environment or they don’t feel comfortable around you, and you may want to look into figuring out why. They don’t use their litterbox If your cat has made a habit of missing the litter box, or eliminating somewhere else entirely, it is a sign that they are anxious, stressed, or that they are suffering from an underlying medical issue. A dirty litter box is another reason for out-of-box elimination. Cats who don’t like the type of the litter may also choose to eliminate out of the box. If the issue is persistent, consult with a vet as your cat may be sick or unhappy. Poor Coat Appearance Cats are fastidious when it comes to their grooming. A shiny, clean coat is a sign of good health and an indicator that a cat isn’t experiencing any emotional or environmental stress. An unhappy cat will have uneven fur and disheveled look. They may even start to neglect their grooming routine. If your kitty is not keeping up their grooming habits, consult your vet as this could be a sign of a health issue. They stare you down Does your cat stare you down? It could be a sign of love or curiosity... or it could be because they're mad at you. If a cat stares right into your eyes, check their body language. If your cat is staring at you and he is crouched down with his tail tucked under his body, or if he is hiding somewhere, this is an indication your cat is fearful. A feline who is angry will exhibit telltale signs such as a stiff body, flattened ears, or hissing. That body language, in addition to direct eye contact, is definitely a potential threat and a signal that your cat needs some space. On the contrary, eye-contact with plenty of slow blinks are considered to be a sign of love and trust. An unhealthy appetite Happy cats tend to have healthy appetites. If your feline companion refuses to eat or has a diminished appetite, it could be a sign that they’re not feeling well, or that they’re experiencing anxiety or stress. It could also be something more serious like an illness. If your pet isn’t eating like their usual self, make sure to visit a vet. They are destructive Another classic sign of unhappiness among cats includes destructive behaviors such as clawing up furniture or knocking objects over. Bored cats who don't have a friend to play with may resort to destructive behaviors as a way to work out some pent-up energy. Cats are remarkably intelligent, and if there’s no one to play with, they may decide to create their own version of stimulation. Lonely cats with separation anxiety may also start destructive behaviors to relieve stress.
