Cats are not very expressive when something bothers them. They don’t cry or call for attention the way dogs often do. Most of the time, they just act a little differently. If you live with a cat, you start to recognise their patterns: when they usually eat, where they like to sleep, how playful they are, and when they prefer to be left alone. So when these small habits begin to change, it’s often a sign that something is off.
Stress in cats can come from things that seem small to us. A move to a new house, visitors staying over, loud sounds, a new pet, or even a slight change in routine can make them uneasy. Sometimes the signs are subtle, especially for first-time cat parents. But once you’ve spent enough time with a cat, you can usually sense when they aren’t fully comfortable.