Although cats cannot speak to us directly, they are extremely intelligent communicators. It’s really easy to tell when a cat is happy – it purrs loudly, it kneads its cute little paws, and blinks its eyes softly. But how do cats tell us that they are upset, anxious, or angry?
Here are the most common ways in which your cat shows its dissatisfaction:
1. Your cat is growling at you – If you thought that growling is a dog behavior, think again. Upset cats can make a lot of different noises, including throaty growls. If your furry companion is vocalizing her feelings through growling, the best thing that you can do is give her the space that she needs. The next step is to slowly start creating a positive environment by talking to her in a gentle voice, changing her water regularly, feeding her high-quality food, and making sure that she is not exposed to loud noises or stressful situations.
2. Your cat is watching you from afar – If your cat is more distant than usual, avoids direct contact, and watches you from afar, chances are she is upset. Of course, this is not always the case. Cats can sometimes have a weird behavior for no specific reason. But, if your cat is normally playful and it becomes obvious that she is avoiding you, this might be a sign of anxiety, fear, or anger. The best thing that you can do is to give her space and talk to her in a soft voice. Don’t try to smother her, to play with her, and avoid changing her environment. That will only make her more confused and anxious. Are you more of a dog person? Check out these awesome 15 photos of dogs that will make you happy.
3. Your cat is hiding somewhere and refuses to come out – Hiding is the most common thing that scared or upset cats will do. If your cat is hiding, she might be telling you that you did something wrong. The most important thing to remember is that if your cat is hiding, you should never try to drag her out. This might make her more anxious and stressed. If your cat is hiding in a place that is not appropriate, wait for her to get out and block the entrance. Keep in mind that it is very important for a cat to have a hiding place, so make sure you let her have one inside your home.
4. Your cat poops or pees in unusual places – It is very common for cat owners to discover little ‘presents’ in unusual places. Eliminating in places that smell the most like you is a normal reaction. It is the cat’s way to cope with her anxiety. Targeting the bed is the first thing that your cat might do when left alone for long periods of time. You can also expect to find poop in your shoes, on the carpet, or in your wardrobe. Your cat might also pee or poop in an unusual place if her litter box is dirty or if there’s something unpleasant in the area, a smell, a sound, or maybe another pet. The best thing that you can do in this situation is to make sure her litter box is clean and in a safe and comfortable place. Don’t punish your cat for having a normal physical reaction, try to comfort her and understand what caused her behavior.
