Lisa O
Cats might not talk, but that doesn’t stop them from communicating—they’re always trying to tell you something. Whether they’re feeling happy, down, in pain, or especially when they’re a bit annoyed, they want their favorite human (that’s you!) to know. So, how can you tell if your cat’s feeling blue? Here are 15 signs of an unhappy kitty.
She scratches up your furniture.
Few things are as maddening as an angry cat locking eyes with you, extending her claw, and swiping at your brand-new leather couch. But, truth be told, it’s probably not aggression or anger—it’s just your cat marking her territory. To your feline friend, the house and yard are her kingdom, and those claw marks on the furniture or that spray on the wall? Just her way of laying down fresh boundary lines.
He growls at you.
Think growling is just for dogs? Then you’ve clearly never seen an angry cat or a catfight in action. Mad cats can unleash a whole playlist of sounds to show their displeasure, including a deep, throaty growl. If your furry buddy is vocalizing his mood, start by giving him some space, then ease into things that rebuild the vibe—like feeding, playing, grooming, or talking to him gently.
She gives you that look of disapproval.
You know the look. If you’re a cat owner, you don’t need to ask—cats are pros at expressing their feelings with their eyes. They get especially annoyed when their routine gets thrown off, like when you’re late with dinner or during daylight savings. The fix is pretty straightforward: cats thrive on a steady, predictable schedule, so try your best to keep things consistent.
She gets extra fluffy all of a sudden.
The classic image of an “angry cat” is one crouched low with an arched back, puffed-up fur, and a bushy tail. It’s their way of trying to look bigger and scarier—though let’s be real, most owners find it adorable. But no matter how cute or funny it seems, this is not the time to reach in for a pet. Give her some space, or you might end up on the receiving end ofa swat or bite.
His ears are sticking out like airplane wings.
When your cat’s ears are flattened back and sticking out like little airplane wings, it clearly shows they’re upset. There’s no need to panic, but definitely give them some space. Full-on attacks on people are rare. If they do happen, it’s often redirected aggression. Basically, your cat’s mad about something they can’t deal with—like that pesky squirrel invading their yard—so they take it out on the nearest hand that tries to pet them.
She starts keeping her distance.
It’s tough to determine if your cat is keeping her distance because she’s upset or just being her usual quirky self. But if your usually playful buddy starts avoiding you, it might mean she’s mad. Cats tend to back off when they’re thrown off by things like a loud voice, sudden movements, or even a strange smell on your jacket. The fix? Give her some space—she’ll come around when she’s ready.
She’s not interested in her favorite toy anymore.
Believe it or not, toys can be a big source of frustration for cats. They get bored with the same ones, so it’s key to switchthings up or freshen them with a little catnip. All felines are natural hunters and thrive on the thrill of chasing and capturing, so they need plenty of stimulation to stay happy. That hunting drive is also why they sleep so much—they’re recharging for their next “hunt”!
Hiding under the furniture.
If your cat’s hiding, it’s often one of the first signs they’re unhappy or scared—either of you or whatever’s going on around them. As tempting as it is, don’t try to drag your angry kitty out of their safe spot. Hiding is their way of protecting themselves, and forcing them to socialize too soon might make them lash out. Some experts say cats actually dig baby talk, so a sweet, high-pitched voice can coax them out.
He nips your hand while you’re petting him.
Talk about biting the hand that feeds you! Have you ever had your cat beg for pets and then suddenly bite or scratch your hand? That’s called “petting aggression,” and while it’s annoying, it’s totally normal. That little “leave me alone” bite doesn’t mean he’s mad—it just means he wants to take control of the interaction. If the petting goes on too long, it overstimulates him, and he signals it’s time to stop.
He purrs, but it feels off.
Cats purr because they’re happy, right? Well, not always! While purring is usually a sign of contentment, it can also mean they’re feeling anxious, scared, or even a bit aggressive. So, if you keep petting a cat that’s purring but also showing signs of irritation—like twitching his tail or flicking his ears—you’re basically asking for a swipe or a nip.
She leaves a “present” on your pillow.
If you’re a cat owner, chances are you’ve stumbled upon an unexpected “gift” in a surprising spot. Peeing on your bed, for example, is a classic sign of feline separation anxiety. While it might seem like your cat’s being spiteful or taking out her frustrations, she’s actually using her scent to self-soothe. And targeting the bed? It’s oddly a backhanded compliment—it smells the most like her favorite person: you.
Her tail is flicking like crazy.
One of the first subtle signs that your cat’s mad at you is when you spot her tail low and swishing quickly back and forth. That twitching tail is a clear signal to stop whatever you’re doing that’s bothering her. Give her some space, back off for a bit, and let her chill out until she’s calmed down.
She won’t touch her favorite meal.
When a cat’s upset, she might eat less or even totally refuse to eat. This usually happens when something’s changed, like a new routine or a big event at home. But keep an eye on it—this could also be a sign something’s wrong health-wise. If she’s not eating for more than a day or two, it’s a good idea to take her to the vet, as it could be a sign of cancer.
She’s grooming way more—or not at all.
Grooming’s a normal part of a cat’s healthy routine, but when they’re feeling down, their grooming habits can totallychange. A depressed cat might groom way more than usual, or they might just stop altogether. In some cases, they’ll skip grooming completely. The result? Unhappy cats often end up with messy, scruffy coats.
He pees on your clean laundry.
Has your cat been perfectly litter-trained since kittenhood but suddenly pees all over the house? That’s a clear sign he’s stressed out. An angry cat typically urinates on soft surfaces like laundry piles, couches, or your bed. If you’re struggling, talk to your vet for advice on stopping the inappropriate peeing. Punishing your cat for this behavior is a common mistake many owners make, but it won’t fix the problem.