--- title: Signs of Stress in Cats | Happy Paws Kennels url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-stress-signs/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Guides](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/) - Signs of stress in cats # Signs of stress in cats, and how a quiet cattery helps Stressed cats hide, eat less, over- or under-wash their coats, and change their litter habits. Because the same signs can mean illness, a cat that stops eating or cannot urinate needs a vet quickly. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Cats rarely show stress openly. Knowing the quiet signs helps you act early, at home or after a boarding stay. ## The common signs The AAFP and ISFM environmental guidelines note that cats often do not show obvious signs of stress, and that stress frequently comes from unmet needs. Look for these changes from your cat's normal: - Hiding more, or avoiding places he usually uses - Eating less or refusing food - Washing the coat too little or too much - Litter box changes, such as going outside the box - Less play, more sleeping, or restless pacing - A change in vocal sounds ## When it might be medical Stress signs overlap with pain and illness. A male cat straining in the box with no urine is an emergency. A cat that stops eating for 24 to 48 hours, vomits repeatedly, or has labored breathing needs a vet. Look at the pattern: a change from your own cat's baseline matters more than any single behavior. ## What a good cattery does A calm setting with hiding places, height, separate food and litter spots, and a steady routine eases stress. At Happy Paws each cat has an individual four-level tower with its own litter box and blanket, and a cat tree and cat houses add climbing and hiding. Bring a blanket that smells like home, and expect a quiet first day. Most cats start exploring within a day or two. ## What you can do Keep your goodbyes brief and calm. Pack the usual food. Leave the carrier out at home so it is not a sign of bad news. After the stay, keep things quiet and routine. See [bringing your cat home](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/bringing-a-cat-home-after-boarding/) and [cat not eating after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-not-eating-after-boarding/). Call 707-678-6600 if you have questions before your stay. ## Keeping notes Jot down what is normal for your cat before the trip: how much he eats, when he uses the box, where he sleeps and how he greets you. After the stay, compare. Small changes that fade in a day or two are common. Changes that last longer than that, or that include any of the emergency signs above, are worth a call to your vet. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [AAFP/ISFM environmental needs guidelines for cats](https://catvets.com/environmental-needs) - [International Cat Care, advice](https://icatcare.org/advice/) - [Happy Paws Kennels 2026 rate sheet (PDF)](https://happypawskennels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2026-Rates-EFFECTIVE-1-1-26.pdf) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [Bringing your cat home after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/bringing-a-cat-home-after-boarding/) - [Cat not eating after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-not-eating-after-boarding/) - [Cat colds (upper respiratory infection) and boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cat-upper-respiratory-infection/) - [Cat boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/cat-boarding/) - [Cat boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/cats/) ## Read next - [Bringing your cat home after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/bringing-a-cat-home-after-boarding/) - [Cats in Central Valley heat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/cats-and-heat/) - [Litter, food and familiar smells for a boarding cat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/litter-and-food-for-boarding/) - [Long-term cat boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/cats/long-term-cat-boarding/) - [Rabbit care while you travel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/rabbit-care-while-you-travel/) - [Bird care while you travel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/bird-care-while-you-travel/) - [Guinea pigs while you travel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/guinea-pig-care-while-you-travel/) - [What to pack for a small pet's stay](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/what-to-pack-for-small-pet-boarding/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### Is hiding a bad sign? Hiding is a normal coping behavior on the first day. A cat that hides far more than usual for days needs attention. ### Can boarding cause illness? Stress can bring on illness in some cats. Vaccines and a clean, calm setting reduce the risk. ### When should I call the vet? If your cat stops eating, vomits repeatedly, strains in the litter box, or has trouble breathing, call right away.