9 Most Common Traumatized Cat Symptoms

This post will be aimed at discussing the most common traumatized cat symptoms cat owners should know and also outline ways to help a traumatized cat.

Cats can be very difficult to understand when it comes to their behavior.

They’re known for being aloof and independent, but also for being sensitive to their environment and having strong emotional responses.

In fact, cats are thought to be one of the most complex species on Earth—they communicate through body language and facial expressions as well as vocalization.

That said, there are some common signs that indicate your cat may be traumatized by something traumatic such as a predator attack or other event in its past.

Here are the most common signs that your kitty may have experienced trauma:

Constant loss of appetite

Cats with PTSD may not want to eat. Cats who are traumatized by violence, abuse, or neglect may not want to eat anything at all.

In fact, some cats will lose their appetite for food altogether if they’re exposed to too much trauma in a short period of time.

If your cat is severely traumatized and doesn’t seem interested in eating at all, try bringing him or her into the kitchen where you can distract them with treats.

If that doesn’t work, and you’re worried about his health, it’s important that you take him to see a vet right away.

So they can check on his weight loss and determine whether there are any underlying medical conditions causing this problem (such as diabetes).

Hiding in strange places

Hiding in strange places is one of the most common traumatized cat symptoms you should know.

Cats like to hide, and they’ll do so in any small, dark place they can find, this is a way for them to feel safe and secure

And if you’re not around when your cat is hiding, it’s likely that you won’t know where she went unless there’s some kind of noise or disturbance (like a footstep).

Your cat may also hide under furniture or behind curtains—you may even find her hidden under the bed when traumatized!

Constantly hissing

Hissing is a sign of aggression, pain, fear, and frustration or could also be a sign of trauma in cats.

Constant hissing in cats can also be a sign of communication with your cat.

What’s more, the sound itself may not always be unpleasant to you; some people find it comforting or even soothing to hear their cats make this noise when they’re happy or relaxed.

Excessive grooming

Grooming is a way of coping with stress which could also be one of the common traumatized cat symptoms.

Cats will lick themselves, bite their fur and scratch their skin as they groom.

They also may begin to groom more often when they are stressed or nervous, or if they have an allergy to something in the environment.

Cats that are not spayed or neutered may also be more likely to engage in excessive grooming behavior due to hormones released during menstruation (in females) and pregnancy (in females).

Read more: 20 Most Important Cat Care Tips.

Continuous refusal to use the litter box

Continuous refusal to use the litter box is one of the most common traumatized cat symptoms you should expect.

If a cat is stressed by unfamiliar surroundings, it may refuse to use its litter box.

If a cat has been using the same type of litter box for years, it may be stressed if you change the location or material.

Cats are often very particular about the type of litter they choose and will only use certain kinds of litter in their boxes.

If your cat doesn’t like these types of materials, that can cause problems with elimination behavior too!

Read more: 9 Top Reasons Why Your Cat Run Away From You.

Waking from a sound sleep to growl and hiss

Cats are naturally curious and may be scared of new things around them when they are traumatized.

If your cat wakes up from a sound sleep, he or she may growl at the source of the fear, such as a loud noise or sudden movement in the room.

Dilated pupils

Dilated pupils are a sign of fear or panic that can be seen in traumatized cats.

Cats can have dilated pupils when they’re stressed or ill, but it’s not always the case that your cat is feeling anxious about something.

In fact, many cats will have dilated pupils when they’re sleeping because their eyes will be open and closed at once—a type of sleep disorder called REM behavior disorder (RBD).

If you notice your cat has RBD, talk to your veterinarian about possible underlying causes like allergies or vitamin B deficiency.

Read more: 9 Top Signs Of Separation Anxiety In Cats.

A terrifying look

Dilated eyes: The cat’s eyes will appear to be larger than normal, and the pupils may be dilated. This can also happen in response to bright lights or sudden noises.

Tense face: The cat may exhibit a tense body posture, such as holding its head high on its shoulders or being unnaturally stiff in its movement.

Flat ears: If your cat has flattened ears (called “ear flaps”), this is not an indication that she has been beaten by her human family members—rather it’s just one sign of fearfulness!

Fur standing on end: When your kitty gets scared or upset, sometimes she’ll stand up straight with all four paws extended outwards like someone preparing for battle!

Easily frightened by loud noises or sudden movements

Cats are more sensitive to sound than humans, and they can hear high-frequency sounds.

This makes them more likely to be startled by loud noises, sudden movements, and loud voices.

A traumatized cat will easily be frightened by loud noises and sudden movements around him.

Cats also have good vision (though their eyesight isn’t as good as ours), which means they can see well in low light conditions like dusk or dawn.

Read more: 9 Top Reasons Why Cats Bite Explained.

Causes of trauma in cats

The following are some common causes of trauma in cats:

1. Injuries sustained from car collisions, falling off of furniture, or being hit by a ball or other object.
2. Physical abuse, including being hit with a broom, a belt, or a catnip toy is thrown or kicked.
3. Separation from family members or being left alone for an extended period of time.
4. Feline Leukemia.
5. Catastrophic events, such as fire, flood, or hurricanes.
6. Medical emergencies, such as being struck by a car, being attacked by another animal, or having a serious illness.
7. Death of a family member or close friend.

Traumatized cat behavior

Cats are very good at hiding their emotions and can be traumatized by many things, including moving, loud noises, and changes in their environment.

Cats can also be traumatized by people who are abusive or neglectful of cats.

If you notice your cat displaying any of the following symptoms, it’s important to contact a vet immediately:

• Fearful behavior (e.g., hiding under furniture)
• Anxiety (e.g., pacing back and forth)
• Sadness/depression

Ways to handle a traumatized cat

The following are some common ways to handle a traumatized cat:

1. Seek professional help. A traumatized cat may need professional help to process the trauma. A veterinarian may be able to perform a psychological evaluation to determine the extent of the cat’s trauma and how to best help the cat.
2. Make sure the cat has plenty of toys and playtime. A traumatized cat may be withdrawn and not want to be around people or other animals. Provide plenty of toys and activities to keep the cat occupied and happy.
3. Provide a safe place for the cat to hide. A traumatized cat may feel safe hiding in a specific place. Provide a safe place for the cat to hide, such as a bedroom or a covered porch.
4. Offer food and water. A traumatized cat may be hungry and thirsty. Offer food and water to the cat in a quiet, calm environment.
5. Take the time to understand the cat’s feelings. This means paying close attention to the cat’s body language and vocalizations and trying to understand what triggered the traumatization in the first place.
6. Provide a warm, comforting embrace. A traumatized cat may need a warm, comforting embrace.
7. Help the cat to relearn basic survival skills. This could include teaching the cat how to use the litter box, how to get food, and how to escape danger.
8. Provide support and guidance. This could include setting limits on how much the cat can interact with people, providing plenty of toys and activities to keep the cat occupied, and providing emotional support.
9. Allow the cat to express its feelings. This could include cuddling, petting, and playing, but it should be done in a way that is gentle and soothing.

Ways to prevent cat trauma

The following are some common ways to prevent cat trauma in the future:

1. Keep your cat safe while indoors by using a secure cat enclosure.
2. Keep your cat safe when outdoors by providing a safe place for them to play and staying close by.
3. Train your cat to behave properly around other animals and people.
4. Make sure your cat has all the necessary vaccinations and deworming.
5. Keep your cat indoors when it’s cold outside and provide them with a warm bed and plenty of toys.
6. Educate yourself and others about the dangers of cat trauma.

Conclusion

We hope that you have learned more about cat trauma and how to deal with it.

Cats are great companions for many reasons, but one of their greatest strengths is their ability to be stoic in difficult situations.

In the end, what matters most is knowing what makes your pet distressed, so you can address these issues as quickly as possible before they become serious enough to cause harm.