In cats, hurting and worrying look alike
Every item on this list is a behavior signal reported in cats. Tick what applies and the page reports how many match, how soon to ask for help, and the days since the change started. The one emergency signal is reported on its own line at the top.
No diagnosis is given. There is no validated score that grades stress from a count of signals, and pain or urinary disease shows up in exactly the same shape. The environmental-resource framing follows AAFP and AAHA feline life stage guidance. Current as of October 2026.
Environment changes and medication are outside this page. Straining with almost no urine passed can turn life-threatening within hours, so it is not something to wait on. This tool is for reference only and does not replace veterinary care. Contact your veterinarian right away if you notice symptoms or suspect a problem.
Frequently asked questions
There is no validated score that grades stress from a count of signs. This tool reports the count and how soon to ask for help, and names no diagnosis.
Pain and urinary disease show up first as hiding, poor appetite and urinating outside the box, exactly like stress. Skipping that step means losing time on environment changes alone.
Do not wait. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away, because a blocked urinary tract can become life-threatening within hours.