{"id":672,"date":"2023-08-18T18:14:49","date_gmt":"2023-08-18T18:14:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/flipsideviber.net\/?p=672"},"modified":"2023-08-22T00:07:07","modified_gmt":"2023-08-22T00:07:07","slug":"how-to-identify-cat-overstimulation-7-signs-to-look-for-vet-answer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/flipsideviber.net\/index.php\/2023\/08\/18\/how-to-identify-cat-overstimulation-7-signs-to-look-for-vet-answer\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Identify Cat Overstimulation: 7 Signs to Look For (Vet Answer)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Signs That Your Cat Is Overstimulated<\/a>
\nHow to Prevent Overstimulation in Cats<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

For your cat, intense play or prolonged petting can easily turn into overstimulation, resulting in biting and scratching. This phenomenon occurs when cats become conflicted during play or petting, especially if these activities last longer than their comfort level allows. This interval depends on the individual cat, their degree of tolerance, and their state of mind.<\/p>\n

An overstimulated or irritated cat has dilated pupils, flattened ears, and a wavy tail that moves rhythmically and nervously. Your cat may also growl or lightly bite you to warn you to stop touching them.<\/p>\n

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The 7 Signs That Your Cat Is Overstimulated<\/h2>\n

Overstimulated cats will let you know that something is wrong through several signs 1<\/sup><\/a>. Here are the most common ones.<\/p>\n

1.<\/span> Wagging Tail<\/h3>\n

A cat\u2019s tail moves almost constantly, except when sleeping, though even when they dream, they can wag their tail. When cats are overstimulated, they start to wag their tails quickly, rhythmically, and nervously.<\/p>\n

Cats do not wag their tails only when they are overstimulated, however. They can also have rapid tail movements and keep their tail low when they are nervous, stressed, or playful.<\/p>\n

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2.<\/span> Ears Laid Back<\/h3>\n

Overstimulated cats will flatten their ears. This behavior tells you that they feel uncomfortable and need space. Flattened ears also appear in cats when they are scared or angry. Most of the time, cats that have their ears in this position are ready to attack.<\/p>\n

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3.<\/span> Tense Body<\/h3>\n

When cats are overstimulated, their bodies tense up as they get ready to attack. A tense body can also tell you that your cat is angry.<\/p>\n

To determine the difference between an overstimulated and an angry cat, you must carefully read the signs that your pet shows you. Either way, though, you risk being bitten or scratched if you don\u2019t give them space.<\/p>\n

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4.<\/span> Dilated Pupils<\/h3>\n

Your cat\u2019s pupils can dilate for several reasons, including overstimulation, playfulness, and certain medical conditions. A playful cat also shows other signs, such as a raised tail, forward-pointing ears, and forward-pointing whiskers. Your cat will follow a toy (prey), lift their bottom, shake it repeatedly, then launch over the toy.<\/p>\n

If your cat suffers from a medical condition, they will not show this behavior. The medical conditions in which cats can have dilated pupils include 2<\/sup><\/a>:<\/p>\n

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