10 Signs your kitten or cat is stressed

10 Signs Your Kitten or Cat Is Stressed — And How to Help

At Casablanca Ragdolls, we always remind new families that kittens and cats are living, breathing little souls — not stuffed animals. They feel joy, fear, excitement, and stress just like we do. A new home, new smells, and new routines can feel overwhelming at first, so it’s important to know what to watch for.

Here are 10 signs your kitten or cat may be stressed — and how you can help them adjust smoothly.

1. Hiding More Than Usual

It’s completely normal for a kitten or cat to hide when they first arrive. Give them their own “basecamp” (a quiet room with food, water, and litter) so they feel safe while they get to know you.

2. Over- or Under-Grooming

Stress can make a kitten or cat lick themselves too much (bald spots) or not enough (messy coat). Gentle brushing and calm interaction can help them relax.

3. Litter Box Mishaps

Accidents outside the box don’t mean you have a “bad kitty.” They mean your kitten or cat is adjusting. Keep the same litter, same box style, and same placement we used here to help them succeed.

4. Sudden Aggression or Fearfulness

Swatting, hissing, or running away are signs of fear. Lower your voice, sit on the floor, and let them come to you.

5. Changes in Appetite

Skipping meals or overeating can be stress-related. Stick with the same food we’ve been feeding and keep mealtimes consistent.

6. Crying or Yowling

Some kittens and cats “talk” more when they feel unsure. Softly reassure them and spend time near their basecamp so they feel safe.

7. Restlessness or Pacing

If your kitten or cat can’t seem to settle, more playtime can help burn off nervous energy.

8. Scratching or Knocking Things Over

This is often a way to release tension. Provide scratching posts and toys to redirect that energy.

9. Sleeping More (or Less) Than Normal

Cats normally sleep a lot, but a sudden change can be stress-related. Gentle routine and quiet spaces can help.

10. Upset Tummy or Sneezing

Stress can show up as soft stool, vomiting, or sniffles. Follow your care guide and reach out if symptoms last more than a day.

Helping Your Kitten or Cat Thrive

The best way to reduce stress is to follow the transition plan we’ve given you:

Use the same food, litter, and litter boxes we use.

Keep them in their basecamp until they’re confidently using the litter box and eating well.

Introduce pets and new areas slowly — one step at a time.

Spend lots of time with them daily — play, cuddle, and talk to them.

Remember: adjusting takes time. Just like you wouldn’t expect a baby to settle in overnight, your kitten or cat may need a few days or weeks to fully feel at home. With patience and consistency, they’ll blossom into the confident, loving companion you dreamed of.

Helping your kitten transition to their new home.

Helping Your Kitten Transition: Why Following the Guidelines Matters

Bringing home a Ragdoll kitten is such an exciting time — but it can also be a little overwhelming for your new family member. Your kitten is leaving the only home they’ve ever known, their siblings, and everything familiar. That’s a big adjustment!

This is why I provide detailed kitten care guidelines to every adopter — not just as suggestions, but as a roadmap to help your kitten thrive.

🐾 Remember: They’re Living Beings, Not Stuffed Animals

It’s easy to get caught up in how soft and adorable your new kitten is, but it’s important to remember they are living, feeling beings. They may be scared, shy, or unsure in those first few days.

Would we expect a newborn baby to never cry, never wake up at night, and adjust to every new situation instantly? Of course not. Kittens are the same way — they need time, patience, and understanding.

🍽️ Consistency Is Key

Food & Water – Keep your kitten on the exact food and feeding schedule they’re used to, at least for the first few weeks. Sudden diet changes can upset their tummy and cause diarrhea.

Litter & Boxes – Use the same litter type and style of litterbox I recommend. Cats are creatures of habit, and sticking with what they know helps prevent accidents.

Basecamp Setup – Set up a small, safe “basecamp” room where your kitten will live for the first few days. This gives them a secure space to eat, sleep, and play without being overwhelmed. Spend lots of time in this room interacting and bonding — it’s the fastest way to build trust.

🐶🐱 Slow Introductions Are Everything

Already have pets? Take it slow.

Let your kitten sniff under the door first.

Do short, supervised meetings.

Make sure everyone has safe spaces to retreat.

Rushing introductions can cause fear, stress, and even long-term behavior issues. Slow and steady really does win the race.

✅ Acceptable “Mishaps”

Even with the best preparation, it’s normal for kittens to:

Have an occasional potty accident while they learn where everything is

Hide under furniture at first

Cry at night as they adjust

Be a little cautious about exploring new spaces

These are not signs of a “bad” kitten — they are simply part of the adjustment process. Patience, routine, and gentle reassurance go a long way.

📝 First-Week Do’s & Don’ts

✅ Do:

Keep them in a basecamp room for at least the first 3–5 days.

Use the same food, litter, and water setup they are used to.

Spend quiet, quality time sitting with them daily.

Reward curiosity and praise them when they explore or play.

Introduce pets and new areas slowly, in short sessions.

❌ Don’t:

Free-roam the whole house immediately.

Switch foods or litters “cold turkey.”

Force them to interact if they’re shy — let them come to you.

Yell or punish for accidents — clean them with an enzyme cleaner and guide them back to the box.

Overwhelm them with too many visitors right away.

❤️ Your Role as Their Guide

Following the care guidelines I provide isn’t just about convenience — it’s about setting your kitten up for success. When you stick to the plan, you make their transition smoother, reduce stress, and help them grow into the confident, loving companion you’ve been dreaming about.

Your kitten only gets one chance to adjust to their new home — let’s make it a positive one.

I only want a girl

“I only want a girl!”

If I had a treat for every time someone told me they were only interested in a female kitten… I’d have to hide the Temptations bag.

Here’s the truth that most breeders know — and most kitten buyers don’t:

Male Ragdolls are often the bigger snugglers, the clowns, and the easiest to please.

Yes, really.

While people assume girls are sweeter or calmer, it’s usually the boys who are glued to your side, flopping in your lap like they own the place. They’re laid-back, goofy, and endlessly cuddly.

And the girls?

Also wonderful — but often a little more independent, opinionated, and (dare I say it?) a bit bossy. We lovingly call them the “queens” of the house. They adore their people, but usually on their own terms.

So why are females requested more often?

Because of some very common — and honestly, outdated — ideas:

• That females are smaller, sweeter, and easier to live with

• That males spray or are more territorial (when neutered boys usually aren’t at all)

• That people want a girl to “match” their family or replace a female they once loved

But here’s what experienced breeders will tell you:

• Males tend to be more consistently affectionate, easygoing, and people-focused

• Females can be a little sassier, more independent, and like to run the show

So if you’re open-minded, here’s something to consider:

Your perfect kitten might not be the gender you expected.

And if you know exactly what you want? That’s totally okay too.

Just thought it was worth saying out loud.