The most common sign of a cat’s submission is lying flat on the ground, appearing extremely tense, and feeling trapped with no escape from their owner. In this state, a cat’s limbs are parallel to the body, head lowered, with ears bent downwards. Their body may tremble, and their breathing becomes rapid. When a cat is afraid of you, its pupils will also dilate. At this point, it’s safe to assume that the cat has submitted and is genuinely terrified.
Cats are very sensitive animals with delicate psyches. Frequent experiences of fear and tension can negatively impact their physical development, leading to lasting issues. A stressed cat may over-groom, leading to excessive shedding. If you find an unusual amount of cat hair around your home, you should consider whether your cat might be experiencing psychological distress or have been frightened by you or something else. Generally, cats don’t hold grudges after being hit because their short-term memory only lasts for about 15 minutes, and their long-term memory is only about 3 days. However, a cat might keep a distance from its owner for a while after being frightened, but this will likely not last more than three days. It is important to understand that fear and anxiety will negatively impact your cat.
4 Signs Your Cat is Scared
1. Resists Being Touched
A relaxed cat will usually allow petting from its owner. However, when a cat is experiencing fear, it will resist human touch and become hyper-vigilant, reacting defensively to any movement you make.
2. Keeps Its Distance
When a cat is afraid of its owner, it will try to maintain a physical distance. It will gradually retreat if you try to approach, even hiding in corners or under furniture.
3. Disobeys Commands
A normally docile cat will disobey its owner's commands when it is fearful. It might not respond to you even when called and may even try to run away.
4. Wide Eyes
A scared cat’s pupils will dilate and appear round. The cat’s facial expression will become stiff and its gaze will focus intently on its surroundings.