Which option lists physiological signs of stress in cats?

Which option lists physiological signs of stress in cats?

• A. Panting, pacing, dilated pupils, increased heart rate
• B. Growling, hissing, meowing
• C. Licking lips, yawning, stretching
• D. Sneezing, coughing, wheezing

Answer: (A)

When a cat experiences stress, the body’s sympathetic system ramps up, triggering signs of arousal you can actually observe in physiology and behavior. The combination of panting, pacing, dilated pupils, and an increased heart rate fits this picture because each reflects the body shifting into a heightened state: panting can indicate distress in cats when not due to warmth or strenuous activity, pacing shows restlessness and an urge to escape, dilated pupils increase sensory input for potential threats, and a faster heart rate is a direct bodily response to prepare for action. The other options mix in vocalizations, more neutral or self-soothing movements, or respiratory signs that are not specific to stress, such as growling or hissing (defensive sounds), licking lips or yawning (may be normal or related to other factors), or sneezing and coughing (more likely illness or irritation).

When a cat experiences stress, the body’s sympathetic system ramps up, triggering signs of arousal you can actually observe in physiology and behavior. The combination of panting, pacing, dilated pupils, and an increased heart rate fits this picture because each reflects the body shifting into a heightened state: panting can indicate distress in cats when not due to warmth or strenuous activity, pacing shows restlessness and an urge to escape, dilated pupils increase sensory input for potential threats, and a faster heart rate is a direct bodily response to prepare for action. The other options mix in vocalizations, more neutral or self-soothing movements, or respiratory signs that are not specific to stress, such as growling or hissing (defensive sounds), licking lips or yawning (may be normal or related to other factors), or sneezing and coughing (more likely illness or irritation).