Listening Beneath Behavior: When Small Stressors Matter

One of the most valuable aspects of animal communication is uncovering emotional experiences that might otherwise go unnoticed. Animals often communicate subtle stressors in ways that don’t immediately translate into obvious behavioral problems, yet those stressors can still affect their overall wellbeing.

I was recently asked to check in with a cat named Thor. His guardian wanted to know how he was feeling emotionally and physically, whether he was happy in his environment, and if there was anything she could do to better support him.

During our communication, Thor first shared simple, everyday pleasures. He showed me his enjoyment of the plants in his home and the comfort he feels resting among them. He also conveyed a fondness for movement — pacing and walking in gentle circles, which appeared soothing for him. Physically, he indicated some mild stiffness in his shoulders and neck but didn’t present it as a major concern.

Then a very clear theme emerged: moving water.

Thor repeatedly showed imagery of waterfalls, rivers, flowing blue water — and alongside those images came strong feelings of anxiety and discomfort. The impression was consistent and emotionally charged enough that it felt important to highlight for his guardian.

After the session, when I shared this with his mom, the connection became clear. A water spray bottle had occasionally been used in the household to discourage early-morning food demands. While intended as a harmless deterrent, Thor experienced it as stressful and unsettling.

Once the spray bottle was removed, his environment became calmer for him.

This is a good example of how animal communication can bring awareness to experiences that might otherwise be dismissed as minor. What feels insignificant to us can register very differently for sensitive animals, especially those who are emotionally attuned or easily startled.

Communication doesn’t replace veterinary care, training, or good environmental management — but it can add another layer of understanding. Sometimes simply recognizing an animal’s perspective allows small adjustments that make a meaningful difference in their sense of safety and comfort.

And often, that’s all they’re really asking for: to be heard.