Overstimulation in cats refers to a state in which a cat becomes excessively agitated, overwhelmed, or overexcited due to physical or social interactions. It can result in a range of behaviors that may appear aggressive, and it often occurs during petting or play.

Common signs of overstimulation in cats include:

Tail Lashing: The cat's tail may start to swish rapidly, often an indication of increasing frustration.

Paw Swatting: The cat may start to swat at the person's hand, clothing, or any object within reach.

Biting: Overstimulated cats may resort to gentle nibbling or more intense biting as a way to communicate their discomfort.

Hissing or Growling: Vocalizations such as hissing or growling may accompany overstimulation.

Dilated Pupils: The cat's pupils may become dilated, a sign of heightened arousal.

Restlessness: The cat may become fidgety, trying to move away from the source of overstimulation.

Sudden Withdrawal: In extreme cases, the cat may abruptly disengage from the interaction and seek a hiding place or distance itself.

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