Both my boys are supersensitive and really notice when I'm stressed or when people who are visiting are stressed. I'm curious to know who else's cats react to their guardian's stress.
Tiny will seek me out when either he or I are stressed. (He may also nip at my ankles...)
Christy withdraws... but then, she withdraws when the mailman comes or the upstairs neighbors vacuum their floors, so that's nothing new! Christy is the sort of cat who only socializes if she feels all's right with the world.