When you live with a cat, you become familiar with their unique habits and behaviors. While their quirky actions often bring a smile and highlight their individuality, a noticeable shift in their behavior might indicate that something is wrong.
Key Takeaways
- Changes in your cat’s behavior may signal an underlying health or behavioral issue.
- If your cat’s behavior has remained consistent over time, it’s usually less of a concern.
- Unspayed female cats will go into heat, which can lead to loud meowing and unusual actions.
Let’s explore what it means when your cat is acting strangely and when a vet visit is necessary.
What Is Normal Behavior for a Cat?
Cats can be engaged in numerous idiosyncratic-even eccentric behaviors, for example, purring, meowing, yowling, or chattering. They may even experience what is often referred to as ‘the zommies’ ticked up frantic activity with wide eyes and dilated pupils. One aspect that is particularly important when one tries to make sense of the behavior of a cat is the place and time of the event. Understanding what is habitual for your cat allows concluding whether its behavior is a step outside the comfort zone considering the provided circumstances or if there are deeper problems with the feline’s well-being.
Still, the major concern should arise from any excessive or dramatic changes in the usual patterns of behavior such as changes in a cat’s eating and drinking habits, verdication, bilocation or vocalization patterns. Since cats are good at hiding discomfort it is advisable to know what your cat usually does and when so you can identify any strangeness at the right time and take the cat to the clinic on time.
What Can Cause Changes in Your Cat’s Behavior?
If your cat suddenly starts acting unusually—whether meowing excessively or displaying odd behaviors—there could be several possible reasons:
1. Your Cat Might Be in Pain
Pain can drastically alter a cat’s behavior. They may become more withdrawn, less active, or even show aggression when touched. Their eating or drinking habits might also change. For instance, a cat with mouth pain may drop food, while a cat with a leg injury could limp. Pinpointing the source of pain is crucial, and your veterinarian can help rule this out as a cause of their unusual behavior.
2. Your Cat Is in Heat
Female cats in heat can display a wide range of strange behaviors, such as loud vocalizations and rolling on the ground. They might also become more affectionate or clingy toward their owners. While these behaviors can seem alarming, they are entirely natural. If you don’t plan to breed your cat, spaying her will help manage these behaviors and prevent unwanted litters.
3. Your Cat May Have Urinary Issues
Urinary problems, like cystitis or infections, often manifest through behavioral changes. Your cat might spend more time in the litter box, passing small amounts of urine or even urinating outside the box. If your cat struggles to urinate, it could indicate a more serious condition, such as a blocked bladder, which requires immediate veterinary attention.
4. Constipation
Cats suffering from constipation may strain without producing any feces, which can sometimes be confused with urinary problems. If your cat hasn’t had a bowel movement in a while or their stool is hard, a vet visit is necessary to address the issue.
5. Changes in Routine or Environment
Cats are creatures of habit, and even small changes can cause them stress. A new pet, a move, or even loud noises in the home can unsettle your cat, leading to altered behavior. Separation anxiety has become more common in cats due to extended periods spent with owners during the pandemic, and a change in routine can trigger anxious behavior when left alone.
6. Fear or Trauma
A scared cat might hide or refuse to eat. Traumatic experiences, like being chased or fighting with another animal, can leave them shaken. If fear-related behavior doesn’t improve within a few days, or if your cat seems unwell, it’s a good idea to get them checked by a vet.
7. Fleas
If your cat suddenly begins scratching or biting at their fur, fleas may be the culprit. The itching can drive them to act erratically, but flea treatments from the vet can quickly relieve the irritation.
8. Hyperthyroidism
Older cats with hyperthyroidism may show increased appetite, thirst, or hyperactivity while still losing weight. They might become more vocal or restless at odd times of the day. A blood test can confirm hyperthyroidism, and your vet can recommend treatment options.
9. Cognitive Dysfunction
As cats age, some develop cognitive dysfunction, which can cause them to become confused, forgetful, or exhibit abnormal behaviors like excessive meowing or litter box accidents. If your senior cat seems disoriented, a vet visit is essential to determine the best course of action.
What Should You Do if Your Cat Acts Strangely?
If your cat is behaving unusually, try to identify any clear triggers using the list above. But if their behavior is particularly strange or they seem ill, don’t hesitate to book a vet appointment. Early detection can make all the difference in managing potential health concerns.
How Can You Help Your Cat Return to Normal?
The first step to resolving your cat’s unusual behavior is identifying the underlying cause, which might require a vet’s help. For health-related issues like pain, urinary problems, or illness, the vet may prescribe medication or other treatments. If the cause is behavioral, such as stress or anxiety, providing a calm environment with hiding spots and easy access to resources like food and litter can help. In more severe cases of anxiety, the vet may suggest anti-anxiety medications or recommend a feline behaviorist for further assistance.
