9 Common Abnormal Cat Behaviour
Many individuals adore having cats as pets, therefore it’s crucial to comprehend how these animals behave.
A health problem, emotional discomfort, or even a reaction to environmental changes can all be indicators of abnormal cat behavior.
This blog article will discuss the numerous forms of odd cat behavior, its possible causes, and solutions.
We’ll also examine how to spot physical and emotional suffering in cats as well as how the environment affects odd behavior.
Finally, we’ll look at strategies for helping your cat cope with unfamiliar surroundings, schedule changes, and other stressful circumstances.
Abnormal Cat Behaviour
The following are some common abnormal cat behaviour you should know:
Knocking objects over
Cats naturally like to play with and swat at things, but if they start doing it more frequently or violently, it might indicate cognitive impairment or visual loss.
Age-related cognitive impairment in cats can result in confusion and disorientation, which makes them trip over objects more frequently.
By giving your cat lots of interactive toys, climbing trees, and scratching posts to keep them busy and cognitively engaged, you can lessen the frequency of this behavior.
Additionally, you may rearrange your furniture to lessen the possibility of your cat running into something.
Your veterinarian may suggest medications or nutritional supplements to decrease the course of the illness if your cat is exhibiting cognitive decline or eyesight loss.
Bringing dead prey to the owner
Cats frequently see their owners as their “pride” and will present them with dead prey as a gift or to teach them how to hunt.
This might be a show of affection, but it can also be a sign of attention seeking or hunting behavior.
This cat’s instinctive habit provides a way for it to communicate with its owner.
By giving your cat lots of interactive toys, scratching posts, and climbing trees to engage their natural hunting instincts, you can lessen this habit.
You may give your cat a lot of affection, playing, and positive reinforcement if they are bringing gifts to get your attention.
Staring off into space
Cats who appear to be looking off into space or at an unknown object may be suffering from hallucinations, seizures, or even feline dementia.
A veterinarian should be consulted to rule out any underlying medical diseases that may be causing these behaviors, like as brain tumors or neurological abnormalities.
Your veterinarian can suggest medicine or other therapies to manage your cat’s symptoms of hallucinations, seizures, or feline dementia.
In rare situations, dietary or environmental adjustments might also help lessen these symptoms.
Strange sleeping patterns
A cat’s abnormally high or low level of sleep might point to a health issue or changes in its surroundings.
Cats in pain or discomfort, for instance, would sleep more to avoid moving about.
A cat may sleep less if their environment changes, such as when a new pet or human is introduced, because of the heightened stress and worry that results.
Take a cat to the vet for a checkup if their sleeping patterns suddenly shift.
Urinating outside the litter box
This might indicate an issue with the urinary system, stress, or aggressive conduct.
For instance, a cat that feels pain or discomfort when peeing in the litter box may begin urinating somewhere else.
A cat may begin urinating outside the litter box in response to stressful circumstances like the introduction of a new pet or person.
Take your cat to the vet right away to find out what’s causing them to urinate outside of the litter box.
Make sure the litter box is cleaned frequently, supply numerous litter boxes, and provide a range of litter alternatives to locate the one your cat loves in order to decrease this tendency.
Sudden changes in eating habits
A cat’s appetite changes might be a sign of disease or other health issues.
For instance, cats who abruptly stop eating might be suffering from a tooth ailment, gastrointestinal trouble, or another illness.
However, cats who suddenly start eating more than normal might be suffering from a disease like hyperthyroidism.
It’s crucial to take a cat to the doctor for a checkup if their feeding habits alter unexpectedly.
Excessive grooming
Cats are renowned for their meticulous grooming practices, but overgrooming to the extent of hair loss may indicate stress, allergies, or skin issues.
Additionally, excessive grooming may be a sign of a skin infection, flea infestation, or other health issues.
It’s crucial to take a cat to the doctor if it begins to groom itself excessively, so they can identify the underlying issue.
Hissing or growling at nothing
A behavior like hissing or growling at nothing might be an expression of amusement or it could be a sign of fear or aggressiveness.
Aggression, playfulness, or fear may be the root of this behavior.
Offering lots of playing, easing tension, and obtaining veterinarian assistance if the behavior persists or is accompanied by additional symptoms.
Constantly following the owner
While some cats may do it out of affection or fear, others may do it as a sign of nervousness.
Allowing the cat lots of fun, lowering tension and anxiety, and offering a safe and secure environment.
Learn more about how to discipline a cat.
Prevention of Abnormal Cat Behaviour
For the sake of your cat’s happiness and wellbeing, it’s crucial to prevent atypical cat behavior.
Given that cats are creatures of habit, it is crucial to maintain a stable environment free from abrupt changes.
Ensure that the locations of their food, drink, and litter boxes are consistent at all times.
Give your cat a ton of toys and things to do to keep them entertained and mentally active.
Spend time with your cat in a kind and affectionate manner every day.
Try to locate and treat the cause of your cat’s stress if they are experiencing anxiety.
Finally, take your cat to the vet to rule out any medical concerns if you detect any indications of aberrant behavior.
Learn more about how to stop a cat from wanting to go outside.
Diagnosing Abnormal Cat Behaviour
Given the wide range of possible reasons, diagnosing atypical cat behavior can be difficult.
It is crucial to take your cat to the doctor to rule out any diseases or medical concerns since these might affect their behavior.
A thorough medical history, physical exam, behavioral interviews, and questionnaires are a few more procedures that can be used to evaluate behavioral problems.
In order to identify and address any emotional or behavioral problems, a veterinary behaviorist might also be contacted.
FAQs
Why do cats engage in strange behavior?
Medical conditions, stress, boredom, changes in the environment, and other underlying psychological or physical variables are only a few of the causes of abnormal behavior in cats.
What sort of cat behavior is deemed abnormal?
Excessive vocalization, hostility, urinating outside the litter box, excessive grooming, and changes in activity levels or sleep schedules are just a few examples of abnormal cat behavior.
Can cats exhibit odd behavior while under stress?
Yes, stress can contribute significantly to the emergence of aberrant behavior in cats.
Changes in the home, the addition of additional animals or humans, and restricted access to food, water, or litter boxes are typical causes of stress in cats.
How can I determine if my cat’s unusual behavior is being caused by medical problems?
Changes in food or water intake, lethargy, weight loss, vomiting, or diarrhea are all signs of medical conditions that can lead to odd behavior in cats.
It is recommended to speak with a veterinarian if you think your cat may be having a medical problem.
Can cats with odd behavior be treated or disciplined?
Yes, many instances of odd behavior in cats may be treated or resolved with the assistance of a veterinarian or a feline behaviorist.
Medication, dietary adjustments, environmental enrichment, and behavior modification strategies are all potential treatment possibilities.
How can I assist my cat if it is acting strangely?
In order to assist your cat if it is acting abnormally, it is crucial to first determine the underlying problem.
This can entail taking the animal to the veterinarian for a checkup, altering the surroundings to lessen stress, or giving it extra stimulation or exercise.
Conclusion
In summary, recognizing unusual cat behavior is a crucial component of being a good pet owner.
You may assist your cat in maintaining good health and happiness by being aware of stress and behavioral problems in cats.
Make careful to introduce changes gradually and give your cat lots of affection, attention, and playing because environmental influences and routine changes may be a significant source of stress for cats.
Last but not least, it’s crucial to get help from a veterinarian or behaviorist if you feel your cat has a medical illness or other behavioral issues.
