When most people are asked what is the normal behaviour of a cat, many people will say things like being playful, aloof, hunting, eating and sleeping. The latter seems to be one of the most common things that people put forward as a normal kitty behaviour!
Cats are known the world over for their high level of independence, as well as being creatures who will wake their owners up if they are late with their breakfast. Like dogs, and other pets, each cat has their own behavioral traits, which their owners will be able to identify and notice more than other people.
So, if a cat’s behavior changes, even if it is gradual, it can be a sign of an underlying issue. In most cases, this could be a minor health concern or, if it is sudden, it could point to something more serious. If you own a cat (or cats), there are some behavioral changes to keep an eye out for and, if they continue for over 24 hours, it is vital to get your kitty to a check up to ensure they are healthy.
In this article, you will be walked through 18 behavioral changes to keep an eye out for and what these could indicate.
Changes in Eating Habits
If you have a cat, you will know all about their eating habits.
As mentioned in the intro, cats are known to be very vocal if their eating schedule is disrupted! If you notice that your cat stops eating, according to Better Vet, this could point to dental issues, or even gastrointestinal issues. Interestingly, if your cat is insatiable and is harassing you for food all the time, this can point to diabetes, hyperthyroidism or even worms. The latter is more common in kittens and young cats. Therefore, you need to keep an eye on your cat’s eating patterns, as this will help you to detect issues early.
Lethargy or Increased Sleeping
Most cats will sleep for around 12-16 hours per day so, it’s fair to say that they sleep a lot.
However, if you notice that they are suddenly sleeping a lot, you need to see this as a red flag. As well as excessive sleeping, lethargy is also concerning so, if your cat is not interested in things that they used to be, this can signal discomfort, illness or even depression. Remember, cats are good at hiding their pain, so any decrease in energy levels needs investigating from a vet.
Aggression
OK, any cat owner will tell you that cats can have a range of emotions and, it is not uncommon for cat owners to be petting their cat and then hit the murder button, which can turn their cats from being playful to biting.
However, if your usually loving or affectionate cat becomes aggressive, this can point to issues with pain or behaviour. Aggression in cats is generally considered to be excessive biting, hissint, swatting and clawing. So, always make sure that if your cat becomes grumpy, either gradually or suddenly, that you call your vet.
Excessive Grooming or Lack of Grooming
Cats are known the world over for being extreme cleaners, who love nothing more than keeping their fur shiny and clean. Therefore, any changes in cleaning can point to an issue. If your cat is grooming excessively in one area, this can point to pain, soreness, skin issues or even anxiety. A lack of grooming can also point to pain, as well as arthritis in older kitties.
Changes in Vocalization
As a cat owner, you will know if your cat likes the sound of their own voice, or if they are a bit of a quiet kitty. If your cat becomes more vocal, this can point to pain, discomfort or them wanting attention. If a somewhat loud and vocal kitty goes quiet, this can point to stress, or them having unwell, usually with an upper respiratory infection.
Hiding More Than Usual
Does your cat hide under your bed, or behind the sofa? It’s not uncommon for cats to have a few dens around the home that they will go to when they need to decompress or relax. However, if your cats start to spend more time hiding, this could point to anxiety, illness or even them being unwell. Also, if your cat has never been one to hide, and they suddenly start doing so, this should warrant a vet visit too.
Changes in Litter Box Habits
Another thing to look out for is a deviation of any kind from your cat’s normal litter box behaviour. If your cat begins urinating or defecating outside of the litter box, this can be a sign that they have a urinary tract infection, that they are stressed, or, on the more serious end, that they have kidney disease. A cat may also avoid the litter box if it is dirty, if they associate it with soreness or if they dislike the type of litter that is used. They can be very fussy!
Increased Scratching or Marking
If you have a cat who suddenly begins scratching your furniture or marking their territory, (spraying) more than usual, according to Preventive Vet, this can be a sign of stress, anxiety or territorial disputes.This behavior can also be triggered by changes in the home, such as renovations, relocations, or even new pets. So, try to ensure that your cat has adequate scratching posts.To take out their frustrations on.
Pacing or Restlessness
Is your cat suddenly pacing restless or unable to settle? This can be a sign of anxiety or discomfort. If you have an older cat, restlessness can be a sign of hypothyroidism. If your cat seems unable to relax at all, you need to.To rule out any underlying health issues as soon as possible.
Changes in Social Behavior
It is a myth (to some extent) that cats are animals that prefer their own company. They can be social, and if you live in a home with multiple pets that your cat interacts with, if they suddenly become withdrawn, this can be a sign of stress or illness.
Overgrooming or Hair Loss
If a cat is overgrooming, this can lead to hair loss and is often associated with stress, anxiety, allergies, or even skin conditions which can be harder to spot in cats that have longer hair. So, if your kitty suddenly starts grooming excessively to the point that they are creating bald spots or sores, you need to address the underlying cause. This could be looking at the environment for stressors; if there are none, you need to see their vet for medical evaluation.
Sudden Fearfulness or Skittishness
All cat owners are aware that cats can and do get the zoomies, very much like dogs. However, a change in your cat’s confidence or the overall demeanor, which would result in them being skittish or fearful can point to discomfort, stress or anxiety. It’s true that many cats do startle, easily, hide or avoid situations they once went through which stressed them out. So, identifying triggers and providing a calm, secure environment can help to keep them calm.
Increased Thirst
If your cat is drinking more water than they did before, this can point to kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, or even diabetes. Therefore, you should monitor your cat’s water consumption and consult with a vet if you notice any sudden changes.
Weight Loss or Gain
Any unexplained weight loss or weight gain is a behavioral issue that should not be ignored. Weight loss can point to things such as hyperthyroidism, gastrointestinal issues or cancer, while weight gain can point to overeating due to stress, diabetes.hypothyroidism. So, keep an eye on your kitties weight!
Changes in Coat Condition
If your cat’s fur goes from being shiny and smooth to dull, greasy or matted, this can point to lack of grooming, which could be due to either discomfort or issues with mobility. It can also be a sign of poor nutrition. Changes in coat condition may also indicate more serious underlying medical issues such as liver disease or thyroid disorders.
Sudden Aversion to Being Handled
Has your cat suddenly decided that they don’t like being picked up, petted or handled? In most cases this can be due to pain or injuries, especially if they are a cat who likes to go out and patrol their territory. However, it can also point to arthritis and dental issues. Either way, any behavioral changes that relate to your cat being handled needs to be investigated, especially if they are very out of character.
Changes in Play Behavior
Young cats in particular are playful by nature. Therefore, any sudden lack of interest in playing could point to depression, physical pain, or even boredom. An increase in aggressive play, such as swatting, biting and clawing may be a sign of frustration, or a sign that your cat needs to have more mental or physical stimulation.
Panting or Heavy Breathing
Cats should not pant! According to the website Catster, this can be an acute sign of stress, overheating or respiratory issues.So, if you notice that your cat is panting or breathing very heavily, you need to talk to your vet immediately. It can also point to things such as heart disease, heat stroke or upper respiratory infections, which can lead to pneumonia if left untreated.
