Cat Behavior Changes
Effortlessly walking on walls, licking its paws, purring when sleepy or in need of petting, lazing around, following you around, zealously guarding its territory and so on, are basic behavior traits expected of a cat. Cat owners agree with these. If there is a sudden change in character, however, it is vital that as a cat owner, you should be able to know the cause(s) of the change and also, how to fix the problem effectively. This article teaches you how to do just that.
Cat Behavior Problems
You need to understand your cat’s behavior very well, before you can understand its problems and hence, help them. Some of the reasons cats’ change their behaviors are listed in this article and it is our wish that this helps you and your pet.
Not Using the Box
A well trained cat does its business in the box. You should know something is wrong if your cat, which usually uses the box, suddenly stops. A possible reason for this change can be your cat is infected with one or more cat diseases and it can’t use the box due to the pain it may be experiencing. An example of such diseases is the feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), which leads to crystal formation in the cats’ urine, causing the cat pain each time it passes urine. A cat trained with the box associates the box to urination and since urination is now a painful ordeal, the cat tends to avoid the litter box. Hyperthyroidism, liver disease, IBD and kidney disease are other examples of cat diseases that cause painful defecating and urination in cats.
Another factor that can lead to change in a cat’s behavior is stress whether due to new environment, disease, losing a loved one or other stress causing situations.
Eating Grass
Cats are carnivorous and thus, a grass eating cat is something unusual. When it comes to health, all animals have an inbuilt protective instinct. Ever wondered how undomesticated cats with no vet privileges survive? They use their natural instincts, for example, a cat whose digestive system is troubled, resorts to eating grass as there are some herbs that can cause them to throw up, getting relief, or reduce the pain. So do not be alarmed when your cat goes occasionally green, but pay a visit to a vet if it becomes recurrent.
Acting Aggressively
If suddenly, your once docile cat starts growling and even scratching when you pick it up, that should tell you something is wrong. There are many possible reasons but the most likely is pain, maybe injury from a fight or a toothache. Aging, resulting to vision and hearing problems, thus, making it uncomfortable and aggressive could also be another explanation.
Disturbed Sleep
If your cat keeps awake at night, there may have been a change in its sleeping pattern, possibly due to fear or anxiety and to get your attention, it may start vocalizing. If this behavior persists, try grooming or petting the cat and petting it so it is relaxed and can sleep better. If you make them know that vocalizing disturbs you, they will use it against you so try as much as you can to keep that information from them.
A Pregnant Cat
As your pregnant cats due date approaches, there would be an instinctive change in her behavior. While some may start following their owners around seeking support, others may start going into nooks and crannies, seeking a delivery spot. Generally, pregnant cats purr almost always and are more composed and calm.
Changes in a cats’ behavior usually indicate anxiety, fear or pain. This informs the owner something is wrong and you can effectively administer your cat the care it needs. Thus it is important that you observe your cat closely when you notice a change in its behavior.