Cats can be difficult to understand. You know purring means they’re happy, but what does compulsive withdrawal mean? We will talk about some of the disturbing manifestations of cat behavior and your degree (if any!) should be concerned.
What Cat Behavior Should You Be Worried About?
When it comes to concerns about the behavior of cats, some are obvious. If your cat bites you or refuses to use the toilet tray, you can probably guess that she is not satisfied with something. But what if they chew on household items or just pee in the pot with your plant? It can be difficult to translate what your cat is trying to tell you.
Let’s take a look at some common forms of cat behavior and body language to tell you which behavioral problems are irritating but harmless and which ones may require a visit to the veterinarian.
Claw
Are the hands of your favorite armchair starting to feel like they’ve been passed through a meat grinder? We feel your pain. The good news is that scratching furniture, window sills and even walls is completely normal behavior. It’s a way for cats to mark their territory and the feline equivalent of using a nail file.
Should I be worried? No, it’s 100% normal. Take one or two racks from them and redirect them to the authorized areas.
Chew
Does your cat wear hair bands as a pacifier or does he leave saliva marks and tooth holes on the sofa cushions? If your cat has a strong oral fixation, it is probably a sign of boredom.
Cats are very intelligent and if they were in nature, they would be faced with constant mental stimulation. In domestic cats, the afternoon is much slower, especially if your people don’t work all day. Try to redirect this behavior by providing them with attractive toys that they like and that can withstand the weight of your chewing and chewing treats to calm them down.
Should I be worried? No, don’t worry, but consider buying new cat toys.
Bite
When it comes to the anxious behavior of cats, bites are at the top of the list. Gentle love bites during grooming or during active play are the normal behavior of cats in relation to other cats. When it comes to this kind of behavior of cats towards humans, it is up to you to decide if you want to solve it if it is mild or prevent it if it becomes too rude.
However, more serious bites should be taken seriously. Bites are often the aggressive behavior of cats and can be their way of asserting dominance or protecting what they consider their territory. On the other hand, it can also be a sign of fear or self-defense if the cat feels vulnerable or in pain.
Should I be worried? If the bites persist, intensify or seem to be accompanied by other signs of distress, it’s time to talk to your veterinarian.
Itching or Excessive Care
Like us, cats appreciate a little self-care. But what does it mean if your cat’s usual 20-minute grooming session suddenly starts lasting more than an hour and seems more than intrusive? That’s when it’s time to pay attention.
If your cat is passion with itching or grooming for a long time or in a certain place, it is probably a sign of skin irritation or even emotional stress. Taking care of yourself can be a complacent behavior, but taking too much care of yourself can lead to bald patches or even alopecia.
Should I be worried? Maybe. Monitor your cat’s behavior and pay attention to what he is focusing on. They may just have an insect bite or something sticky on the wool, but if the behavior persists and you don’t see anything, make an appointment with the veterinarian.
Litter problems
If you start to smell the characteristic smell of cat urine in places other than the toilet bowl, we offer our condolences. Buy a good enzyme cleaner and let’s find out the problem! There are many things that can cause your cat, who is usually trained at home, to start urinating outside the toilet tray.
Urine marking is a classic behavior of territorial cats, especially in non-castrated males. If you notice that they are splashing objects around the house, chances are that they are trying to mark their territory. On the other hand, if your cat urinates in isolated places or tries to find places similar to his toilet tray, such as the soil of a potted plant, it is probably a sign of distress.
Any stress can cause a cat to look for a new place for the toilet. This behavior can trigger anything, from house guests to moving to a new place or simply by moving the litter box. Urinating outside the toilet bowl can also be a sign of various medical problems, such as diabetes and urinary tract problems. If you can’t figure out what’s causing your cat’s problems, maybe your vet can do it.
Should I be worried? Observe their behavior to see if you can figure out what is causing it. Get rid of your cat’s sources of stress at home and consult your veterinarian if you think it is a medical problem or that it can be solved by castrating an mature male cat.
Determining what your cat’s behavior means can be a secret, but you can put this guide in your back pocket like a personal English-feline dictionary. You will be able to better understand your cat and give her exactly what she needs to feel better-after all, what are friends for?