If your cat is suddenly acting strange, it may be a sign that something isn’t right. Some of the behaviors you should worry about are: overgrooming, pouncing, lack of social contact, and stalking. If you think your cat has developed these behaviors, it’s worth consulting a veterinarian.
Stalking
Cats can exhibit many undesirable behaviors, including stalking. In some cases, this behavior is motivated by frustration. Cats can get bored easily, and they need mental stimulation. Without this, they may exhibit other unwanted behaviors, including refusing to use the litter box, tearing up furniture, or snatching human body parts.
To reduce this behavior, provide your cat with plenty of playtimes. Ensure that the cat has plenty of toys to play with and spend lots of time with your pet on the floor. Providing toys that resemble small animals will engage your cat in playful play.
Pouncing
Pouncing is one of the cat behaviors to watch out for. Although it may appear cute, pouncing can be dangerous. Cats who pounce can lightly touch your face, claw on your arms, and even kick or bite you hard. Your cat may be trying to play with you, but it is unlikely that it intends any harm. Cats’ bodies are different from those of humans, so if you try to avoid any physical contact, your cat may feel threatened and attack you instead of trying to be friendly.
You can help your cat learn how to behave by teaching them appropriate behavior. When your cat is demonstrating inappropriate behavior, he or she will become more vocal. This behavior may be a sign of an underlying problem, such as pain or illness. Fortunately, there are several medications that can help your cat with unwanted behaviors.
Lack of social contact
Fortunately, most cats are eager to socialize with their human guardians and other family members. However, if your feline friend suddenly withdraws or refuses to make any social contact, you should be worried. This sudden change in behavior can be caused by stress or anxiety. Your cat may be experiencing a new baby or another new pet, and a change in the makeup of your home may also be causing anxiety. Your cat may also be suffering from pain or illness.
Cats that lack social contact with other cats may be more aggressive or territorial than cats with high levels of social interaction. They may perceive other cats as threats and may attempt to dominate them, either with their physical appearance or by hissing and scratching. If this is the case, neutering or spaying all involved cats is an effective solution.
Physical pain
If you notice that your cat is suddenly losing interest in grooming and becoming less tame, there is a good chance that he or she is in pain. Pain can be a symptom of a larger problem and requires a veterinarian’s attention. Your veterinarian will determine the source of pain and prescribe the appropriate medication. Pet owners should be aware of the dangers of self-prescription of pain medication for cats, as it can cause toxicity or further injury.
Cats often hide pain, which makes it difficult to notice subtle signs. Changes in the way they behave, eating habits, and drinking habits are all signs that your cat is suffering from pain. Your cat may also appear less playful and sleep less than usual.
