Did you know that a cat is called a “mysterious” pet companion?
And, for good reason! Cats are known for unpredictable behaviors. They are curious creatures and each cat differs in its behavior pattern. Cats have a set of desirable and undesirable behaviors that is unique to them. Therefore it becomes extremely difficult to understand normal and abnormal behavior in cats.
Usually, pet parents are advised to watch out for abnormal behavior in their pets. Abnormal behavior is easier to identify in dogs but much harder in cats.
Here’s a guide to understanding normal and abnormal behaviors in cats:
Since the behavior pattern is different for each cat, it is recommended that you observe your cat and identify what is normal for your cat.
Some common behaviors for cats are:
- Cats love to jump and perch on high places like counters, etc.
- Cats are natural hunters. So they love to stalk and pounce on their prey. You will often find your pet cat hiding and waiting to pounce on something.
- Cats love to knead anything soft and squishy like blankets, cushions, or even your lap. So, if you catch your cat kneading anything soft, don’t worry! This is normal behavior.
- Grooming themselves and other cats is another normal trait in cats. Cats can spend several hours grooming.
- If you have a pet cat, you might have noticed it producing teeth chattering sounds. This may cause concern but if you have observed this usually occurs when cats are watching birds, etc. Teeth chattering in cats is seen with other signs like tail twitching and soft bleating. However, this is normal behavior and is a sign of frustration in cats.
- Your pet cat might wake up in the middle of the night and get into a noisy rumble. This is also normal behavior for cats, and it comes from their wild ancestry.
Besides these, cats make different types of noises like hissing, meows, spitting, yowling, and more. Some cats are noisier than others.
Here are some abnormal behaviors in cats that may indicate an underlying problem and should not be taken lightly:
- If you have observed your cat, you will know how much time it spends grooming normally. If you find your pet grooming itself excessively, a visit to the vet is required.
- Any unusual litter box behavior of your cat is a red flag that something is brewing inside. Another common sign is when your cat cries when in a litter pan.
- If you observe any changes in the eating and drinking patterns of your cat, do not take it lightly. Whether your cat is eating too much or too little, or not consuming sufficient water or milk, you will need a vet to examine it.
- Another red flag is when your furry friend is chewing fabric or wool.
- Excessive sleeping is also bad news. When you have a pet cat, you will have a fair idea of how many hours it sleeps. If you notice that it is sleeping longer than usual, it is time to call the vet!
These are some of the normal and abnormal behavior patterns in cats. Consult the expert vets at San Antonio Spay and Neuter Clinic to understand the behavior of your cat better!