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8 Reasons Why Your Cat Is Pacing – Vet-Approved Tips on What to Do About It

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on February 9, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

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8 Reasons Why Your Cat Is Pacing – Vet-Approved Tips on What to Do About It

VET APPROVED

Dr. Paola Cuevas Photo

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Paola Cuevas

MVZ (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

It can be worrying if you suddenly start to notice that your cat is pacing. If this turns into a regular occurrence rather than a one-off, it can be a sign that everything isn’t quite right with your beloved cat. The first thing to do is to try and figure out why your cat may be pacing. We’ve listed common reasons for pacing and what to do about each one.

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The 8 Reasons Why Your Cat Is Pacing

1. Stress or Anxiety

Cats are sensitive creatures, and there are many reasons that they can become stressed. If there have been changes to your routine, like moving to a new house, a new baby, or even another cat moving into the neighborhood, these can all cause your cat to feel stressed.

  • What to do about it: Speak to your veterinarian, who may recommend anti-anxiety medication if your cat seems extremely affected. You can also use a pheromone plug-in, like Feliway, to help your cat feel more secure and to reduce stress.

2. Hormones

If your cat hasn’t been spayed or neutered, pacing can be a sign that they’re ready to find a mate. If you’ve shut your female cat away for the duration of her heat cycle, she may start pacing in frustration that she can’t go outside. The same goes for unneutered male tomcats!

  • What to do about it: If you don’t plan on using your cat as part of a breeding program, speak to your vet about getting them spayed or neutered. This will prevent unwanted pregnancies, as well as ease the hormones that cause your cat to pace in the first place.
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Image By: Halfpoint, Shutterstock

3. Your Female Cat Is Pregnant

Female cats often pace as they’re close to giving birth. See if your female cat is pacing but also eyeing up cozy spots in the house. If your female cat is not spayed and allowed outside to roam freely,  it’s highly likely that she could be pregnant. Or maybe you already know that she’s expecting kittens!

  • What to do about it: Schedule a veterinary consultation to confirm if your female cat is expecting kittens.

4. Poison

Sometimes pacing and circling can be a sign that your cat has eaten something poisonous. If you also notice any convulsions, weakness, and lethargy, then check your house carefully to see if you can find anything your cat may have eaten. Certain houseplants and garden plants are toxic to cats.

  • What to do about it: Speak to your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your cat ate something toxic.
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Image Credit: one photo, Shutterstock

5. Hypothyroidism

An overactive thyroid can lead to an increase in your cat’s metabolism. Your cat may be pacing, restless, and eating more than usual.

  • What to do about it: Schedule an appointment so your veterinarian can run blood tests.
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Image Credit: Gansstock, Shutterstock

6. Pain

If your cat is in pain, they won’t feel relaxed enough to rest. Pacing can be a sign of pain in cats.

  • What to do about it: Check to see if your cat has any obvious wounds, but to be on the safe side, make an appointment with your vet, as they may want to check for internal injuries as well.

7. Boredom

If you used to let your cat outside at night but have started keeping them inside, they might simply be bored. Indoor cats can also get bored at night time. Cats are more active at dawn and dusk, so if your cat is pacing at those times, it might simply be that they’re ready for playtime.


8. Feline Dementia

If your older cat has started pacing, it may be a sign that they’re developing dementia. In this case, the pacing is often combined with your cat sitting and staring off into space, increased meowing, spending less time grooming, and seeking you out in an agitated manner.

  • What to do about it: If you think your elderly cat’s pacing is a sign of dementia, speak to your veterinarian to find out what you can do to keep your cat comfortable. Drug therapies are available to consider.

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Wrapping It Up

There’s no one-size-fits-all remedy for pacing in cats, but it’s important to figure out why your cat is pacing, and then you can figure out how to help them.

Pacing can be a sign of a serious medical condition or a reaction to being poisoned, so we’d always recommend seeking veterinary assistance. You may be able to solve your cat’s pacing simply by having them spayed or providing more enrichment for those early morning hours when they’re just bored!

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Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock

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