Why Is My Cat Acting Weird? 5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Some cats display what many owners would consider odd or weird behavior regularly. Others settle into a routine and can be quite predictable. This predictability makes changes in behavior even more obvious. If your cat is showing sudden changes in its habits, it is a sign that something is up. It might be as simple as a change in your cat’s routine that has thrown them off. Or it could be a sign of something more serious, such as anxiety or even illness.

Below are the five of the more common causes of your cat acting weird or exhibiting weird behavior, as well as other signs to look for to help identify the likely cause.

The 5 Reasons For Your Cat Acting Weird

1. Depression

It might sound like a uniquely human problem, but cats can get depressed, too. Whether your cat has lost a feline friend or even a close human companion, it can display symptoms of depression that include acting out of character.

Be patient with your depressed cat. Ensure they have food and water and give them space. Speak softly and try getting your cat’s attention using treats and toys to get them out of hiding. Contact a vet if signs last more than 1-2 days.

2. Stress

Feline anxiety can be caused by any number of factors, but one of the most common is a change in routine. Cats are creatures of habit. They like to eat at a similar time every day, go outside at the same time, and they like to have the same people around them. If any of these routines change, it can lead to stress. If you can’t revert to your cat’s original routine, try and ease them into the changes gradually.

3. Under Threat

In the wild, cats are both predators and prey. They spend a lot of their time ensuring that they aren’t being threatened by bigger animals looking to predate them. While they might not be under any real threat in your home, the natural instinct to be vigilant remains. If your cat sees, hears, or otherwise senses any disturbance or change that might appear to be a threat, it can lead to stress and subsequent behavioral changes.

Listen out for loud noises that have started in the neighborhood. Maybe a dog has moved in next door and your cat can hear it running around or barking at delivery drivers. The perceived threat could also come from within. If you’ve recently adopted a new cat, a dog, or even introduced a new human family member to the fold, your cat might view them as a threat and this could be causing the weird behavior.

4. Sickness

Wild cats do very well at hiding illness and any sign of weakness that competitors might pounce on. Domestic cats have retained much of this behavior, as well. Odd behavior in your cat, therefore, could be linked to illness, and you should look for other signs.

5. Lack of Stimulation

Cats need mental stimulation as well as physical exercise. If they are lacking either of these, it can cause them to get ill, but it can also lead to boredom. Ensure your cat gets a good amount of daily exercise. This may mean hosting regular play sessions if your cat is kept strictly indoors. Also provide toys, especially interactive toys, when you are out of the house.

They will keep your cat entertained and keep their minds busy, therefore helping to stave off boredom and depression. Interactive toys include treat toys, licky mats, and more.

Conclusion

Most owners get to know the foibles and habits of their cats. And, similarly, cats get to know the routines and habits of their owners. When human habits change, or when a cat’s surroundings are different, it can cause stress in cats. However, sudden changes in a cat’s demeanor could also be a sign of ill health.

Look for other signs to help identify the cause of weird cat behavior and, if necessary, have your cat checked by a vet to eliminate illness as a cause of the changes.

See also:

• Why Is My Cat So Jumpy All of a Sudden? Vet Reviewed Reasons

Featured Image Credit: Wanwajee Weeraphukdee, Shutterstock