Is Your Cat Acting Weird? 5 Reasons Why
Even when you’ve lived with them for years, cat behavior can be weird, and sudden changes are frustrating. It may seem like your misbehaving cat wants to ruin your life, but she might actually be telling you that something is wrong. Here are five things that might be happening with a cat acting weird.
1. A cat acting weird might signal depression
Is your cat acting weird? She might be sick. Photography © Tanchic | iStock / Getty Images Plus.
A cat acting weird might be depressed. Remember how you felt the last time you got dumped? You stayed in bed all day, didn’t change your clothes, and ate only when your mom called and insisted that she was going to come over if you didn’t shove some food into your face right now.
A cat who has, for example, lost a beloved companion might behave similarly. He leaves his food untouched for days, ignoring even treats. He hides under the bed. He is indifferent about grooming, because “sigh” what’s the point? And he sleeps even more than his usual 18 hours per day.
How to help: What a depressed cat needs more than anything is patience and TLC. Coax him out of hiding with toys and treats while talking in soothing tones. Also try Tellington TTouch, or TTouch, which involves massaging him in circular motions, and give him a familiar blanket or article of clothing.
If all else fails, your vet can prescribe antidepressants.
2.Your cat is acting weird because she’s stressed
She hates change more than the most neurotic person you know, and since you moved, she’s been in full-blown fight-or-flight mode. Your new apartment is smaller, and all of your furniture is different. You also just started a full-time job, so she’s alone most of the day. Stress might be one of the reasons behind a cat acting weird.
How to help: Disrupt your cat’s routine as little as possible by keeping her in a separate room with her toys, litter box, food and bed while you pack and move. Then keep her in a safe room at your new place while you unpack and rearrange. Being surrounded by familiar items and smells will help her feel more at home. Additionally, before starting a new job, ease your cat into the routine by leaving her alone for increasing intervals each day and showering her with treats and attention when you return.
3. Your cat might feel threatened
You just brought home a new cat, and your old cat wants her dead. They run shrieking across the room, a footrace that ends in a furious flurry of fur. You’re afraid to leave them alone together, and they pee everywhere except the litter box.
How to help: Take a page from My Cat from Hell television host Jackson Galaxy. He makes sure that each cat has a safe place to eat and use the litter box, and he creates escape routes with cat trees and shelves. This lets cats know their territory is not under siege. Playing with the cats simultaneously can also redirect the energy they normally use to beat the crap out of each other.
4. Your cat is acting weird because she’s sick
It’s merely an inconvenience when you step in a lukewarm pile of kitty kibble barf-mash at 6 a.m., but it can become worrisome if your cat’s vomiting happens daily. It doesn’t help that evolutionarily, a sick cat is a dead cat; therefore, cats are excellent at hiding signs of illness. If your cat isn’t eating, drinks excess water, seems lethargic, hides for more than a day, stops using the litter box or suddenly changes temperament, she might be telling you something is wrong. The protrusion of her “third eyelid” can also indicate illness.
How to help: Odds are it’s nothing major, but to be sure you’re not overlooking a potentially serious health problem, a cat acting weird with these symptoms should be seen by a vet.
5. Your cat might not be your biggest fan
Well, technically this might be your boyfriend’s cat, but the two of you just don’t jibe. You try to pet him and he hides under the coffee table. Then he emerges a few minutes later and lavishes your boyfriend with headbutts right in front of you.
How to help: Realize that sometimes a cat acting weird simply might not like you. Just like humans, cats have distinct personalities, so you’re not going to get along with all of them. They’re kind of like children: Even though we’re not supposed to have a favorite, we do.
Tell us: Is your cat acting weird? How did you deal with it? Let us know in the comments!
Thumbnail: Photography ©PeopleImages | DigitalVision / Getty.
This piece was originally published in 2012.
About the author
Angela Lutz is a writer and editor who has been fascinated by felines since childhood. She has more than a decade of experience writing about everything from health care and books to yoga and spicy food. She has written for Catster since 2012. Angela lives near Kansas City, Mo., with her husband, son and three cats.
93 comments on “Is Your Cat Acting Weird? 5 Reasons Why”
I just mo ed in with my friend. and now she acting a little weird she sniffs the air then just hisses and it kind weirding me out rn and she is making a weird noise with her mouth like when were dehydrated we like clam our mouth together. Is she acting like this bc it’s a new change for her or could something be wrong with her
We got our car when he was 6 wks old he is now almost 3 yrs old. He loves me like crazy, yes I spoil him . 2 weeks ago my husband dropped a pipe and it scares him and since then he is scared to death of my husband hides and runs away at the sight of him. Tonight he was so scared he used the bathroom on the floor. But he will let my husband feed him and that’s it. What is wrong with my cat?
My cat (Male & 2 years old) is being strange, but in a complicated way. During the day he acts his normal self. He sleeps, eats, and explores just the same, but at night he is acting weird. Normally, he jumps up on my bed at night and will sleep at my feet all night long, but here lately he won’t jump up on my bed or stay for very long anymore. He walks into my room and meows at me, lets me rub him while he’s still on the floor, and once I pick him up he will only stay for 20 minutes at a time. Then he leaves my room, and the process repeats. Why is he doing this all the sudden?
We got whiskey on 02-03-20 she is a tux cat, spayed. She has been fine until 07-18-20 she has been skittish, hiding, staring, and any noise will startle her. Nothing in household has changed, she is only animal in house. Her appetite has decreased. Not really eating her dry food but eating her treats and wet food. She is not drinking as much water either. Took her to vet 07-23-20. Blood work is normal, weight is same, no temp and x-ray was normal but she was dehydrated. They gave her something to re-hydrate and brought her home. She is eating still not seeing her drink much and remains afraid and hiding. Don’t know what to do at this point any help/suggestion is appreciated
My cat is acting like that too, all of a sudden and it’s scaring me
My cat was in the washroom and he just came and his humb was up for 5 min she was looking scared and he sounds like khhhhhhhhh abd like his mouth was open and he got more scared when he saw my siblings stuffed toy of picachu
Can you please help me out
I got my cat when she was 2 months old and she is now almost six months. She normally is very playful and runs around the house. Today she is jumpy, sniffing around and acting like she doesn’t know anyone in the house. This is not normal for my cat at all. Any advise on this. FYI she is fixed up to date on shots and doesn’t go outside.
My cat has been acting weird, we’ve had my wild siblings over for two weeks. They’re gone now but he’s frequently going outside the back garden. He’s a boy, tomcat, lost his brother 1-2 years ago in Oct ending. He went for four days recently, then another when he came back to be fed and watered. He never wants to be inside anymore and I’m worried about him, but he has no injuries or anything. Just a nose scratch from an opposing cat that’s healed perfectly fine. I just don’t understand.. what’s going on?
It’s probably depressed I know after losing one on my cats my other one would only eat have of the food trying to save food for are other cat that’s not coming back and she was acting really weird
My cat was sick and suffering from severe seizures, got treatment and is getting better, buh now he is acting weird, keeps excreating everywhere and tend to lick it, he is acting as though he is gone nut, i need help please
It’s the two little round spheres hanging from his backside. It is calling him. It won’t stop until you get him snipped or he eventually disappears forever like what happened to my cat I wish I would have done it sooner maybe he would still be here
My 10-month-old kitten Gizmo was always affectionate. He always wanted to snuggle and would follow me everywhere wanting attention and loves. A few days ago, he started acting very jumpy and skittish. He is constantly sniffing like he is searching for something. Instead of coming over for snuggles (he always wanted to lay on my lap) he sits and stares or he comes over, sniffs around and walks away.
Did he get better?
My 1 1/2 year old neutered male chews on cardboard boxes, as well as the tape and label on boxes. Does anyone have any idea why he did this? He doesn’t necessarily eat the cardboard, in fact he rarely does. He also likes to chew on paper. Thanks.
One of my cats did this all the time chewed up cardboard boxes he used to attack any cardboard he could find. I have a younger cat that does similar think it’s normal as long as not eating it maybe just need to okay maybe just bored and needs more play
Cat lol not camp
This really is and a comment it’s a concern that I have of have my camp for 5 years and she was a baby she’s always been picky and who she left touchard but always been loving to the family out of nowhere as she attacked me very viciously I had to go to the hospital I had an infection then lo and behold 2 weeks later she did it again I’m scared of her I can’t turn my back on her I don’t know what to do with her
Cat lol not camp
My cat was in the washroom and he just came and his humb was up for 5 min she was looking scared and he sounds like khhhhhhhhh abd like his mouth was open and he got more scared when he saw my siblings stuffed toy of picachu
Can you please help me out
He is of 3 months
My kitten has suddenly gotten distant, he’s young and playful, but he was always enjoyed being around, he wouldn’t always want to be picked up but he was fine with it
Now he’s crying when he’s being picked up and sometimes when we are just stroking him, we’ve checked his body and there’s no injuries, and been walking fine, jumping up and down furniture with ease, he normally loves being around us and playing with us but suddenly seems to dislike us
Possibly something in the environment disturbed him? When they put a new roof on our house, it stressed my gentle cat so much that he became chronically afraid of outside noises, particularly staple guns. Nonetheless, if my cat cried when picked up, I would have him checked out by vet. Maybe he fell off something and feels a little less safe. Maybe someone stepped on him?
Yes my cat very exacting that same way he is to follow us around the house play and everything now he’s acting weird scratching jumping all the time he’s always scared of everything every little noise he jumps that he’s acting really really weird looked at his skin we looked at is here and we don’t see anything maybe has fleas I’m not sure what he has but somethings wrong with him
Alani is a rescue kitty and has lived with us and three other cats for a bit over a hear.
She has a constant bacterial infection, hemobartonella and she is a trooper.
Alani had made friends with one cat, her sister, but no way with either brothers.
She is a growler and even when I pick her up she growls and does not like to be held.
At night she might just up and sleep by my side.
I wish I could help her feel more comfortable with us.
And if anyone knows of a better treatment than azithromycin for her bacterial infection, please let me know.
During the winter my catto would act funny sometimes: he’d seem restless and almost like a person who has something on their mind and don’t know how to find the right words. Turned out: he was cold. So after that we figured out that we had to keep the house above 67°F . lol
I think my cat was cold too. Turned the temp on and put a sweater on him. I also have a cat who gets restless when a storm is coming. He is the first to discover any change in the house or any visitor – cat, deer, racoon, etc. – outside.
We got our car when he was 6 wks old he is now almost 3 yrs old. He loves me like crazy, yes I spoil him . 2 weeks ago my husband dropped a pipe and it scares him and since then he is scared to death of my husband hides and runs away at the sight of him. Tonight he was so scared he used the bathroom on the floor. But he will let my husband feed him and that’s it. What is wrong with my cat?
Bottle feeding a kitten and a month or so later it’s freaking out like it doesn’t know me hiding and acting like it’s sick and sleeping all day
My cat is about 7-8 years old. He’s usually a laid back cat. He sleeps most of the day in weird places but always would come to me and sleep with me. Here lately he’s been a little distant. He didn’t eat his treats earlier. But when I pick him up he purrs and lets me love in him. But he’s just not acting like himself and it’s got me worried.
Our Tuxedo cat has always been very affectionate, but recently he has periods when he goes “wild.” He likes to sneak out, and most of the time lets me catch him and bring him back in. I do have to be careful to shut up the other cat because sometimes they don’t recognize each other and I have to go through re-introduction. Up until recently, he would only get defensive if somehow he was hurt. He still hasn’t forgiven the vet for a needle stick, and he reacted violently to me when I had to carry him while he had an intestinal blockage. The last time he got out, he let me catch him but was growling a bit when I brought him back in. I put him in a room to calm down, and when I went in, he wouldn’t have anything to do with me! Whenever I got close, he would growl, hiss and spit and swipe at me! He even went for my feet! It was like he had to defend himself from a dangerous stranger. By the next day, he had “forgiven” me, and was back to normal. I suspect that it might be a combination of the smells of strange cats in our yard, and sort of a PTSD of times I accidentally caused him pain. I watch a cat behaviorist on TV, and learned that being calm, patient, and gentle can often win a “fraidy-cat” over. It worked with Tuxedo, but now I don’t ever give him the opportunity to sneak out past me.
I’ve had my two cats, Liza and Romy for many years, Liza for 10 and Romy for 4. Up until recently, there’s been no issues, apart from the occasional fight, they’ve been fine. But recently, both cats have started acting strangely.
Liza (10 year old female) : She has started to avoid some rooms (will not enter the living room under any circumstances). She will only stay calm if she is in or on a cardboard box in most rooms, and if she isn’t, she’s running to one or out of the room. She’s only calm in one of our rooms, which is at the opposite end to the living room, and I know its not the other cat because he frequents that room too.
Romy (5 year old male) : He has always been an extremely active cat, having frequent little episodes of hysteria and running around the house (as is normal with some cats) but he has also started acting a little weird. He also acts weird in the living room, as he refuses to touch the floor. He uses the couches and table to get to the window, and sprints to get out if he does touch it. This never used to happen. Romy also used to be, and still is for most of the time, and extremely quiet cat. He would never meow, not even for food or attention. However, the other night he woke me up, meowing at my door until I came out, and he started head rubbing intensely. His eyes were unusually wide, and he looked a little spooked. I should also mention that both cats are indoor cats. I checked the house, and nothing was out of place. He has also become more vocal since then.
Does anyone have any idea as to what’s going on?
Hi Ana,
We are so sorry you’re experiencing this! We suggest bringing this up to a vet or behaviorist for the best advice.
https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/why-is-your-cat-hiding
https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/what-are-the-cat-zoomies-should-you-worry
https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/cat-meowing-at-night
https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/cat-wont-stop-meowing-reasons-for-cat-meowing
Have you changed the floor surface in the living room and the other rooms lately? Or have you changed the cleansing products you use for the floor? Have you treated the living room with any special chemicals lately? Maybe your cats sense a different odour or the floor feels different to the touch for them so they do not won’t to touch it any more, as they consider it repulsive or dangerous…
It almost sounds like you answered your own question… they’re spooked! Maybe they’re sensing something that isn’t visible to us humans. I know it may sound crazy, but cats have that 6th sense. On numerous occasions, I’ve seen my cats Phoenix and JoJo just staring up at the top shelf of my closet. Sometimes, their eyes move slightly back and forth like they’re watching something. My husband and I happen to keep his dad’s ashes up there in an urn/ bottle, in a bag, at the exact spot they stare at! It’s a bit spooky, sometimes!
Besides out-of- this- world suggestions, maybe the weather was changing and there was alot of static electricity in the air, or air pressure changes affecting your cats. You mentioned advoiding the floor… had you had carpet cleaned or wood floors cleaned with a new cleanser or waxed? Just some thoughts! (:
Could it be paranormal activity? It’s difficult to discount the unknown.
My 10 year old kitty, Stella started acting strangly this morning. I found her on the kitchen counter sniffing all over it. She doesn’t jump up on the counter, I don’t know why, she just doesn’t usually. All day she’s been moving around the house sniffing everything, slowly and purposefully. She’s sniffing the skin on my arms like I’m not myself or something. She’s totally an indoor cat. No other animals have been in the house for at least a month. I’ve had cats in my life for 60 years and none has ever behaved this way. This sudden change in her behavior is baffeling.
Hey I hope that isn’t happening to your cat anymore. I’ve had similar episodes with my cat, where he scales the room, climbs on top of each object, and sniffs everything, like his mind is somewhere else. He sniffs everything purposefully, even my skin, like you said. It’s like he has tunnel vision and won’t snap out of it. The episodes happen every few months and last about an hour, and then he’s back to normal. Did you ever figure out what was going on?
I had two 2yr old adopted cats, one a female blk and wt (Mia) and one male linx point siamese (Milo), both fixed. I noticed that Milo would always try to rough house Mia and she hated it. So, recently, I adopted Meeko, an 11mo. old male flame point Siamese. The introduction after time went better than expected! Milo and Meeko cuddled up at first meet! They run after each other, rough house and groom each other, which is more than what Milo and Mia did. Problem now, however, is that after a few months, Milo hasn’t been as cuddly with me and keeps trying to escape outside. He did twice already, but came home when I called with treats. They’re all indoor cats. I’m sad because Milo is now meowing frequently by the door…like he wants to leave. I don’t know what to do.
We have had our cat Syrah for 5years. She has always been very placid, laid back and has NEVER scratched or bitten even when the kids would pick her up etc, although prefers her own space. She usually goes out through the night, returning in the morning, sleeping all day. Hasn’t used an indoor litter box for approx 3years and happily eats any brand of dry car food.
Just recently her behaviour has changed…….She will cry for food even when her bowl is full and seems disinterested in the dry food but loved the bit of fish I gave her as I was concerned she myst be famished!! She miaows at the door wanting to be let out but then sits and looks at the open door refusing to go outside. She is more overly affectionate, especially with myself, head butting and rubbing me, following me and even sitting on my lap (she has never ever done this before!!). She has peed in various areas if the house 4/5times in 1 week!!!! I have bought q new litter tray for her, she hadn’t used one for about 3 yr!!!
It’s not very bad, naughty behaviours just very different to how she has been before.
We have no new pets and our daily lives haven’t changed???? Just a bit confused as to this new overly affectionate behaviour and fussy eating.
Any advice or suggestions would be much appreciated as I don’t want to miss anything untoward????
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out! We suggest asking a vet of behaviorist for the best advice. These pieces might provide some insight as well:
https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-not-eating-what-to-do-when-cat-wont-eat
https://www.catster.com/cat-food/what-to-do-when-your-cat-wont-eat
https://www.catster.com/cat-health-care/cat-peeing-on-the-bed-or-couch
https://www.catster.com/cat-health-care/cat-not-using-the-litter-box
https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/6-common-litter-box-no-nos
If she has stopped eating the dry food, maybe she has a toothache? will she eat canned food?
So I got my male kitten fixed on the 9th of January. My vet has a free table of gently used sometimes new donated items. There was a used, but clean huge covered litterbox with a door flap. My male cat always kicks the litter all over, so I thought what a great idea, and I took it home. I put the litterbox lid and all in the bathtub, and scrubbed it with straight bleach, then turned on the shower and rinced it for several minutes. I then allowed it to air dry for several hours before setting it up for use. My cats used it no problem, but within a few days began acting crazy, and I litterally mean crazy. They pretty much stopped eating, started attacking my house plants, which they don’t normally do, and even became distant with me. They also started tring to escape to outside when a door was open which they have never done. My male kitty, and he is a lover, attacked me when I was sleeping. Biting and scratching me pretty badly. I thought and thought about what is going on that effects both of them. I wondered if the vaccines were to blame, but only the boy got vaccinated when he went to get neutered. The litterbox was the only common change to both of them. I caught them several times in there sniffing around. Not normal sniffing though. They would be sniffing the walls, and with that sniffer thing that is in their mouth. You know when they have their mouth open slightly after sniffing usually another animal. This case was the litterbox though. After alot of thought, I decided it was the litterbox, and took it outside, and brought their original one back in. I didn’t even keep the litter from the questionable litterbox, it was new, I went and bought new litter again. It took several days, but they are back to normal again, eating, sleeping, purring, loving, and playing nicely. Clearly it was the litterbox, but why? Their original litterbox was used. It belonged to my cat of 17 years that I had to put to sleep Oct 2018 because of cancer. I too cleaned it and use it with these 2 kittens with no problem. Do you have any ideas? Iam baffled, but greatful things are back to normal.
Hi there,
Your cats may have been acting out because they could still smell the previous cats. Here’s more on litter boxes:
https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/6-common-litter-box-no-nos
https://www.catster.com/cat-health-care/cat-not-using-the-litter-box
https://www.catster.com/cat-health-care/how-often-to-clean-a-litter-box
Cleaning it with bleach was the problem. Never use bleach to clean areas your cat uses it is toxic to them and even the smell can cause a bad ration in them.
Definitely the vaccines and spay, and the other cat is smelling hospital smells on the cat that was spayed. Get some rescue remedy and put a few drops on bedding and paw or back of the neck and in water bowl it really helps stressed cats and both your cats are stressed. You cleaned the litter box, it wouldn’t cause those kinds of symptoms in both cats.
I bet the bleach smell and with the enclosement trapped the bleach fumes in the fibers of the plastic enclosure. It made them cujo crazy, I bet, bleach is a poison. I worked as a janitor and got bleached, very sick and had too run cold water over myself in the shower due too the poisonious fumes. It’s strange but cats have heightened sensory glands in thier noses, they can detect sickness in humans too:)
Part of your problem is cleaning with bleach even though you did a really good job the material the litter box is made out of is absorbing bleach. The urine is ammonia based ammonia and bleach are a deadly combination it can kill humans depending on how much they breathe so cats being in that enclosed space are having reactions. Get rid of that litter box.
Hi it is the bleach. I don’t use it at all aound cats. It sends them crazy and alters behaviour. They like the smell but it’s dangerous to them even if you clean it after beach. You can research this via Google. Use an alternative bleach free product.
So last night my cat spent her first night outside because lastnight when i went to call for her to come in for the night she didnt come which isnt like her at all she allways comes when i call her and i stayed up really late going and calling for her and she never came but this morning when i woke up i went out to call for her and after a while i found her by my porch which she wasnt there before and i checked her out and nothing seems wrong with her but she hasnt eaten at all today and she isnt moving from where i set her but will still stand up and move very rarely but my parents say that shes fine and that im stupid to worry about it but im really worried
Hi there,
We suggest working with a behaviorist on this specific matter. We also suggest considering keeping your cat indoors —
https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/indoor-cats-vs-outdoor-cats-should-you-ever-let-a-cat-outside
https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-health-behavior-4-tips-outdoor-cats-safe
https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-house-catio-diy-how-to-design-build
https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/train-your-cat-to-leash-up
It snowed recently and this cat followed me home. I took him in. Just found out that he has worms. Gave him some deworming meds from Walmart bout a week ago. Strangely e is all of a sudden acting scared and paranoid. Also chasing his tail and biting it. Now he is laying under my kitchen sink. And not because he’s hungry. What’s wrong . Could someone be doing something to him.
Hi Natasha,
Thanks for giving this cat a home! We suggest contacting a vet ASAP. This articles might provide some insight, too:
https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/cat-chasing-his-tail-should-you-worry
Hey there! So I have this baby male kitten who is about 10-11 weeks old. A few nights ago on Christmas I gave him some Purina soft cat treats and I think I gave him way too many. That night he started having diarrhea and kept having the diarrhea until this morning, and then he started vomiting too, and wouldn’t eat. I went to a local vet and got some FortiFlora Probiotics and gave them to him, and he hasn’t had any diarrhea or vomiting since then. But he’s just been sleeping all day. Still not eating. He got up and played a little bit for a few but then he just flops back down and goes to sleep. He won’t play a whole lot and certainly won’t eat unless we force feed him, which we did and he actually ate a little bit afterwards without help, and then just shoved the food away again. He’s just been sleeping on and off for hours, he looks so weak and has absolutely no motivation. I’m always checking to make sure he’s breathing, but I’m just kinda scared, and I don’t know what to do.
Hi there
Sorry to hear you’re experiencing this. We suggest checking in with your vet and explaining the symptoms to him.
my kitten is about 3 months she’s acting weird lately she won’t let pit her and when i want to play with her she would run like crazy and come to attack so w how can i deal with it ??
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out! Here is an article that talks about cat attacks and how to prevent them:
https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/how-to-detect-and-prevent-a-cat-attack
You might also find this article helpful on how to stop kitten biting:
https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/how-to-stop-kitten-biting
We have a cat named nibbles, she is about 3, nibbles has been acting quite weird lately. She has been acting on edge and less sociable than normal. Now she wasn’t your up-in-your-face-24/7 kinda cat, but now she hides under the bed, won’t eat much when she does come out, and when i tried to pet her she inched back and looked at me like I was gonna kill her.
Please help me figure out what the deal with my cat is, we have another cat, her mom, who is overweight could you help with that also?
Hi there Melanie,
Thanks for commenting! Here is an article for more information on how to help socialize a cat:
https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/socializing-a-shy-cat
You might also find this article helpful on why cat’s hide and what to do:
https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/why-is-your-cat-hiding
I adopted my boy Walter 11 months ago from a shelter, he was 13 months old. He just turned 2 yesterday and he has been my buddy for the last 11 months, always very affectionate and playful. He usually stays in my room or close by at night, follows me all day when I’m home, cuddles with me while I’m watching tv or just comes up and sits on my lap or legs. When he starts getting restless and looking to play, I encourage and entice his play using his toys, when he’s looking for attention and meowing, I give him a lickable cat treat (he does not like the crunchy ones). When he’s playing lately, he becomes agitated and will come after me aggressively, clawing at me, and then biting–hard, broke the skin one day. I have done everything to talk calmly to him, try to play, but he then crouches ready to pounce, fur raised, tail twitching wildly, and is clearly not just playing but angry at me. I have used a soft pillow to gently swat him saying “No! Bad kitty! No biting! But it seems to make him more aggressive. The other night he kept coming after me, and ya, I was shocked and then got angry with him and tried chasing him out of my room and he kind of yowled at me. Tonight he started while just leaving my lap while watching tv, he was playing then came up after me again so I reached for the squirt bottle I keep nearby to steer him away from scratching furniture (which he doesn’t do often). I am concerned something is going on, do I need to take him to the vet? I love my boy, but I will not allow him to behave like this. The weird thing is, half an hour later, he’s just as affectionate as ever, coming up to me and kissing me and looking for me to rub his ears, rubbing against me and licking me. I have tried to do the slow eye closing, he does it back usually, but now lately he doesn’t like it.
Hi there Kathy,
Thanks for reaching out! Here are some articles you might find helpful on cat fights, cat aggression and cat biting:
https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/5-ways-stop-cat-biting-behavior-training
https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/how-to-stop-your-cat-from-biting-you-during-playtime
https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-behavior-problems-tips-cats-aggressive-aggression
https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/stop-cats-fighting
https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/lets-talk-angry-cat-sounds-and-how-to-handle-them
We suggest contacting your vet for advice as well.
It sounds like your methods of discipline are more frightening than effective. He might be touchy because he has arthritis or a sore spot. I am dealing with a cat who sometimes turns on me, which I will discuss in a separate post.
Our new kitty is 5 months old, he is neutered and we’ve had him for a couple of months. His strange behavior is he jumps on top of our two other female spayed cats and puts his tush in their face. Or will bite them on the neck pinning them down. The two females are mother and daughter about 11 & 12 Is this normal?
Hi there,
Hmm, we suggest asking your vet for insight into this question.
Dominance?
The last few days our cats have suddenly began running around like they are being chased by a ghost and hiding. They are afraid of everything including us. an hour later they are fine until the next day and do it again, Our neighbor has a small dog that is doing the same’I suspect it could be some kind of energy coming off the new boxes they put on the phone poles. If anyone know why please comment.
Hi there Michael,
Thanks for reaching out! Here is an article for more information on cats who hide:
https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/why-is-your-cat-hiding
Here is another article you might find helpful on what cats are scared of:
https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/what-are-cats-scared-of-top-things-cats-are-scared-of-and-how-to-help
We got our cats about a year ago when they were 3 and 5 months old. They were brought up in the same Forster care house but are not siblings. Our black cat Jag is so affectionate and loving and clingy which we love but our other cat Cleo wants nothing to do with us unless we’re feeding her. When we got her she was a but skittish and timid but she was still coming up to us for cuddles and sleeping with us but now she just runs away and hides. She acts as if shes scared and she always seems on the edge. I honestly dont know what to do. They’re both steralised and chopped. Jag is nowhere super dominant towards her, they play and wrestle and there’s no obvious bullying. They’re both inside cats and neither have a want to go outside. We have a great routine and my husband goes to work and I stay home. Jag is with me most days and hes like my shadow but when hes not she is still away on her own. Itll be different if she were just an independent cat but she seems so scared. And we’re nothing but loving and gentle. She tried to get close on cold nights and we welcome her calmly but shes so on edge she bolts. Breakfast time she’ll roll around and be cute but that’s it. I’ll give her a warm pat but once feeding time is done shes gone. I’m not sure what to do because my husbands getting annoyed and wants her gone. Please help!
Hi Maxine,
It seems like Cleo just has a different personality than Jag’s! These articles might help provide some insight. Please read them and continue getting to know Cleo / giving her a chance. You might want to talk to your vet as well to rule out a medical issue:
https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/socializing-a-shy-cat
https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/8-tips-for-bringing-a-shy-cat-out-of-her-shell
https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-behavior-cat-affection-signs
https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/does-my-cat-love-me-signs-of-cat-love
https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/weird-cat-behaviors
My cat has been missing since july and I just got her back today she still loving like she always been but she been attacking our other cat and idk why cuz they grow up teogether idk if she gone farrel or she just readjusting to the environment she was in before
Try the intro to on of cats method. Separate the. Have a specific she due of both cats at the same time at the smell door so they can smell eachother while eatinh. After a couple days let them swa areas and feed with them both at the same door closed between them. . After that put a gate between their areas. And feed them at the same time so they can see eachother while eating. Also switch their beds, blankets and toys so they get used to each other’s scents again. Then when it seems they are ready slowly reintroduce them to eachother in the same room again. You can Google “introdicing cats to eacother” to get a better understanding the introduction method. In case I left anything out
Hi I have a 2 and half year old black cat onyx and he is acting strange since I came back home from the gym today this is the first time I have seen him act like this just as I come in the door, and he wants to go hide and doesn’t want to come out. I have closed all doors so I can see him to see how he is feeling.
I feel he is scared and stressed he is starring at one corner of the house such as the launch room.
Please help me find out what’s wring with him I am worried.
Hi Jessica,
We’re so sorry to hear your kitty isn’t feeling like himself.
These articles might help provide more insight:
https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/why-is-your-cat-hiding
https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/what-are-cats-scared-of-top-things-cats-are-scared-of-and-how-to-help
So my male cat who is about 3 years in age is acting all weird all the sudden. He gets clingy while im in my bedroom and seems to ‘guard’ me while im sleeping by sitting at the bedroom door for hours or sitting at the foot of my bed. He is also getting very talkitive. Whenever I even speak a word he comes in yelling up a storm. We have lived in this house for 2 years and nothing dangerous has happened or is in the house. Im getting absurdly worried since Killiam is a very social, cuddly cat but now is so scared of everything all the sudden and the only part left of him is being cuddly, but in a more clingy way
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out! Here is an article that talks about why your cat might be meowing at night:
https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/cat-meowing-at-night
Here is an article that provides more information on why your cat might be meowing so much:
https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-wont-stop-meowing-reasons-for-cat-meowing
Hi my cat is 12 years this year. He has always been loving and quite attentive to the family members. I recently found out that dry food isn’t as good as wet food so we decided to try it. He ate it all but it didn’t sit well with him as he gagged a few times after but still ate it. We desired to stop giving it to him after he threw up. After about a week after the owing up he has been acting strangely. He is always sleeping on the floor which he hated before. He always wants attention which isn’t that different but when we go to give him affection he doesn’t want it. He is meowing all the time when he used to be quite a quiet cat. He doesn’t like going into my room which is also strange for him as he loves to be in my room.
The rest of my family think it was the food but he threw up after the 4th or 5th time trying it. He did enjoy his dry food alot but after trying wet food he is almost been thrown off balance. He doesn’t want to drink water or eat anymore.
I’m very worried about him and don’t know if he is just going through a little phase
Hi Fatema,
We suggest contacting your vet for the best advice. These articles might provide some insight, but please talk to a professional:
https://www.catster.com/cat-food/cat-food-wet-or-dry
https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/why-cats-vomit
https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/lets-talk-about-cat-vomit
https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/11-cat-health-emergencies-immediate-veterinary-attention-ask-a-vet
I have had my male cat since November last year. My boyfriend was with me when i adopted him. Boyfriend has been over many times and has cat sat for me a few times when I’ve been out of town. Within the last week my cat is suddenly scared of him and avoids him. What the Heck?
Hi there Abby,
Thanks for reaching out! These articles provide more information on what cat’s fear and how to help them:
https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/what-are-cats-scared-of-top-things-cats-are-scared-of-and-how-to-help
https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-behavior-training-introducing-new-cats-tips
https://www.catster.com/cat-training/cat-socialization
Thanks! I’m the boyfriend in this case and these help
Okay so my boyfriend has this cat right . But he first lived next door and they never looked after him and this one night the cat came to sit by my boyfriend and just never left. We basically “adopted’ him and we fed him and gave him everything but lately , now that he is bigger. He keeps going back next door and he is very distant with us . He use to be loving and playful and now he just comes to eat and sleep but the rest of the time he is next door . And when we took him in he never wanted to be next door but now that he is big , he is always next door. What does that mean ? Should we give him back because he doesn’t even sleep anymore . He just eats by us now …
Hi there, thanks for reaching out!
You might relate to these article on cats leaving the home and hanging out in strange places:
https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-behavior-cats-leave-home
https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/ask-a-behaviorist-why-cats-hang-out-in-weird-places
We suggest contacting a behaviorist to find out more and what your next steps should be.
I need help figuring out what’s going on with my cat, I’ve looked up everything she does and I can’t find a good answer for it.
My Cat is suddenly very afraid of my room.
This doesn’t make sense to me, because she’s constantly wanting in my room, she cries when she’s not in there, and she’s always been staying in my room with me since she was 8 weeks old.
Yesterday when I went to bed for the night, I let her sleep with me for once, she layed on my bed next to me, and didn’t bother me at all until 7 am this morning, so I could let her out to eat and stuff. Later on at 9 when I woke up, I let her back in my room like she wanted, she slept in there until I left at 2, so I let her out.
I came back home at 4, she didn’t want in my room at the time so I didnt bother her, but an hour after that, I see she’s nervous around my door suddenly, sniffing and creeping around, jumping at sudden sounds or movements, and I don’t understand what is going on, and I figured maybe it’s a spider? So I open the door look around the frame, and into the room around the door looking for it, there was nothing. So I walked into the room completely, leaving the door open for her, and she hesitantly walks in, jumping at everything, eyeing everything, and being especially cautious around the door. At this point, I’m guessing she might be seeing a spirit?
We (as in my family) have had several spirit-like experiences before, especially with “ghost cats”. We’ve felt a non -existent cat rubbing up on our legs, crawling on us while we sleep, and even some running/walking movements from a black cat shaped figure that disappears when we look at it. We are guessing it could be our deceased cat from our old house that died 8 years ago, we still have her ashes with us in the house, maybe she followed us?
I’m not really sure, but my cat got used to my room after a while, but still a little scared so I gave her a few pets and she fell asleep for 3 hours until I let her out. I’m not sure what’s wrong, she won’t come near my door again? COULD there be a spirit scaring her, or is it something else?
We also have 3 other cats in the house that haven’t been acting like this at all, it only the female that’s acting this way, she’s the only one that likes my room and me specifically, so could it be something I did with my room, or a smell I put in that unfamiliar? I’m just confused because earlier this morning she was fine with my room until I left!
Hey Syd —
Thanks for reaching out! While there’s no scientific evidence that spirit cats exist, these articles might provide some insight:
https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/cat-ghost-calico
https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/ghost-cat-maynard
https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/do-you-believe-cats-can-see-spirits
We also suggest trying to figure out if you’re doing something differently in and around your room that your cat might find odd! Best of luck.
Oh yeah, you got ghosties for sure. Probably only that specific cat can See that specific ghostie, but still, be cautious about that ghostie.
My cat was cuddling with me on the sofa as usual. I moved my leg the slightest bit and he literally jumped three feet in the air, knocked over the chair and fell on his back. Now he is quite literally afraid of my legs. Not of me, just of my legs. What gives?
Hi there — Sorry to hear you’re experiencing this! This article might help add some insight: https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/what-are-cats-scared-of-top-things-cats-are-scared-of-and-how-to-help
My male cat is about 2 years old and has always been very affectionate. Last week he was sat on the kitchen table and I was stood nearby. He suddenly looked past me and hissed and hissed for a while, then ran out. Since then he will only come home for food and if he sees me he runs away. Any ideas why? I haven’t changed hair or perfume or anything lately
my little black female cat has all of a sudden gone weird. licorice was born wild, underneath the deck of a house. she was advertised on NZ TRADE ME, the last of an unwanted litter and i went out and brought her back home. she’s about 3 1/2 4 years old now, she is spayed and microchipped. she has always been a bossy cat and she drives the staffy bull terrier dog mental. (dog lives next door to me) she teases this dog by putting her claws through underneath the fence and trying to attack the dog, the dog goes into a frenzy it just goes nuts, since i have had her she almost always stays around home. tonight is cold and raining. she ate her dinner and then went out and disappeared into the night. she no longer wants to be picked up and cuddled, now she’s grumpy and hisses, there’s been no change in environment and she is eating she just does not want to be my friend anymore. she doesn’t seem to want to sleep in her luxury warm cat bed anymore and has gone out in the cold i am very worried about her not wanting to be stroked or inside the warmth of my house on a cold rainy winters night, she’s no longer answering my desperate calls for her to come home last time i saw her was about 9:30pm its now nearly 2am in the morning and absolutely no sign of bossy miss licqorice if i find her does she need to visit my vets, she seems to be very bright, alert and active, her black coat is mirror glossy and her yellow-green eyes are clear and bright her gums are a healthy colour and her teeth and claws are clean
Replying to Erica:
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Since we moved, our cat has been acting weird. Not withdrawn, not standoffish or not his own lovable snugglebutt-self, just ill at ease, and skiddish. At first we thought it was the move, but after 5 years of that, and several clean bills of health, and no relief with feliway, I was at my wits end, and took our neighbor up on her offer to “cleanse the house”. I would have never believed it, but as soon as she left and he came back in the house, he was at ease, sleeps thru most of the night again, he’s “himself” again, and at 14 is taking up playing.
My cat was acting weird because she was addicted to dry cat food. Apparently it’s not good for cats. See on youtube canned cat food vs dry what the companies won’t tell you. Hint: the companies are evil. #dryfoodneveragainformycat