Cats have a reputation as being mysterious creatures, especially compared to dogs, which can be more outgoing and social pets. While it is hard to know what your cats are thinking, there are some behavior patterns that can be decoded with interesting reasons behind them! Here are some Caudle Vet Clinic tips on getting to know your cat!
Cute Cat Behavior
- Rubbing: When your cat rubs their head on you, they are being affectionate and loving! This behavior is called bunting, and means that they recognize you as family and are also exchanging scents. Cats have scent glands on their head just above their eyes, and these glands excrete pheromones that help cats mark their “colony,” and bunting means they consider you part of theirs!
- Snuggling into Small Spaces: Cats can fit themselves quite comfortably into many small spaces, and may often choose a seemingly uncomfortable nook or cranny over the cushioned cat bed you bought them. Cats choose these smaller spaces because they make them feel secure. This behavior stems from evolution: if they were out in the wild, they would want to snuggle in tiny spaces and observe their surroundings from a hidden safe zone.
- Zoomies: You love your cat and find their odd quirks adorable. Zoomies and meowing at 3 AM are perhaps a little less endearing. Most house cats have a lot of energy that they pent up and need to release during the day. They are also nocturnal by nature, so their instinct to “hunt” at night could keep you up. It is a good idea to play with your cat during the day so that they become more calm by evening, or feed them right before bedtime so that they are less likely to wake up at night.
- Tail Twitches: Sometimes your cat’s tail may twitch or flick randomly, and you might wonder what that means. This is usually a sign that your cat is excited and or focused. It usually happens when your cat is on the prowl and might want to play!
Signs For Concern in Cat Behavior
While some cat behavior is cute or funny, there are other behaviors that allow you to see that your cat is distressed or feeling sick. Here are some of the clues to look out for that signify your cat is not feeling well.
- Twitching Ears: When your cat’s ears are twitching back and forth, it is a sign of agitation and they likely need to be given some space. Overwhelmed cats might lash out or react, so it is important to respect their emotions!
- Drinking Too Much or Not Enough Water: Certain illnesses can make cats especially thirsty, or make them not drink water at all. Sometimes switching from dry to wet food can trigger a change in drinking habits, but if you haven’t changed up your cat’s diet lately, it is a good idea to check in with a vet about their behavior to make sure they are properly hydrated.
- Neglecting Their Litter Box: If your house-trained cat suddenly stops using their litter box, it is a good idea to find out why. Your cat may be in pain that makes it difficult for them to access the litter box, or may have pain when going to the bathroom and need to be seen by our vets at Caudle immediately.
- Excessive Grooming or Lack of Grooming: Cats are naturally clean, and start instinctively grooming themselves as kittens. If they suddenly stop grooming or are obsessively licking certain skin patches, then these may be signs for concern. Anxiety can often be a cause, but illness or injury can be additional culprits. Dental issues, fleas, or stress are all common causes for changes in grooming behavior.
Whether your cat is expressing strange behavior or simply needs a checkup, Caudle Vet Clinic is here to help! We can be reached by phone at (615) 227-6230 or on our website. Don’t hesitate to contact us!