Cat behavior changes

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You should know the normal behavior of your cat to recognize any kind of behavioral change. If you know this, you can find out which behavior will compel you to take your kitty to the veterinarian.

Aggressive behavior

A few cats have stronger prey drives. This will show in their greater aggressiveness towards toys and children. It may show aggressiveness towards other pets and animals too. Such aggression is normal and is an outlet for the animal's innate predatory nature. The problem exists only if a naturally calm cat suddenly begins to behave in an aggressive manner. If your cat does this, then it becomes a matter of concern.

If a normally calm cat suddenly becomes to hiss and bite, then the animal is trying to communicate something. Fear and pain are the common reasons behind such behavior, A cat could be fearful due to a number of reasons including an imminent visit to a veterinary center. It could also be afraid if it spies a new animal in the house or sees one outside. Pain could be had from any trauma inducing incident or recent surgery. It could also come from older surgeries like declawing or dental disease.

It is important to resolve this aggressive behavior at the earliest. Your veterinarian would find and then eliminate the basic reason for this fear or pain. Your cat should be reassured at this stage. Discipline cannot be a solution for such cats.

Variation in eating behavior

The household cat is a creature of habit. It will quickly decipher when it is meal time and will wait for you to give it. The existence of a problem begins when your cat eats considerably lesser amounts of food or consumes large volumes of it. If the cat eats more but still does not gain weight, then there is a chance of hyperthyroidism. This problem is common in senior cats and stops them from gaining weight. People having cats afflicted with hyperthyroidism report of their pets having a ravenous appetite but no weight gain.

On the other hand, if your cat eats less or stops its consumption of food, it indicates that the animal is not well. It could be stressed or have dental disease. Cats may not eat if hairballs are stuck in the gastrointestinal tract. A presence of the tumor may result in digestive issues and if coupled with other diseases, the cat may stop eating.

A few cats could be more sociable than others and have an open personality. It should be a matter of concern when a normally playful cat suddenly becomes reserved. Take it to a veterinarian as a cat in pain will not want to jump around.