Has your cat been acting crazy the last few days? Do they experience a burst of energy and are pretty vocal about it ? You probably have no idea what to do about it.
Some people can even be entertained by watching their cat acting crazy until the whole behavior doesn’t veer into complete destructiveness. What this basically means is that your cat can start to jump around, knock things over and even bite someone.
You definitely don’t want that kind of stuff going around your household. So, why does a cat start acting crazy? There are a number of reasons why your cat may be acting unusual.
They may be embracing their predatory instincts which is pretty natural. However, a sudden change of behavior may also indicate that there’s something seriously wrong with your cat’s health.
Why Do Cats Act Crazy?
So, is your cat acting crazy ? The first thing you should know is that no matter the breed, all cats have periods in their life when they jump around like crazy, meow loudly, and act as if they are being chased by a bunch of scary dogs.
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Some people call this type of behavior “midnight crazies” because cats usually start acting crazy in the night period. Your cat may even start to paw at your face or feet and try to get you to join in the wild behavior. The reasons for this unusual behavior vary and can be influenced by a number of factors.
Cat predatory instinct
As you probably know cats are predators and it comes naturally to them to exhibit that type of behavior. When they act crazy they may just feel that they have to express their hunting behaviors.
Domestic cats don’t need to hunt for food but they are still natural predators and have to use their energy somewhere. This is precisely why it’s a good idea to engage your cat with some activities such as teaching them new tricks.
You can also buy some toys such as laser pointers, catnip mice and feathers that can engage them in the periods when they experience more energy than usual.
By using these toys your cat will have the time to use their natural instincts to chase, jump and grab. These exercises are very important for domestic cats particularly if they don’t spend much time outdoors.
Cat nocturnal instinct
Cats are nocturnal creatures which means that they are more active at night. And if you’re a pet owner you must have noticed by now that most cats sleep during the day.
Many people make jokes about the amount of time cats spend sleeping, but this is just normal behavior for them because cats need to sleep between 12-16 hours a day.
It’s important that during their waking hours, cats get enough exercise because if they don’t it may cause them to get excessively active. There are many cats that spend the entire day alone while their owners are at work. If the owner doesn’t play with the cat when they come home this means that the cat doesn’t have an outlet for their energy.
Cats are particularly energetic and if they don’t get an outlet for their energy they may start acting crazy. That’s why it is very important that you find ways to expand your cat’s energy and make sure they stay active.
Play with your cat and use toys like puzzle feeders or wand toys. You can also set up climbing platforms, scratching posts, and hiding places will encourage physical activity.
Furthermore,provide mental stimulation by using puzzle toys, toys that dispense treats, or training sessions. If your cat has access to the outdoors, think about creating a catio or play area for them to explore and have fun in.
Cat senility
Older cats can experience symptoms of cognitive dysfunction or senility which is similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. The symptoms of cognitive dysfunction in cats can include disorientation, changes in interaction with people and other pets, altered sleep patterns, and house soiling.
This basically means that as cats get older their brains start to function slowly and this may cause the cats to start acting crazy. If this starts to happen make sure you consult a veterinarian so they can prescribe some medications that can help your cat with the senility symptoms.
Fleas
Sometimes the reason why your cat acts crazy is because they have fleas. Fleas can be particularly nasty and may cause any animal to act unusual.Your cat may be hypersensitive то flea bites and may feel itchy. If they scratch and meow at the same time they probably have flea bites.
If you fear that your cat has fleas, make sure you find a good disinfectant that is specially designed to kill and prevent fleas. Sometimes fleas can cause secondary skin infections or allergies and that’s why it is important that you talk with a veterinarian in case you suspect that your cat has fleas.
It’s also recommended that you clean the entire environment so you make sure your cat doesn’t get fleas again. There are sprays and flea bombs that can help you clean the entire area faster. Once the area is clean and your cat is fleas-free the unusual behavior should stop.
Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS)
Feline hyperesthesia syndrome (FHS) is a medical condition that usually affects older cats. This syndrome may cause unusual behavior in cats.
There are symptoms which indicate that your cat is suffering from Feline hyperesthesia syndrome and if you notice some of them you should immediately consult a veterinarian. So what are the symptoms?
If the back of your cat seems like it’s rippling while running around the house it may be a sign that it suffers from FHS. If it bites in the area above the tail even after you treated it for fleas it may be a sign that there’s something wrong with their health.
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Next Steps
Cats are mysterious creatures and it is not that easy to learn the reasons behind your cat’s unusual behavior. Cats like all animals are hard to interpret. Your cat may be your loyal companion for a few years but this doesn’t mean that you will be able to interpret their behavior in all cases.
Because they are autonomous and distant by nature, cats are frequently thought to be difficult to understand. They are prone to acting suspiciously and are usually unpredictable. Cats generally express themselves through subtle auditory cues and body language, which can be challenging for humans to interpret. It can be difficult to tell what a cat is thinking or feeling at any particular moment as a result.
Dogs are much easier to interpret. They tend to express through body language what they are feeling and they are in general more communicative. Cats are known for being more mysterious and usually exhibit emotional vagueness. That’s why it may be more difficult for you to interpret your cat’s behavior.
Learn to Read Your Cat
Cats communicate with their owners through meows and tail waives which can mean a number of things. With each sound they make, cats are trying to tell you something. The hard thing is to figure out what exactly is happening with your furry friend.
Experts think that cats are trying to express some things through their body language. If you learn to read your cat’s body language you’ll be able to create a strong bond with them and you can become more effective at responding to its needs.
Reading a cat’s body language is important in understanding its behavior and emotions. The expression in a cat’s eyes might reveal its mood. Narrowed eyes can indicate contentment or calmness whereas wide, dilated pupils can indicate excitement or dread.
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A cat’s general posture can also reveal information about its mood. While a rigid, stiff body might be an indicator of anxiety or anger, a relaxed, stretched-out body typically signals content.
You may learn more about your cat’s feelings and mood by paying attention to these and other indicators. This will enable you to better meet your cat’s requirements and strengthen your bond with them.
However, the main problem is that every cat is different. So, you should start to carefully observe your cat’s behavior when they start to act crazy. Watch out for the environment and check if there are some external things that irritate your kitten.
Pay attention to the sounds they make and their body language. Do they jump around during night time or the same thing happens during the day as well? Do they scratch themselves or make crazy sounds?
After some time you’ll be able to learn what’s causing your cat’s craziness in various situations. This will help you learn what irritates your cat and when the reason behind their craziness is a medical condition.
If you suspect your cat is acting crazy, consult a veterinarian. They can examine your pet’s health history and give you adequate advice on how to take care of your cat.
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