Every pet owner strives to keep their furry family member content.
If your cat has been acting funny and you’re wondering if there’s something going on, here are some signs to look for that may confirm your feline friend is not happy.
If your cat is constantly hiding, it could mean that they don’t feel comfortable in your home. It’s important to keep in mind that one cat’s behavior doesn’t always match another cat’s behavior, in terms of their feelings. One cat’s hiding may just be a part of their normal behavior, while another cat’s hiding may imply they are upset. Each cat acts differently, so if hiding is something your cat has always done, this probably isn’t a reason for concern. You know your cat best, and you’ll know if something seems off.
If you notice a sudden change in your cat’s sleeping habits, it isn’t always a cause for concern, but definitely could be. If you notice they’re sleeping much more or much less than usual, or at completely different times than usual, it could indicate that your cat just isn’t feeling like themselves.
Cats can be very verbal animals, but if you notice a sudden change in their verbalizations, such as very loud or very screechy yowling, this can be their way of letting you know something is wrong or they’re upset. Unhappy cats may actually purr more often as an attempt to try to soothe themselves out of their discomfort.
A bit easier to notice, if your cat’s eats are back, their fur is standing on end, or their tail is tucked instead of raised high, they likely aren’t feeling the best. Cats will commonly tense up while playing, but a healthy and happy cat will relax after playtime.
If a cat is feeling upset, they likely will lose their appetite, just as their human counterparts might. In rare cases, an unhappy cat may start eating more food than usual, but regardless, if a cat begins eating outside of their norm, something is most likely wrong.
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local pet store if you have questions on this or any pet related topic.