What Can Your Cat’s Behavior Tell You?

 Cats can seem quite mysterious at times, but after 32 years as a veterinarian (22 years seeing cats exclusively), I’ve come to some conclusions about what certain behaviors/changes can mean.
For example, if your cat has always been “good” about using his or her litterbox, and now is going elsewhere, that isn’t usually just a behavior problem. Painful urination or defecation is often what starts this problem, and the sooner we solve the underlying problem, the less likely that it will become a long-term problem. A less than clean box, often can contribute to the problem as well. Pain can come from microscopic bacteria or crystals in your cat’s urine, or from arthritis or back pain making it difficult for your cat to “assume the position”. Constipation or diarrhea can contribute to stool outside of the litterbox. If your cat stops using the litterbox, seeing your cat’s doctor should come next, so the underlying issues can be quickly identified and corrected.
Hanging over the water dish but not drinking, or drinking water from the running tap or shower pan, can indicate a possible urinary tract infection, or even serious kidney disease, some of the time. I think perhaps these cats are instinctively searching for a source of “non contaminated” water, even if the water in their water-bowl is clean and fresh.
Reluctance to jump up may signal a problem with your cat’s lower back or rear legs. A reluctance to jump down may indicate a painful neck, shoulders or elbows. A visit to your vet should help localize the source of discomfort. Walking gingerly (“ walking on eggshells”) may signify back, abdominal or foot pain (if all four feet are involved).
Chewing abnormally or dropping food near food dish can indicate painful teeth or gums or tongue. Your cat may also stop eating dry food, or beg for canned food more than usual. Your cat’s veterinarian should be able to evaluate your cat’s mouth for oral problems during the physical exam, although a full assessment of teeth issues may require anesthesia and dental radiographs, in some cases.
Irritability and/or night howling, especially with increased hunger and thirst, may indicate an overactive thyroid gland, with or without high blood pressure. Extreme thirst and “sticky” litter can indicate high blood sugar.
Sometimes, owners can’t put their finger on exactly what’s different- they just know that their kitty “ just isn’t acting normal”. My advice to all cat guardians is TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS! If you think something’s wrong, you’re almost always right. Make an appointment and have a thorough history and physical exam done. Waiting until there’s a big, obvious problem is never a good idea.
Better yet, regular preventative exams can often identify concerns before they become problems.
If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, please call 661-259-5288 or go to our website, www.catdoctor.com for a virtual tour and the ability to request an appointment online. We are located at 26055 Bouquet Canyon Road between Magic Mountain Parkway and Cinema Drive.