The reason why cats act out is likely similar to when a human does: it’s likely a physical issue. As certified animal behaviorist Dr. Mikel Delgado said in an interview with Slate, their sudden attitude change could be driven by hunger.
However, Dr. Delgado also recommends a vet visit because there could be an underlying issue like hyperthyroidism. Some symptoms come in the form of erratic behavior changes.
“You’ll see the cat get ramped up,” she explained. “Suddenly, they’re a pain in the butt, and they start meowing at night. They’re more active—they’re running around.”
If the vet gives your cat a clean bill of health, Dr. Delgado says it may just be bored and require some form of stimulation. Just like humans, cats act out because of boredom.
In this case, Dr. Delgado recommends ramping up exercise routines, adding food puzzles, and increasing clicker training. This will allow your pets to learn to receive rewards for good behavior.
However, giving your feline friend too much attention can backfire on you. As Dr. Delgado explained, any reaction form of response to a behavior could come off as an affirmation.
“Licking the plate is already rewarding, and then you’re adding the human attention, so it’s like double rewarding,” she explained, adding that handling such situations calmly is the best approach.
Research has shown that cats are just as affectionate with humans as dogs are. However, experts agree that their actions sometimes don’t match their feelings.
A purring cat may indicate happiness, but according to University of Georgia veterinary professor Sharon Cromwell-Davis, it could be a sign that it needs care.
Meows also mean they are trying to interact with humans. As anthrozoologist Dr. John Bradshaw explained, domesticated cats, in particular, have learned to use it as a communication tool since they don’t meow at fellow felines.
Ultimately, it’s about learning to read your beloved cat. Cat expert and writer Franny Syufy takes care of eight felines and advises taking mental notes, if necessary.
“Pay attention to body language, vocalizations, time of day, and what your cat just did,” Syufy wrote in an article for Spruce Pets. “With time and careful observation, you’ll likely begin to piece together the triggers of your cat’s craziness in various situations.”
Cat parents, we’d love to hear from you. What challenges do you commonly face, and what is your number one approach to solving them? Share your tips in the comments!
