Any owner dreams of an obedient and trouble-free pet, but there are cases when the cat behaves inappropriately. When it seems to us that we know absolutely everything about these animals and were able to memorize the preferences and habits of their pets, they prove the opposite to us. The habitual behavior of a cat can change dramatically for the worse. That’s when the question arises, what to do if the Maine Coon has inappropriate behavior and is it worth sounding the alarm?
Signs of inappropriate behavior in cats
In the apartment of a caring owner, the cat becomes a member of the family. Her habits are respected, taken care of and worried about. Therefore, a sharp change in the behavior of a cat is always alarming. Cause for concern appears when:
- the cat refuses food or eats too much,
- the cat becomes overly active or apathetic,
- the grooming of the cat becomes more intense,
- the cat stops going to the cat toilet and relieves itself anywhere,
- the quiet animal becomes aggressive and attacks the owner,
- the cat meows for a long time and follows the owner everywhere.
Felinologists and zoopsychologists initiate this inadequacy with various factors, but most often the basis of abnormal behavior is fear, pain, anger, boredom or simply lack of education.
Causes of deviations in the cat’s habitual behavior
The reasons why the animal has changed its behavior can be psychological, physiological and pathological.
Psychological reasons
Changes in the usual way of life can upset not only a person, but also a cat. Inappropriate behavior of a cat may be associated with a change of the cat’s toilet or dishes, repairs or moving to a new house, the birth of a child and other changes. Cats are quite conservative by nature, so they experience fear and anxiety, which can manifest as aggression, plaintive meowing or excessive activity.
A long absence of a beloved owner or his death can cause apathy and stress in a pet. If a cat, accustomed to the constant presence of at least one family member at home, remains alone, he will show the same emotions. The appearance of another pet in the family or the birth of a child, to whom the main attention of the owners will be paid, can cause jealousy and resentment in the cat. He will become aggressive or, conversely, unusually affectionate.
Physiological reasons
Seasonal changes in the behavior of cats are associated with the search for a sexual partner. Does the pet meow monotonously, mark furniture and corners, or does it become very loving? So, it’s time to find him a mate to relieve the excitement. Neutered cats can maintain such inappropriate behavior even a year after castration. Prolonged meowing of a pregnant cat and her agitation may indicate the beginning of labor. So she asks her owner to help her.
The character of a cat in the process of growing up and aging changes significantly. A once unfriendly animal can become more affectionate, and a previously affectionate and slightly annoying animal will love solitude and peace. A young kitten will make a lot of trouble before a person brings him up. Nothing inappropriate happens with a cat in such cases, it’s just that now the owner will have to get used to the new habits of his pet or build a relationship with him anew.
Pathological causes
Sometimes the cat begins to behave inappropriately due to illness. A pet that has previously regularly emptied into a cat’s toilet can relieve itself anywhere due to frequent and painful urination or defecation.
Eating houseplants indicates a lack of vitamins and minerals, in this way the cat tries to make up for their deficiency.
If a cat with free access to the street suddenly became aggressive or started rushing at the owners, show it to a specialist. Such inappropriate behavior can be caused by a deadly disease for both an animal and a person, rabies.
How to help a pet
Before you scold the cat for her tricks, try to find out their cause. Some changes in behavior can be corrected independently: buy a new toy for the animal and play with it, pay more attention or leave it alone, caress and soothe. But if the cause of inappropriate behavior was an illness, only a veterinarian can help. He will examine the cat, make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment.