Is your cat suddenly engaging in bad behavior, reminding you of a child acting out? Does it have you at your wits' end, wondering why your sweet kitty suddenly seems out to get you?
The number one thing to consider when your cat suddenly starts acting differently is that there may be a medical problem. Here are some examples:
If your cat begins a new, unwanted behavior, make a vet appointment first, even if it doesn't seem like an issue that could be medical.
If the new unwanted behavior your cat is engaging in is aggression, visit the vet and check here for more information: "Cat Aggression Overview."
After a medical condition is ruled out, the next most common reason cats engage in unwanted behaviors is stress. Things can cause stress in cats that humans may not understand, like:
Consider all the things that could be causing your cat stress and eliminate them one by one to see if the behavior changes.
The third reason cats begin unwanted behaviors is that they are bored. Indoor cats don't always get enough stimulation or exercise, and owners need to make sure they're doing everything they can to provide those things. Be sure you're engaging in daily interactive play sessions where you simulate prey behavior for your cat to exercise his hunter instincts. Here are some other ideas for providing stimulation for an indoor cat:
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