Crazy Cat Behavior

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Why is Cat Acting Crazy

Hi there! My two-year-old female cat was spayed a few months ago, after three litters of kittens. She has become very affectionate and loving now towards the family. She is also displaying what we call "psycho kitty" events, where she runs up and down the stairs, chasing something invisible, attacking her brother (neutered male) and play fighting all the time. She displays these strange moods frequently, and we are quite amused by the whole thing, but I started to get worried that something was wrong with her. She has not been vaccinated for a while now (I know! Shame) and is an outdoor cat, as well as indoors. We have been told the place we live in is haunted and wonder if she is playing and chasing ghosts, or is she getting back to kittenhood after being spayed? This is the only strange stuff she does, there are no physical symptoms or ailments. Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!

~~Paivi

Expert Reply

Hi, Paivi,

I wouldn't worry too much about this behavior. Every cat I've ever owned has done this at times, particularly when they are young (under seven or so). I had a Siamese as a young girl who would run so fast, she'd go part way up the wall and do a flip.

I'd say that more likely than her chasing ghosts, she is probably trying to play with the family, her brother and things you might not notice such as dust mites or a piece of lint.

I am a lot more concerned about her going outside unvaccinated. Not only will this expose her to potentially fatal diseases such as Cat Flu, but these diseases are highly communicable, so you risk them being passed to the other cat in your household. If your concern is the cost of the vaccinations, I would contact some local clinics and see if you can find a less expensive way to get her and her brother up to date on their shots.

If you notice any additional changes in her behavior or any health problems, I'd get her right to the vet.

~~Lori