Strange Cat Behavior

Here are some stories from perplexed owners about strange cat behavior.

Visitors Question Strange Cat Behavior

Cat Flings Litter

My cat has recently changed some of his behaviors and it's concerning me. According to my mom he now flings his litter. He has always flung a little litter in the past, but now it's so bad he's almost completely emptying his box every day.

His litter brand hasn't been changed in quite some time. Could he be saying he doesn't like it anymore? He is also more cuddly than usual. He's always a little extra cuddly when he's sick or when someone in the house is sick. For the last two months or so, he has been attached to my mom. He has to lay with her or on her. If he can't lay on her, he at least puts his paw on her. We've had him for about five years, and I was always the closest to him. I recently moved, and that's when these changes occurred. Could it be that he misses the attention he got from me?

~~ Tagarae

Expert Reply

Hi, Tagarae,

It sounds like you're really worried about your cat. Just like mothers with their children, you know your furry baby better than anyone else. If his behavior is something that concerns you, it might be a good idea to take him to the vet for a quick physical. At the very minimum, keep a closer eye on him than usual, and have your mother take him to the vet if she notices anything that might risk his health, such as loss of appetite or changes in bathroom habits.

Male cats do have a tendency to get kidney stones, so anytime you notice him squatting but not urinating, please take him in to the vet. Not all male cats develop kidney stones, and I don't think this is a problem yet, but just be aware of his bathroom habits to be on the safe side. We once lost a favorite pet because we weren't aware of this problem and weren't watching him closely.

Many cats like to fling their litter. Has his litter box itself changed perhaps? Bigger cats need a bigger litter box, so that might be part of the problem. There are a couple of things you can do to reduce the litter flinging. First, buy a hooded litter box, but watch him carefully because some cats don't like the enclosed boxes. Make sure he is still using the litter box with a cover on it. Next, buy a mat to catch any loose little that might come off his feet as he exits the box. You can also try changing the litter, but if you have one that the cat likes and you are satisfied with the product, I probably wouldn't change. Cats are definitely creatures of habit, and some cats loathe any kind of change, including the type of litter they use.

More than likely the cat does miss you, especially if you gave him a lot of attention and your mother is not as focused on the cat. It sounds like he may just be insisting that she give him equal time. It's good that he is bonding with her and wants to be close to her.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you find these suggestions helpful.

~~ Lori

Strange Feline Behavior

I have four cats, one of which starts crying very loudly and then drags something around. She has dragged out the bathroom rug, hygiene products, my daughter's clothes, towels, etc.

Why does she do this?

Expert Reply

Hi,

That's an interesting question. Seems like she's attracted to items that would definitely hold a human scent, and her crying may be connected to heat behavior.

If it were my cat, I'd have her spayed. It just might eliminate the unwanted behavior, but there are other benefits to having the procedure performed. She'll never have an unwanted pregnancy, or develop ovarian or uterine cancer. Spaying also helps lessen the urge to roam away from the house.

I think it's worth a consultation with your vet to see what he/she thinks about your cat's odd behavior, and if your cat is old enough and healthy enough to have the procedure.

Thanks for your question~~ Kelly

Overly Affectionate?

My one-year-old cat "leaks", for lack of a better word, when he kneads me with the pads of his paws. He seems to really get into it, and even the sound of his meow changes. Its weird. I've had cats before, but none ever "leaked" on me.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

~~ Scott

Expert Reply

Hi Scott,

This behavior is a new one on me, but it sounds like your cat is using you as some sort of sexual surrogate. You can interrupt this behavior by moving away from him when the behavior begins. I'd also suggest having him neutered if you haven't already done so.

Thanks for your question~~ Kelly

Is This Cat Trying to Nurse Me?

There is a cat in my neighborhood that I've "known" for four years. The cat is extremely friendly, and I'm assuming she is owned by someone or she wouldn't make it through the winters.

Smoky (my name for her) has taken a liking to me and I to her. When she sits on my lap she sometimes kneads my arms or lap. Today she added something to the mix; she actually started to suckle on my sweatshirt in conjunction with the kneading.

Have you ever heard of an adult cat doing this? I told her there's no milk coming, but she continued anyway. Is this behavior actually connected to kittenhood? Also, is it a sign of affection? I would like to think so.

Thank you~~ JoD

Expert Reply

Hi Jo,

Yes, I've heard of this behavior, and it is believed to be related to kittenhood. Sometimes cats will do this if they were cut off from nursing a little too soon. The kneading behavior goes along with it because kittens knead the breasts to help express the milk.

You know, I do think it's a sign of affection. Smoky loves and trust you, and she's trying to express that to you. You can gently remove your shirt from her mouth when the behavior starts and reposition her in your lap. This puts a stop to the nursing attempts in a non-threatening way, and should distract her from it.

Thanks for your question~~ Kelly

Cats and Coffee

Hello,

Whenever I make a cup of coffee in my one cup coffee maker, my cat, Nibblet, jumps up on the counter and watches me make it. It's as though it's the most fascinating thing on Earth. Why? Does he want some coffee?

Thanks~~ Eric

Expert Reply

Hi Eric,

You know, cats are one of the most curious creatures on the planet, and I'll bet your cat does indeed find the coffee making process fascinating.

First, there's the strong smell of the coffee itself. Your cat may find it quite attractive. If you're working with loose grounds, then the sound of the scooping would also be irresistible to your feline. Even the sound of a paper filter brushing against the inside of the pot when inserted would hold at least a little interest.

What I suspect Nibblet is most interested in is the actual sound of the coffee perking. All that gurgling, whooshing and dripping represents a whirl of activity going on in the machine, and your cat is observant enough to have tuned into it.

Inquisitiveness and high intelligence tend to go hand in hand, so enjoy your fascinating feline friend. Also, offer him some cream and skip the coffee. It isn't any good for him and may actually do harm to his heart.

Thanks for your question!

~~ Kelly

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