Five reasons your cat's quirky behaviour is actually a sign of stress
Cats are well known for their independent nature and fussy habits.
However, stress can cause behaviours that may be mistaken for quirkiness, such as overgrooming, urinating outside their litter box, vocalising, aggression toward people or other pets or hiding.
Here are five things that most cats hate.
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Cats cheeky behaviour is commonly misdirected stress. Getty
1.Seeing other cats outside
Some indoor cats become very agitated if they see a cat outside. They can find this very stressful and may pace, vocalise and stop using their litter box properly.
If they can't respond to the cat directly, they can show 'redirected aggression' towards other people or pets in the house.
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2. Arrival of a new pet or baby
Cats are creatures of habit, and they like a peaceful environment. The sudden introduction of a new pet or the arrival of a baby can disrupt their established routine.
All the unfamiliar scents, sounds and movements can be stressful for them. Plus, they may be receiving less attention.
Cats enjoy their routine, so when something disrupts it, they can get upset. Getty
Ensure your cat always has a safe place to retreat to, such as a quiet room or a tall climbing tree where they know they will not be disturbed, and try to keep their feeding routine the same.
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3. Dirty litter box
Cats are fastidiously clean, and a dirty litter box is high on the list of dislikes. A stinky litter box can cause litter box avoidance.
When a cat has a dirty litter box, they get frustrated. Getty
Remove solid waste daily and replace any soiled litter. Thoroughly clean the litter box regularly.
If you have more than one cat in the house, give them one litter box each.
4 Moving house
Cats thrive on familiarity, so moving house and completely changing their environment is a significant source of stress.
To mitigate this, gradual introductions to new spaces, retaining familiar items, and establishing a dedicated safe space in the new home can help cats acclimate more smoothly to their new abode.
Cats value a stable environment that they're used to, moving can be one of their biggest stressors. Getty Images/iStockphoto
5. Stale drinking water
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Cats are notoriously picky about their water sources, and stale water can be a turn-off. If a cat is reluctant to consume water, it can lead to potential dehydration issues.
Many cats prefer moving water from water fountains. Be sure to change the water daily and clean the bowl at least once a week.