Why Are Cats So Moody?
Why Are Cats So Moody?
Cats are creatures of habit, so a change in routine can affect their behavior. These changes can include moving into a new home, welcoming a new baby, entertaining visitors, or even just a change in schedule. Regardless of the reason, these changes may cause your cat to feel insecure and stressed.
Stress
Cats are sensitive to stress and anxiety, and can exhibit uncharacteristic behavior when under stress. These feline emotions can manifest themselves in uncontrollable ways, such as excessive scratching and toileting around the home. Like humans, cats can't express themselves verbally, so they tend to hide their feelings and let them build up to a destructive state.
A number of different factors contribute to a cat's stress level, including interactions with humans and its environment. Cats can be particularly sensitive to stress if they live in a neighbourhood with a high cat population. Even cats' owners can contribute to their cat's level of stress, with their own behaviours and attitudes.
Chronic pain
If your cat is consistently moody, you might think that he or she is suffering from an injury. Acute pain is often obvious, but chronic pain can be harder to detect. The symptoms of chronic pain include emotional distress, difficulty walking, vocalization, and reluctance to touch the affected paw.
A recent study suggests that chronic pain in cats may be a significant contributor to the changes in behavior observed in cats. Chronic pain may result in aggression, mood changes, increased fearfulness, and defensiveness in social settings.
Attachment to caregivers
Studies on attachment have shown that cats who are attached to their caregivers are less stressed when the caregiver leaves. They also balance their attention between the caregiver and their surroundings, continuing to explore the room. On the other hand, cats who are insecure in their attachment are more stressed, showing behaviors like avoiding the caregiver and clinging.
Although cats have a reputation as independent, they actually depend on humans more than we realize. When cats are emotionally attached to their caregivers, they show their true nature, displaying many of the hallmark signs of attachment.
Changes in the home
Cats are creatures of habit and need a comfortable environment to feel at ease. Sudden changes to their regular schedule or household can be stressful to them and cause mood swings. Minor changes can be unsettling, but larger changes can cause long-term stress and anxiety. Here are some things you can do to help your cat cope.
Cats are social creatures. When a cat feels alone, stressed, or confused, it may lash out in uncontrollable ways. These behaviors are similar to what we experience when we are grieving. A hectic household can overwhelm a cat, causing it to act out in unpredictable ways.
Stress in the home can affect a cat's mood
Stress in the home can affect a cat in a variety of ways. For example, a new baby or roommate can be very stressful for a cat. It may also be upsetting if you suddenly move to a different location. However, there are a number of simple ways to make the transition easier for your cat.
One of the easiest ways to determine if your cat is feeling stressed is to observe the way he behaves. A stressed cat might twitch its tail as a warning sign. Another sign of stress is a horizontal urination pattern. A stressed cat might also stand with its tail quivering in the air.
