7 mistakes when interpreting cat behaviour

Cats are often associated with independence and an ability to look after themselves. However, this trait can mean that important signs such as discomfort, fear or stress go unnoticed by their owners.

“An cat that starts hiding more often, meows differently, avoids contact, becomes irritable or shows changes in litter tray use is not necessarily being ‘fussy’. These behaviours may be linked to environmental changes, stress, unmet needs or even health issues requiring veterinary assessment,” warns Flávio Barca, veterinary surgeon and coordinator of the Veterinary Medicine course at Faculdade Anhanguera.

For this reason, it is important to have a basic understanding of feline behavioural language so that you can recognise when professional help is needed. “Living with a cat means learning to notice small changes. Not every different behaviour indicates illness, just as not every seemingly unusual behaviour is ‘fussiness’. The key thing is to consider the whole picture: what changed, when did it change, and what other signs appeared at the same time?” he warns.

It is also vital not to make your own diagnosis. “Similar behaviours can have entirely different causes, and only a veterinary surgeon can properly assess the animal’s health,” Flávio Barca stresses.

Below, the veterinary surgeon highlights common mistakes when interpreting cat behaviour.

1. Seeing isolation as simply “the cat’s personality”

It is true that many cats enjoy quiet time and having spaces of their own. Yet, when an animal that used to interact begins hiding frequently or consistently avoids people and other animals, the change should be monitored. Isolation may be associated with fear, stress or physical discomfort. Cats can also conceal signs of illness, so a sudden behavioural change deserves attention.

2. Mistaking sudden aggression for “bad behaviour”

Scratching or biting can be part of normal feline behaviour, particularly during play. However, an abrupt change in behaviour, especially in an animal that was previously gentle, should not automatically be seen as aggression or poor manners.

Pain, fear, stress and situations that create insecurity can change how a cat responds to contact. If this behaviour is new, frequent or intense, a veterinary assessment can help investigate possible causes.

3. Assuming excessive meowing is only a bid for attention

Every cat communicates in its own way, and some are naturally more vocal than others. The concern arises when vocalisation changes in frequency, intensity or pattern. Persistent meowing may be linked to seeking attention, hunger, environmental changes, stress or other needs. In some cases, it can also accompany health problems.

4. Viewing scratching only as destruction

Scratching is a natural and important behaviour for cats. As well as helping to maintain their claws, it is connected to communication and territorial marking. The issue is not that the cat scratches, but when the owner simply tries to stop this behaviour without providing a suitable alternative.

For this reason, place scratching posts in strategic spots, particularly near areas the cat regularly uses. If scratching behaviour changes very markedly, it is also worth checking whether environmental changes could be causing stress.

5. Treating litter tray changes as “revenge”

This may be one of the most significant mistakes. When a cat starts urinating or defecating outside the tray, immediately interpreting this behaviour as revenge or disobedience can result in an important need being overlooked.

Changes in litter tray use may be related to health problems, stress, changes in the home environment, an unsuitable tray location, the type of litter or matters connected to the animal’s own routine.

A persistent or sudden change should be investigated. Also monitor the frequency, amount and appearance of urine and faeces, and speak to a veterinary surgeon when necessary.

6. Believing dietary changes are merely “fussiness”

Cats can be selective about food, but significant changes in appetite should not be dismissed. Refusing their usual food, eating much less or showing persistent changes in interest in food may indicate that something is different. Also keep an eye on water intake, weight, activity level and other behaviours. Seek veterinary advice if the change is substantial or ongoing.

7. Expecting a cat to show clearly when it is ill

Perhaps the biggest mistake is believing that illness in a cat would be obvious. Felines may display very subtle signs. Changes in sleeping, interaction, grooming, appetite, movement or litter tray use can matter more than they appear to. Knowing the animal’s usual behaviour is therefore one of the best preventive tools.

By Deiwerson Damasceno dos Santos