Each cat has its own "personality", and in this regard, it will be very rare the times in which it will surprise us once we know what the character of our friend is. They are so few that we tend to worry: We think that something bad is wrong with him, and although that may be the reason, it is not always entirely true.
Today I will explain to you the reasons that can cause sudden behavior changes in cats.
These animals are generally very sociable. This is something that we see every day living with them: they like to be caressed, played with, ... in short, that we enjoy their company. Now, when we do not have some of your needs covered, it is possible that change your behavior: they may become more surly, isolate themselves or show aggressive behaviors as a result of this inattention, of that "emotional abandonment" (that is, stop giving affection).
There are cats that give much more than they receive. They are those mega-affectionate ones who like to spend all day near a person who caresses them, but who in return receives nothing more than food, water and a roof. Although fortunately it is becoming less frequent, there are those who still think that cats only need those three things, and it is not like that. A cat is a member of the family that also needs love and attention. Every day.
Why do sudden changes in cat behavior occur?
There are several possible causes:
Lack of care from your caregiver
It is often thought that these felines are independent and that they are easy animals to care for, that even with just giving them food and water they will be fine. But it's not like that. Cats need much more than that: They need to feel part of the family, and for this these humans must try to serve them, keep them company, ... in short, treat him as one more member.
In addition, there are cats that, as we said, are very affectionate, very emotionally dependent. They will have a worse time when they are left alone, so if you go on a trip the best thing you can do is ask someone you trust to be with them, or if possible, to go live at your house until that you come back.
Pain or discomfort
This is something that can happen to humans too: pain (physical and / or emotional) makes our behavior change more, or less, but it stops being the same. Since cats unfortunately do not speak like people, and it can be difficult to find out what is wrong with them, a visit to the vet does not hurt. But if you or your family are going through a bad time, almost certainly the animal is perceiving it, something that will make him feel uncomfortable.
The solution is through ... a good helping of pampering daily  . It's not about overwhelming him, but rather showing him how much you love him. Give him cat treats from time to time, it will make him happy!
My cat is more affectionate than normal, what happens to him?
If it is not neutered and it is spring or summer, it is most likely that if it is a female it has gone into heat, and if it is a male it wants you to open the door to go find a partner. But if you have undergone such an operation, then most likely I tried to tell you something: may want company, or need veterinary help.
In any case, a visit to the professional will help you calm down, since if he is sick he will receive treatment, and if he does not have it, then you will know that what you have to do is dedicate more time to him.
Can an aggressive cat suddenly become?
Yes, of course, although you must bear in mind that aggressiveness is usually accompanied by fear and insecurity. In other words: there are no aggressive cats, but rather situations in which they behave like this. They do not act with premeditation, because they do not have that capacity, but by instinct.
Taking this into account, When can you suddenly become aggressive? In the following cases:
- When we bring in a second cat that is completely unknown to him.
- When we return home from the vet with his partner who has had to be treated or operated.
- When he has suffered a traumatic situation for him.
- When you feel that your life is in danger.
To calm him down first we have to know why it behaves like this. For example, in the first two cases the ideal is to present (or re-present) them; take one to a room and change the beds for 3-4 days, then put them back together under surveillance.
If you have lived or are living a time of great stress and tension, or if you feel that your life is at risk, what we will do is move you away from there only if there is real danger; that is, if you are scared by a plastic bag (for example), touching the bag and giving it treats from time to time so you see that nothing is wrong is enough.
If the danger is real (a dog or another animal or person is bothering or attacking you) we will try to get you out of that situation, scaring your attacker or potential attacker, or asking him - if human - to leave.
How to help a cat with sudden fear?
Very calmly and patiently. Cat treats can do the trick, but only in case he's not terrified. If it is an animal that remains hidden in a corner of the house, It will be better for you to speak with a cheerful, calm, and soft tone of voice. Do not make sudden movements or noise; be subtle.
Understand and use the feline body language- Blink slowly, look at it for a second, then look away. These details, although they seem small, will make the furry understand that he can feel safe at home.
How to eliminate stress in cats?
Cats tolerate stress very poorly, that's why whenever possible we have to leave the tension outside the home. Moving, parties, separations or duels are situations that affect them a lot, to the point that their behavior can change.
The way to help them is calmly, with patience. If we are moving, we will leave him in a room with his things until we are done (of course, we will be with him for as long as we can, every day); if he gets stressed out with parties or visits, we can try to socialize him with people; And if we are going through a separation or duel, it is difficult but we must try to continue with the daily routine. If it is difficult for us, we will ask for professional help.
What is the normal behavior of cats like?
That is one of the questions that do not have a single answer, because it will depend a lot on the cat, its genetics, where and how it was raised, the care it received in the passage and what it receives now, ... But if you want to have more or less an idea, tell you that kittens are generally very mischievous, nervous, playful, and outgoing, sometimes too much.
You have to be very patient with them, educate them from respect, but of course also from affection. We must leave behind impositions, pouring water on them, and hitting them. This will only serve to make them fear us.
If we talk about adult cats, they are usually shy, skittish, but sociable only with other cats or also with some humans (This will depend a lot on whether they are feral, that is, if they grew up on the street without contact with people, or on the contrary, they have lived and live with a family that cares for them with affection).
There are some special cases in which you can find cats that adore the company of anyone who wants to pet them, but they are, as I say, special. Being lucky enough to live with one like that is not easy. You have to work a lot on the human-cat relationship, you have to take time to understand his body language, respect him for what he is and how he is (that means letting him get on the furniture for example, or on the bed).
I hope it has been useful to you  .