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What habits are normal in cats, and which ones may indicate health problems
14.04.2024 19:10
Cats are one of the most popular pets in the world.
They are not only wonderful companions, but also important members of our family.
At the same time, many cat owners may face problems associated with the unusual habits of their pets.
Normal Habits of Cats
Hygiene
Licking their fur, cleaning their paws, ears and eyes are natural habits for cats to keep themselves clean and hygienic. These actions can also help them regulate their body temperature and relieve stress.
Games
Hunting and playing with toys are also normal habits for cats. They allow cats to maintain their physical fitness and also develop their hunting skills.
Dream
Cats sleep on average 12-16 hours a day, and this is normal for them. They can sleep anywhere, but they prefer cozy places such as baskets, beds, windows, etc.
Nutrition
Cats eat several times a day, and this is also normal for them. They can drink water from a bowl or from the tap, and also eat grass to improve digestion.
Potential Problems and Unusual Habits of Cats
Strange food preferences
This is the habit of licking plastic, metal or other non-food objects. Cats may lick windows, door handles, bags and even walls. Some cats may even try to chew these objects.
The reasons for this are not fully understood. However, it is believed that this behavior may be related to a lack of other stimuli in the environment, stereotypical behavior, stress, or most often, a lack of nutrients in the cat's diet. In rare cases, this indicates serious health problems with the cat.
When Too Much Sleep: Potential Problems
Cats are animals that sleep a lot. Typically, cats sleep 12 to 16 hours a day, and some can sleep up to 20 hours a day. However, too much sleep can be a sign of health problems in your cat. Some of the possible problems that can be associated with too much sleep include:
- Depression
- Thyroid problems
- Nutritional problems
- Breathing problems
- Heart problems
Lack of appetite or picky eating can be a sign of a variety of illnesses and health problems in your cat. Some possible causes include:
- Problems with teeth
- Stomach problems
- Digestive problems
- Stress
- Problems with vision or smell
Unpleasant odors: how they can indicate a cat's health
If your cat has a bad smell from his breath, urine, feces or other places, it may be a sign of health problems. Unpleasant odors may indicate the presence of an infection in the cat's body.
How to Help a Cat with Problem Habits
If you notice unusual behavior in your cat, consult a veterinarian. Your cat may have a medical problem that is causing this behavior. If the problem is not related to health, you can try changing the environment in which the cat is kept.
One way to change the conditions of detention is to create a special area for the cat, where it can do its favorite things. For example, you can provide the cat with a special mat for scratching, toys for hunting, etc.
Another option is training or retraining. You can try to teach your cat new skills or behaviors. For example, if your cat scratches furniture, you can train it to use a scratching post by offering it a treat or toy as a reward.
Earlier we wrote about why a cat sniffs human breath.
