Does your cat hide under the couch when you call her? Has your dog suddenly stopped wagging his tail when you meet him?
Zoopsychologists warn: animals cannot lie, but their behavior may seem like betrayal.
Let's figure out what signals indicate hidden stress, fear, or even illness—and how to recognize them.
Avoiding Contact: Not Just a Whim
If your pet stops greeting you at the door or turns away when you try to pet it, this is not revenge.
Research from Linköping University (Sweden) shows that 70% of cats and dogs avoid their owners due to pain or anxiety. For example, arthritis in older animals or noise phobia.
What to do:
- Have your health checked by a veterinarian.
- Eliminate sources of stress: loud sounds, new people.
Aggression without reason
Sudden growling, hissing or biting is not “betrayal”, but a cry for help.
According to the ASPCA (USA), 60% of aggression cases are related to neurological problems or hormonal imbalances. In cats, this is often hyperthyroidism, in dogs - brain tumors.
What to do:
- Don't punish - it will make the problem worse.
- Get tested for hormones and infections.
"Revenge" in the wrong places
Is your cat shitting on your bed? Is your dog chewing on your things? This is not an attempt to harm.
Zoopsychologists explain that this is how animals express anxiety when their daily routine changes, when they move, or when a new family member appears.
What to do:
- Restore your normal feeding and walking schedule.
- Use pheromone diffusers to reduce stress.
Ignoring commands
Has your pet stopped responding to its name or "sit"? This is not rebellion. Perhaps its hearing or vision has deteriorated. Dogs over 7 years old often develop dementia - they forget the commands they have learned.
What to do:
- Do the test: clap behind your back to check your hearing.
- Include Omega-3 supplements in your diet for brain support.
Compulsive licking
Does your dog lick its paws until they hurt? Does your cat pull out fur? This is a sign of chronic stress or allergies.
A 2023 study (Journal of Veterinary Behavior) links this behavior to lack of attention and boredom.
What to do:
- Increase your play and training time.
- Eliminate potential allergens from your diet.
Running away from home
Does your pet try to escape at every opportunity? This is not cheating - most often the reason is the sexual instinct (if the animal is not castrated) or the search for a partner. In cats, estrus also provokes escapes, in dogs - the smells of other individuals.
What to do:
- Spay or neuter your pet if you do not plan to breed.
- Install a GPS tracker on the collar.
How to restore trust?
1. Don't humanize behavior. Pets don't take revenge - they react to their environment.
2. Create a safe space. A bed, playhouse, or corner with toys will help reduce anxiety.
3. Consult a specialist. A zoopsychologist will help correct behavior without stress.
Important: 90% of pet "betrayals" are the result of not understanding their needs. If your pet has become distant, look for the reason, not the fault. And remember: animals are not capable of meanness - only sincerity.
Veterinarians remind: sudden changes in behavior are a reason for an urgent visit to the clinic. Do not attribute them to character - the pet's health may be in danger.
Author: Dmitry Bobrov
