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Sudden Behavior Change In Cat

by Marilyn
(Washington, DC)

Our baby, Alice

Our baby, Alice

Hi Doctor,

We have a 1 1/2 year old cat, Alice. She loves to chase toy mice, jump up in bed with us to wake us up in the morning, and tear around our house like she's on safari. She's very active and sweet.
All of a sudden over the past couple of days, she's been acting strange. She tiptoes (only way I can describe it) around our place sniffing and looking all around. My husband says it looks like she's walking on eggshells. She won't jump up on the bed. When we throw her toy mice, she'll walk over and lay next to it, instead of running and playing with it. She seems sort of lethargic and she's barely purring (she usually purrs loudly and often).
We're concerned and are wondering if we should have a vet look at her, or if it may just be a strange phase. Any thoughts? Any advice would be great.
Thank you! Marilyn

Hi, Marilyn,

If it's still going on, I would take her to the vet. The way she's walking and the sniffing around sounds like a cat who has been frightened or has discovered something new (new cat outside the window or mouse in the house or ......). However, when you say she's a bit lethargic, not purring as much, and not playing with the toy, it concerns me more. I think she should have a check-up.

Thank you for writing and thank you for the great picture!.

Dr. Neely

Comments for
Sudden Behavior Change In Cat

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May 10, 2010
same thing
by: Anonymous

my cat is going through the same thing right now too. Came home in the evening and he had completely changed. I guess ill bring him to the vet too.

Feb 18, 2010
I'm going through the same thing!
by: Coelho's Mom

Hi Marylin,

I just wanted to let you know that I'm going through the same thing. All of a sudden Coelho (my cat) was acting paranoid- sniffing at everything, walking carefully, always looking around like he was afraid, very jumpy at the smallest things, and wouldn't get on the bed or the couch. This is a total change in behavior for him. When it first started he wouldn't play either and was acting subdued. He didn't do anything in his normal routine. We're only on day 2 and it's starting to ease up.

I'd take your cat to the vet just to be on the safe side. I did.

Anyway, I just wanted you to know you're not the only one. Sometimes it helps to know that you're not the only one in the boat.
Take care!

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