Cat Acting Weird? Common Health Issues and What to Do (Part 2)

Cat Acting Weird? Common Health Issues and What to Do (Part 2)

Sometimes your cat's strange behavior is more than just feline quirkiness—it could signal stress, pain, or an underlying medical condition. In Part 2 of our guide, we’re digging into four more behaviors that can worry even seasoned cat parents: litter box issues, wall-staring, appetite changes, and excessive grooming. For each, we’ll cover the possible causes and offer actionable steps you can take.

1. Cat Stopped Using the Litter Box

Common Causes:

  • Stress or Anxiety: New furniture, guests, renovations, or even changes in your schedule can throw your cat off their routine.
  • Dirty or Unsuitable Litter Box: Cats are clean creatures. A dirty box or the wrong type of litter can cause them to look elsewhere.
  • Medical Issues: Urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney disease, or constipation can cause litter aversion.

What to Do:

  • Rule out a medical issue first: If your cat is peeing outside the box, straining, or making frequent trips, consult your vet immediately. UTIs can be painful and dangerous if untreated.
  • Keep boxes extra clean: Scoop at least once daily. Use unscented litter and clean the box weekly with mild soap.
  • Provide multiple boxes: One per cat, plus one extra. Place them in quiet, low-traffic areas.
  • Try different litter types: Some cats prefer fine clumping clay, while others like paper or wood-based litter. Test small amounts before switching.
  • Use pheromone diffusers: These can help reduce stress-related accidents by calming your cat’s environment.

For more advice, check out our full guide on early signs of illness in cats.

2. Cat Stares at Walls or Nothing

Common Causes:

  • Hunting Instinct: Cats have exceptional hearing and may detect insects or tiny sounds we can't perceive.
  • Boredom or Mental Stimulation Deficiency: Cats without enough engagement may appear dazed or obsessed with random areas.
  • Health Issues: In older cats, cognitive dysfunction (feline dementia) or neurological problems may cause this behavior.

What to Do:

  • Provide regular stimulation: Rotate toys, try cat TV on YouTube, or set up a perch near a bird feeder for “live entertainment.”
  • Check for bugs or drafts: Inspect the wall or area—your cat may be hearing mice, plumbing, or feeling airflow from a vent.
  • Track behavior: If staring is accompanied by vocalizing, pacing, or confusion, talk to your vet about early signs of cognitive decline.
  • Offer puzzle feeders or wall-mounted play zones: These can re-engage your cat’s natural hunting instincts and boost brain activity. You can read about space-saving play ideas in our post on play zones for small spaces.

3. Sudden Appetite Change

Common Causes:

  • Dental Pain or Oral Disease: Swollen gums, tooth pain, or ulcers can reduce your cat’s desire to eat.
  • Illness: Kidney disease, liver problems, or infections can affect appetite.
  • Stress or Depression: Changes in household dynamics, loss of a companion, or a move can lead to temporary appetite loss.

What to Do:

  • Visit your vet: Any sudden change in eating should be checked out. Even skipping one or two meals can be risky, especially in overweight cats.
  • Warm their food slightly: Heating up wet food releases aromas that may tempt a picky eater.
  • Try a topper: Bone broth (no onion or garlic), plain tuna water, or a squeeze treat can reignite interest in food.
  • Keep a feeding log: Track portions eaten, appetite patterns, and weight changes for better vet insight.
  • Switch to shallow bowls or elevated dishes: Some cats dislike their whiskers touching the sides of deep bowls.

For more ideas on mealtime upgrades, see our round-up of products that actually make a difference.

4. Excessive Grooming or Bald Spots

Common Causes:

  • Allergies or Fleas: Flea bites or environmental allergens can trigger intense licking or scratching.
  • Anxiety or OCD: Overgrooming can be a form of stress relief for cats with separation anxiety or boredom.
  • Skin Infections or Pain: Fungal infections or discomfort (like arthritis) can lead cats to focus on one area excessively.

What to Do:

  • Inspect for Fleas or Irritants: Use a flea comb to check for flea dirt or bites. Look for redness, swelling, or scabbing around the tail base, neck, or belly.

    Swap scented cleaners, plug-ins, or laundry products for hypoallergenic, fragrance-free options. Environmental irritants are a common but overlooked trigger.

  • Keep Them Busy: Mental stimulation and exercise help reduce stress grooming.
    • Use puzzle feeders or toys that dispense treats to redirect licking behavior.
    • Build a small play station or catio for fresh air and stimulation—see our DIY catio guide for ideas.
    • Engage in play sessions twice a day using wand toys or feather teasers.

  • Consult a Vet: Persistent bald spots or skin damage may require:
    • Allergy testing: Your vet may recommend a hypoallergenic diet trial or skin tests.
    • Medications or supplements: For cats with anxiety, treatments may include calming chews, pheromone diffusers, or prescription meds.
    • Photo tracking: Take weekly photos to monitor hair regrowth and healing progress, then share with your vet for updates.

Final Thoughts

Your cat can’t say what’s wrong—but their behavior speaks volumes. Sudden changes in litter box habits, odd staring spells, appetite shifts, or overgrooming aren’t just weird—they’re messages. As a cat parent, learning to interpret those messages gives your pet the best shot at a long, happy, and healthy life.

For more weird-but-telling cat behavior, revisit our guide on early illness detection. And don’t miss Part 1 of this series where we talk about hiding, yowling, and sudden aggression.

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