Hello, humans,
Last edition, we looked at things that can feel like issues to humans, but are usually just cats doing their hot cat sh!t. This time, I want to flip it, and talk about some things that are super easy to dismiss, ignore, or, simply, not notice — but may actually signal that there is something, indeed, wrong with your cat.
Cats are notoriously stoic and secretive when they're in trouble. They hide pain extremely well (to the point where, when humans start seeing signs of pain, it means that cat's actual pain is at 11). Even when we have a close and trusting relationship with our weird little guys, they won't clearly, loudly state that they're unwell. There are lots of theories as to why this is the case; most have to do with how cats live in the wild as predators who, sometimes, are also prey. But whatever the reason, as cat people, we need to be super attentive to when things are different with our cats.
Now, cats change as they age. Playful cats become less so. Uncuddlers become more interested in a good snuggle. Just like our interests change as we go through life, so it is for cats. So, I'm not talking about change over time…but sudden change. Always pay attention to a sudden change in your cat's personality or habits, whatever it may be. Even if it's a change you, human, like — or that benefits you. A sudden change merits a trip to the vet.
But, aside from dramatic changes in behavior, here are five things that don't seem like they're issues, but actually, really could be.
Smelling different
Are you really a cat human if you don't periodically breathe deeply of the smell of your cat now and again?
I love the smell of my cats, especially from the top of their heads. And while I can't quite describe their smells (Robert smells like sunshine on skin and a little like the wood of a newly sharpened pencil, kinda; Paul smells like unbuttered toast, sorta, a little burnt, but amazing), I know those smells well. And I can tell when they smell different.
Now, cats get into things, and that can change their smell. I don't mean when they rub against someone's newly deodorant-ed armpit, knock over a bunch of dusty books, or they dribble their food -- so now they smell like baby powder, must, or tuna juice. I mean when they consistently smell differently than they usually do to you.
I also don't mean cat breath (which is a whole topic, in itself).
I mean when you smell their skin, through their fur, and it smells…off.
It doesn't have to even be an unpleasant odor, though it may be. Common off smells have been described as: plastic-y; like glue; more like a dog than a cat, vinegary, like eggs, or just plain musky (this is not a complete list, but you get the idea).
Smells like these may mean a medical issue. Not necessarily, of course, but off-odors are a common first external symptom of kidney or liver issues, for example.
So, if you notice a new smell that doesn't go away, take your cat to a vet.
Repetitive movements
Cats do funky things to entertain or soothe themselves, including repetitive actions (headbutting a pillow is one we see in my house). I also have one cat that (almost) never stops swishing and thumping his tail. But, sometimes, new repetitive movements signal an underlying issue, especially when they come in episodes (waves) or when you cannot redirect your cat's attention away from doing the action, with toys, treats, pettings, or other distractions.
Things to look for are: muscle twitching; repeated biting/ licking of their back or tail; violent tail swishing or thumping; over-grooming or constant scratching of any part of their body; pacing or walking in circles; suddenly chewing/sucking fabric or plastic; new, repeated vocalizations; or any new behavior or cat seems unable to stop.
There are a few medical conditions that can develop at any time during a cat's life, such as feline hyperesthesia syndrome (sometimes called “twitch-skin syndrome"), myoclonus (muscle) disorders, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. These conditions may have a genetic component or an environmental trigger, and new, repetitive behaviors are the first sign we humans notice. Many of these conditions are manageable with medical intervention, so take your cat to the vet as soon as you notice these going on. Other things — such as a stroke — require you to take as immediate an action as you can (as in companion animal emergency services).
Sleeping on their back
Cats sleep in some BIZARRE positions. Hanging off a chair, wedged between pillows…positions that, in the best of circumstances, I couldn't hold for 30 seconds, much less doze in...
I've also had 2 cats who frequently sleep on their backs — and, so, skip this section if your cat is a regular back sleeper.
It's really cute, but if your cat is not, routinely, one who flops on their back, but starts doing it out of the blue, they may be suffering some digestive issues, as this relieves pressure on stomachs and intestines. If you've recently changed foods, this may be the culprit. Slow down the switch a bit, as new protein sources, brands, or food types can cause good old-fashioned indigestion.
If they continue sleeping on their backs (and you notice other tell-tale…tell-TAIL, har, signs, such as farting, stinkier-than-usual poops, them straining to poop, extra squishy poop, etc.), it's possible they have an allergy or sensitivity to that new protein, brand, or type. Eliminate the new food factor. If they improve, then they probably shouldn't eat whatever that was.
The good rule of (vestigial) thumb is: if they are otherwise eating, drinking, peeing, and pooping, it’s probably a not-super-serious digestive issue, but worth a vet consult.
If things don't improve or you notice their bellies are distended or tender (they swipe or complain when touched…I mean, more than the usual swipe/complain at any belly-touching), contact your vet. There may be an internal issue that needs to be addressed (double-time that if they stop eating, drinking, seem listless, or hide).
Hunching over
Hunching over is another position that looks adorable…to us. A hunch is when a cat sits down on all four paws, with a slightly lowered head and a curved back. It is an odd pose, but super cute — and almost never good news.
Cats don't usually hunch over. If they do, it's because they are in pain of some sort and trying to relieve their discomfort. And this discomfort is internal, so this may be your only (clear-ish) sign to get them help before it (maybe) progresses to something serious.
There's not much else to say. What and why they're hunching can be one of a hundred things, but what it all equals out to is that your cat is miserable. They need a doctor, soon as you're able.
Pulling food out of their bowl to eat off the floor
Robert, my cat who had a full mouth removal of his teeth due to stomatitis will do this with some foods, depending on the texture. For him, this is normal, and helps him eat. But if your cat has recently started picking food out of their bowl to eat off the floor, it may mean that they are having tooth pain.
Cats and their teeth = a complicated relationship.
Cats need their teeth for hunting. They do not, actually, need their teeth for eating (and thanks to my Robert, a topic close to my heart and one we will cover in a future edition). Most cat humans…well, we don't deal with our cat's teeth until they are already an issue (in a perfect world, cats get preventative dental care and we get them used to regular brushing).
And cat teeth fail, pretty frequently. They break, crack, get cavities, and all the same things we deal with.
Don't beat yourself up, human, if you haven't been super attentive to the dental health of your tiny weirdos. And it’s possible that it isn’t tooth-specific, but something else, also difficult to detect in early stages (mouth ulcers, a gum infection, or a wound) but these, still, see your vet as soon as possible.
Serious behaviors to look for that mean your cat needs swift (as in ASAP) care is when they are: refusing to eat, swiping you if you pet their cheeks, they're swollen behind their whiskers, there's blood of any kind, or the inside of their mouth is red).
Of course, this is not an exhaustive list. But these are common tells that cats give us, and handy AF to know. It’s easy to attach human meanings to cat actions, and, while we are both mammals and have more in common than not, there are definitely cat things that are easy to misread with a human lens.
In that spirit, next issue will address a super-duper misunderstood behavior — one less common than others, but not so uncommon that it should be as big a mystery as it is: cat middening.
That’s right. The wild world of cat poop as power move. It’s super interesting.
Note: I'm not a medical professional. As always, you know your cat best. Follow your common sense and consult with your veterinarian. If you need low-cost veterinary services, the Humane Society has some options, but you can always call 211 for your area (in the US) to find out about clinics near you.
Thanks for reading! Remember, you can write in to request a topic, anytime.
See you soon,
The Purr Scout and her clowder of frustrating, irritating, magical, perfect little beings