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Cats are notorious for having peculiar personalities. In fact, it’s often why people become purr parents in the first place. But if your pet starts exhibiting some odd behaviors that don’t seem entirely normal, it could be more than a personality quirk: Your cat could be trying to communicate with you. To help you decipher what your four-legged friend is trying to say, the veterinarians at Ohana Veterinary Hospital in Honolulu, HI, offer some professional insight on a few unique feline behaviors.

5 Cat Behaviors Deciphered

1. Chirps

Warbling, quavering sounds may be produced by your cat to get you to follow them. For example, they may want to show you an empty food or water dish that needs to be refilled. As the Humane Society explains, chirping is naturally used by mother felines when they want their kittens to follow them.

2. Howling

Howling is usually an indication of distress or anxiety. If your cat is wailing, they may be injured, in pain, or trapped. In these situations, follow the noise to find your pet and see what they need.  

3. Not Using the Litter Box  

veterinarianWhen potty-trained cats start going to the bathroom outside of the litter box, they could be experiencing one of several medical issues.

For example, if they try to use the litter box but are unable to make it in, your pet may be injured or have arthritis. If your cat is urinating in unusual places more frequently, a urinary tract infection may be to blame. Similarly, problematic defecation may be a sign of constipation or colitis. Whatever the behavior, visit a veterinarian for a comprehensive pet exam to get to the root of the problem.  

4. Rubbing

Cats love to rub up on things—and it may not be because they have an itch. This behavior is simply how felines mark their territory. If your pet seems to be rubbing on you—particularly when you’re busy—the behavior may also be a call for loving attention.

5. Nighttime Running

Often, felines will run around when the house is quiet as a way to let go of pent-up energy. If nighttime sprints become frequent or troublesome, your pet may not be getting enough physical activity. To combat this, try playing with your kitty in the daytime so that they get some exercise.

If you’re stumped by your cat’s behavior, talk to a friendly specialist at Ohana Veterinary Hospital. Offering state-of-the-art veterinary care in Honolulu, this animal hospital has all the resources necessary to identify, treat, and prevent feline health and behavior issues. You can always count on these veterinarians to provide compassionate and comfortable care, whether they are conducting a wellness exam or performing emergency pet surgery. Visit this clinic online to learn more about their services, or call (808) 845-1762 to schedule a convenient appointment.   

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