Why cats suddenly start running around the house: it's not about ghosts

The habit of cats to jump up and run off at a moment's notice for no apparent reason is a legendary trait of their character. It makes their owners very happy. Some people joke that cats see ghosts and are frightened by them. But this is just a joke. Meanwhile, there must be some reason for this behaviour, right?

OBOZREVATEL asked what animal behaviourists and veterinarians have to say about this. And when such running can be a warning sign.

Excess energy

Cats spend most of the day in peace. They lie quietly in some comfortable place and sleep a lot. Thus, they accumulate and conserve a lot of energy. If a cat has no other way to release its excess energy, it can do so through such strange runs.

How do you know if this is the case? It's simple - the cat will start running around like crazy when you are in its field of vision. The animal feels happy that its loved one is nearby and can thus invite you to play. So chasing the cat in this case or offering it other entertainment will be quite appropriate. It will also strengthen your emotional bond.

Prey

A cat's anxious behaviour can be triggered by the sensation of prey in the vicinity. Even a purebred cattery-bred animal that has never been taught how to hunt properly instinctively feels the urge to catch a mouse or bird. Therefore, when it smells a scent that evolution has made appetising and attractive to it, the cat may start to get excited and run.

Strangers

If the cat is running and showing obvious signs of anxiety, such as screaming, this is a reason to wonder if another cat has appeared within its sight or smell. Cats are territorial animals, and they don't like strangers intruding on their boundaries. If this happens, they may begin to actively search for the intruder to drive him or her away. Check to see if a strange cat has climbed onto your windowsill. Or maybe he's sitting right outside the front door.

Fleas

These parasites cause cats real pain when they bite them. That's why cats don't stop at just scratching. If they are stressed by constant bites, they can become nervous and fussy. So, if your cat is not only running around, but also constantly scratching, licking his head nervously and shaking it, examine his fur for any unwanted guests. If you find fleas, act immediately - buy drops from parasites and treat the animal. Also, do a thorough cleaning of the house, because fleas can live in cracks, in the pile of carpets and on other surfaces. Fleas can not only annoy cats, but also cause dermatitis and allergic reactions, which are not easy to treat.

Signs of anxiety

If none of these work for your cat and she continues to run around, consult your vet. Anxious behaviour can be a symptom of certain diseases, such as hyperthyroidism, and your cat may need further examination. Along with running around, hyperthyroidism causes cats to have an increased appetite, aggression, excessive grooming, and sleep problems. Therefore, if you have any additional symptoms, make an appointment with your cat's doctor - do not hesitate. Diseases in cats can develop very quickly.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL talked about 5 mistakes in cat care that can shorten a cat's life.

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