Cats are typically mellow and calm animals but when they act strangely there may be underlying issues behind the behavior. If your cat attacks you for no reason or suddenly runs around like crazy it could mean that she is stressed or has an underlying health condition. But, what if you notice your cat pacing around the room?
Cat pacing around the room: Why is she acting that way?
It is not normal for a cat to pace around in a room a lot. Here are the most common reasons why your cat is pacing around the room:
1. She may be bored.
We normally pace restlessly when we are bored and this holds true for cats as well. They do get bored especially if they are left alone for most of the day.
What you can do:
Play with your cat and engage her with interactive toys such as puzzles. You may place a cat tree for her, too. This way your cat becomes preoccupied and be able to burn pent-up energy as well.
2. She may be stressed or anxious.
If your cat cannot stay still but repeatedly paces back and forth around a room, she may likely be feeling stressed or anxious. There may have been sudden changes in the household lately such as a new pet, an additional family member or your house was renovated. Cats are sticklers for routine and sudden changes may overwhelm them. Similarly, cats may also become stressed if they experience loss or grief such as the loss of a fellow cat or a human family member that they were close to.
What you can do:
If you suspect that your cat’s unusual behavior is due to stress, assure your cat that everything is okay by spending time with her. Take things slowly and let your cat know that she is cared for. Make sure that her essentials such as the litter box, food and water are accessible and well-maintained. You may also try to place pheromones like Feliway Diffuser to help calm your cat.
3. She may be in heat.
Constant pacing around the room may also indicate that your cat is in the heat especially if your cat has not been spayed or neutered yet. Cats tend to become restless, cry like babies and pace restlessly because they are looking for a mate. Males tend to pace and roam around especially if they detect the pheromones or scent of a queen cat and female cats may similarly pace around the room if they are in heat.
What you can do:
Spaying or neutering your cat is the best solution to resolve this behavior.
4. She may be in pain.
Another reason why your cat may be pacing around the room is that she may be in pain. Your cat may have suffered an injurybut it may not be obvious because cats are masters at hiding pain. She may not be able to sleep, nap or relax because she is not feeling okay and is in a state of discomfort.
What you can do:
If you suspect that your cat is pacing back and forth because she is in pain, do a physical check-up and see if she has a wound or injury. Check for lumps or bumps and if you do see a wound, treat it at once or bring her to the vet for treatment.
5. She may be suffering from health issues like hyperthyroidism.
Your cat may be suffering from an overactive thyroid which is keeping her awake and restless. In this case your cat tends to eat and drink a lot and she may become hyperactive. Your cat may also be suffering from other health concerns like diabetes or liver disease.
What you can do:
Bring your cat to the vet so she will be checked and given the proper medication and treatment.
6. It may be due to her old age.
Your furry friend may be pacing restlessly around the room because of her old age. Senior cats tend to be disoriented due to memory loss and as a result, may resort to pacing around the room. She may wander around the room or go to other rooms as if looking for something such as her toys or litter box. They may become confused and tend to vocalize in addition to the constant pacing around the room.
What you can do:
Keep your cat’s essentials such as her litter box, bed and food and water trays in the same spots as much as possible. Do not confuse her further by carrying her and dropping her at odd places that she is unfamiliar with around the home. Most importantly, consult your vet on the right steps to do to help your cat.
7. She may have ingested something toxic to cats.
Your cat may also be pacing around the room because she ingested a toxic or poisonous ingredient or plants like the sweet pea or day lily. She may be pacing because she may be feeling nauseous, disoriented or having convulsions.
What you can do:
Inform your vet at once about the situation and keep your cat calm or better yet, bring her to the vet at once. If your cat ingested a toxic item or plant, be sure to bring a sample to your vet. If the poison is in your cat’s skin, thoroughly rinse with water.
Final thoughts
If you notice your cat pacing around the room for no apparent reason, be mindful and closely observe her. She may be suffering from pain, stress, anxiety or boredom. Your cat may also be pacing around the room due to her old age and she may be feeling disoriented or confused or it may also mean she has an underlying health issue like hyperthyroidism, diabetes or liver disease.
Image: istockphoto.com / krblokhin