Does Your Cat Have Mental Problems?
By WebVet.com
Do you have a cat who begs for food more intently than a dog? If you've thought the behavior was crazy -- you're right. Your cat might actually be teetering on the brink of insanity.
According to The Telegraph, a group of veterinarians found that cats who are too eager for food could be suffering from the newly-diagnosed condition of "psychogenic abnormal feeding behavior." Symptoms of this condition include taking food from other cats' bowls and jumping on the table to eat from their owner's plate.
The vets discovered the affliction after studying an eight-month-old Siamese named Otto who would jump on his owner and grab at his food container as meals were prepared. They determined there was no medical explanation for the behavior and reasoned it had to be a psychological condition.
The vets addressed it as such, treating Otto with behavioral tactics, such as feeding and stroking him only at certain times of day, and ignoring it at other times. Their methods "cured" Otto, furthering their belief that the condition was psychological and might have been brought on by stress.
Paolo Mongillo, who led the study, explained how the condition materializes, saying, "If you feed them from the table, just once in a while, the cat will think it is like a slot machine -- if they always ask, every so often they will get what they want."
7 Other Reasons Your Cat Keeps Meowing
1. "I'm Not Feeling Well"
Meowing is a cat's way of vocal communication. Your cat may be trying to tell you of a discomfort she may have or that something is not quite right. If your cat is always meowing at night, she could be suffering from hyperthyroidism (usually seen in cats older than 10). Other medical possibilities that may be causing the nonstop meowing are high blood pressure and/or kidney disease. A trip to the veterinarian is in line, especially if the continuous meowing is a new behavior.
2. "Feed Me!"
Many cats become incredibly vocal when feeding time approaches. Getting an automatic feeder that opens at set times will entice kitty to meow at the feeder - not at you. (Also, have you checked your cat's water bowl? Maybe it's empty, and Fluffy's trying to tell you so. And why we're on the subject, have you cleaned the litterbox? Is the entrance blocked to it? These things might all be additional reasons for the extra meows.)
3. "I'm Totally Stressed Out"
A nervous or stressed cat often becomes meowy. Any changes in home, an illness or the loss of a loved one can trigger stress in a cat. Once you figure out what is stressing her, you will be able to help her adjust to the changes. Give her extra attention and quiet time during this adjustment period.
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