Scientists Have Revealed An Important Signal From Cats
- 10.09.2026, 10:28
What behavioral changes should you look out for?
Many pet owners believe that their cats are independent animals that don’t need company. However, in reality, pets can experience loneliness, boredom, and stress, which gradually affect their behavior, writes “Cursor”.
Experts advise first ruling out health issues and taking the cat to the vet, since these animals often hide pain, and behavioral changes can be signs of it. If no medical causes are found, unusual behavior may indicate that the pet is lacking social interaction and companionship.
Cats do spend a lot of time sleeping, but normal rest is different from a state where the pet becomes unusually lethargic and loses interest in its usual activities. If a healthy cat is sleeping noticeably more and barely reacts to its surroundings, this may indicate apathy, boredom, or a lack of social interaction.
Experts recommend considering both types of behavior. Both a sudden loss of interest in usual activities and sudden bouts of hyperactivity—such as nighttime dashes around the apartment—should be cause for concern. Boredom and a lack of social interaction can manifest differently in different cats: some become withdrawn, while others start behaving excessively actively.
In cats, emotional problems sometimes affect their appetite. Some start eating more than usual in an attempt to cope with boredom and a lack of interaction, while others, on the contrary, may stop eating altogether. Both conditions are dangerous, so if there are no health issues, the cause of these changes may be related to the pet’s emotional state.
Stress and feelings of loneliness can significantly alter a cat’s grooming habits. When deprived of attention, a cat may sometimes stop grooming itself, causing its coat to become dull and unkempt. In other cases, on the contrary, the cat may start compulsively licking certain areas or pulling out its fur, leaving bald spots. Such changes can be linked to boredom, stress, and a lack of social interaction.
If the litter box remains clean and the litter and its placement haven’t changed, sudden accidents may be due to severe stress. This is especially common in cats that previously lived with other animals and were accustomed to constant social interaction.
Sudden destructive behavior in a cat—such as damaging furniture or knocking things over—may indicate boredom and a lack of stimulation. Constant attempts to follow the owner, loud meowing, and persistent demands for attention also often indicate a lack of interaction.
However, don’t rush to get a second pet: a new cat won’t solve the problem of a lack of attention, and the animals’ different temperaments may only increase stress. It’s recommended to introduce them gradually, using separate resting areas, calming pheromones, and keeping their claws trimmed short.