Why Do Cats Go Crazy and What Can You Do About It?

Does your cat have a nocturnal burst of energy, complete with a chorus of meows, and suddenly race around the house? This "crazy" behavior in cats may catch you off guard, and a cat's body language is far more difficult to decipher than that of a dog. If you've ever wondered why your cat suddenly becomes crazy, strange, or zany, there are a few plausible explanations.

Why Do Cats Exhibit Psychopathic Behavior?

Every cat, regardless of breed, has moments when they dash across a room, meow like crazy, and act as if they're being followed on a racetrack. They dart about quicker and faster, gazing all over the place, before coming to a halt.

When this type of activity occurs at night, it is commonly referred to as "midnight crazies." Your cat could try to entice you to participate in the fun by jumping on your bed and pawing at your feet, elbows, hair, or face. The reasons for this erratic and occasionally humorous conduct are several.

Instinct for Predation

Domestic cats retain this impulse to some extent because they are natural predators. A cat acting erratically could be displaying hunting skills, combat movements, or escape techniques.

Even though a house cat doesn't have to search for food, it still has to expend pent-up energy, which may manifest itself as bizarre behavior. Catnip mice, laser pointers, food puzzles, and feather wands are examples of toys that stimulate a cat to use its natural tendencies to grab, chase, and jump. If your cat doesn't get enough exercise outside, this is very crucial.

Instincts of the Night

Another reason for your cat's strange behavior could be because some cats are nocturnal, which means they are more active at night. A cat that doesn't get enough exercise during the day may act erratically.

Fleas

Because it has fleas, a cat may act erratically and appear as if something is biting it. Your cat may be hypersensitive to flea bites or simply have an itch it can't reach, especially when mowing is involved.

If you suspect your cat has fleas, treat all of the household's furry members with a prescription flea-killing and prevention treatment formulated exclusively for cats. You should also contact your veterinarian to examine whether the fleas have caused any secondary skin illnesses or allergies that need to be addressed. You'll also need to treat the environment by vacuuming, doing laundry, and, if your veterinarian recommends it, using flea bombs or area sprays. Your cat should cease acting like this after the fleas are gone.

Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome is a condition that affects cats (FHS)

Feline hyperesthesia syndrome (FHS) is a rare reason for a cat to act erratically, affecting mostly older cats and with no recognized cause.

If you see any of the following, talk to your veterinarian about the likelihood of FHS:
While your cat is rushing about, the skin on its back looks to be rippling.
Even after you've treated your cat for fleas, it bites at its back above its tail on a regular basis.
Petting your cat's tail or back causes it to groom, scratch, or bite the region excessively before running around the house erratically.

Steps to Follow

It's not always easy to figure out what led your cat to go a little crazy all of a sudden. Cats, to be honest, are difficult to decipher! Many people are familiar with fundamental canine vocalizations and actions, but many are unfamiliar with basic cat habits.

Dogs have expressive looks and body language that is quite easy to read. They wag their tails, make various noises to communicate their moods, and frequently obey basic directions to satisfy their owners. Cats, on the other hand, are more commonly associated with emotional ambiguity and aloof demeanor. However, there is a growing consensus that cats are as expressive as dogs. People simply misunderstand or fail to notice what or how their cats are attempting to express.

Learn to Communicate with Your Cat

Meows and tail waves can imply a variety of things to cats, depending on the situation. Your cat is attempting to communicate with you with each purr, yowl, or even blink. The issue is deciphering what it's saying.

According to experts, there is something to be gained from these efforts at communication. Learning to understand your cat's body language, for example, can help you develop your bond with it and become more adept at reacting to its demands.

Because each cat is unique, the best place to begin is by simply observing your cat. Keep a mental record of the place and circumstances in which the "mad" conduct occurs. Take note of your cat's body language, vocalizations, the time of day, and what he or she has recently done. Has your cat recently eaten, groomed, or scratched its back? Before your cat rushed into the other room, did you hear a playful meow?

You'll likely begin to put together the triggers of your cat's crazy in various scenarios with time and careful observation. This can help you understand what is normal for your cat and when any odd behavior is a sign of a medical problem that should be investigated by your veterinarian.