Know Your Pet’s Normal
I have two cats, Oliver and Lucky, and they couldn’t be more different. Lucky is a sweet little tuxedo cat who wants nothing more than to be loved. Oliver, on the other hand, has a rather strong personality. In fact, I’ve been known to call him my big bully cat!
Unfortunately, Oliver’s behavior toward Lucky became a serious problem. He was attacking Lucky, leaving him with scratches and bite marks. Things got so bad that I had to separate them into different areas of the house just to keep Lucky safe.
Now, I’ve lived with these cats long enough to know their personalities. I know how they usually behave, what makes them happy, and what makes them uncomfortable. And I knew that what was happening between them needed attention. So I took Oliver to the veterinarian.
After discussing his behavior, we started a treatment plan that included fluoxetine, commonly known as Prozac. Since beginning treatment, Oliver has become much less aggressive toward Lucky. But I’ve also noticed that he’s sleeping more and seems unusually tired. That’s another change worth paying attention to and discussing with his veterinarian, because the goal is a happier, healthier cat, not simply a sleepy one.
And that brings me to something I think every pet parent should understand. You need to know what’s normal for your pet. Not what’s normal for every dog or cat. What’s normal for YOUR pet.
Some cats are naturally quiet and spend much of their day sleeping. Others follow their people around the house, demanding attention. Some dogs are bundles of energy, while others are perfectly content to spend the afternoon snoozing. The important thing is recognizing when their usual patterns begin to change.
Think about your own pets for a moment. Do you know how much they normally eat and drink? How often they use the bathroom? Whether they enjoy being touched in certain places? How much they sleep? How they usually interact with other animals and people? These little details matter.
A normally affectionate cat who suddenly starts hiding may be frightened, stressed, or feeling unwell. A dog who usually races to the door for a walk but suddenly doesn’t want to get up may be experiencing pain. Changes in appetite, thirst, bathroom habits, activity, or behavior can sometimes be early signs that something needs attention. And because animals can’t tell us exactly how they’re feeling, we have to become good observers. One thing I recommend is keeping a few notes about your pet’s normal routines. You don’t need anything fancy. Just record the things that are typical for your particular animal. Then, when something changes, you’ll have useful information to share with your veterinarian.
That’s exactly what helped me when I took Oliver in. I could describe what was happening, how serious it had become, and how his behavior differed from what I’d previously observed. And now that he’s receiving treatment, I’m continuing to watch him. I want him to be less aggressive, certainly, but I also want him to feel well, enjoy his life, and behave like a comfortable, contented cat.
If you notice a sudden or persistent change in your pet, don’t simply assume it’s aging or a personality quirk. Contact your veterinarian. Some changes are minor, but others deserve prompt attention.
Whether you have a playful puppy, a dignified senior cat, or another beloved companion animal, learning their individual habits is one of the simplest ways to advocate for their health and happiness. Know your pet’s normal. It may help you recognize when something isn’t right.
You can also watch my video, Know Your Pet’s Normal, where I share Oliver’s story.
At Your Furry Godmothers, we believe that comfort, compassion, and careful observation make a difference in every stage of a pet’s life.
Comfort and Compassion for Every Pet in Every Stage of Life.
Pet-care note: Behavioral medications should be prescribed and monitored by a veterinarian. Serious aggression between household cats may require separation, environmental changes, gradual reintroduction, and professional behavioral guidance. Never change or discontinue a prescribed medication without veterinary advice.