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Why is my cat acting weird: licking, jumping, and scared outside?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Bobtail | Female | spayed | 6 years and 10 months old

So my cat looks like an American Bobtail, but I'm not certain. She was a cat that was going outside often, staying outside the whole night. Right now, she is mostly in the house, even during the night. She is acting weird in the house: jumping around, licking furniture, pillows, me... And when she goes outside, she acts like she is scared of something, even when I go towards her, she runs away. She was neutered, I think 2 years ago. But she started acting like this half a year ago.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on November 26th, 2016

If Mici was a feral or stray cat prior to you taking her in, it may be that she is not comfortable in the home still. If the behavior change was more recent, illness and pain can sometimes cause strange behaviors to appear. If you haven't taken her to the vet recently, an exam is a good first step to make sure there is not an illness or other issue causing her problems. If she checks out healthy, then looking for causes of stress may help. New people, places, pets, etc can all cause stress and may cause your cat to change her behavior. Pheromone diffusers can help reduce stress, while making sure Mici has her own access to food, water, litter and places to hide/rest can also help. If the strange behavior continues even after trying this, then speaking with a veterinary behaviorist or trainer in your area may help.

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