Sudden increase in activity may signal medical issues
A cat that is suddenly more active, restless, and jumpy may be exhibiting signs of an underlying medical issue. Some common health conditions that can cause this type of behavior change include:
Hyperthyroidism – An overactive thyroid gland leads to an increase in metabolism and activity levels. Cats will seem restless, meow excessively, and show unwanted behaviors like jumping on counters. Treatment with medication can help manage symptoms (O’Neill, 2023).
Arthritis – Pain and inflammation from arthritis can make cats suddenly more irritable and jumpy. They may have difficulty jumping up to usual spots. Veterinary exams and pain medication can provide relief (Tan, 2020).
Obsessive compulsive disorder – Repetitive behaviors like excessive grooming, sucking, or chewing can reflect a neurologic issue. Medication may be needed to reduce anxiety and control OCD tendencies (Öhlund, 2018).
Any major changes in a cat’s normal activity patterns warrant a veterinary visit to check for underlying illness. Early diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions can help resolve unwanted behaviors and restore a cat’s quality of life.
Establishing routines and play time
Cats thrive on routine and predictability. Having a consistent daily schedule for things like mealtimes, playtime, and sleep can help satisfy your cat’s basic needs and prevent boredom (https://www.zoetispetcare.com/blog/article/importance-routine-cat-dog). Try to feed your cat at the same times each day. Schedule interactive play sessions for at least 15-20 minutes 1-2 times per day, using toys like feather wands, laser pointers, balls, and treat puzzles to engage their natural hunting instincts. Make sure your cat has access to toys they can play with alone as well. Rotating toys helps keep things interesting. Place toys in different spots around the house so your cat can find them throughout the day (https://meowtel.com/blog/post/cat-psychology-routines-and-schedules-for-your-cat).
Having a predictable routine and active playtime gives your cat an outlet for their energy and satisfies their needs for mental stimulation and exercise. This can help prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Providing sufficient mental stimulation
Cats need mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Indoor cats especially require activities and enrichment to prevent boredom. Bored cats may act out by jumping on counters, scratching furniture, or other unwanted behaviors.
There are many ways to provide mental stimulation for your cat:
- Food puzzles and treat balls – These force your cat to work and play to get their food. It keeps them engaged and entertained. Popular puzzles include the Trixie 5-in-1 Activity Center and the Nina Ottosson range of puzzles.
- “Cat TV” – Set up a window perch where your cat can watch the world outside. Birds and squirrels will capture their attention.
- Interactive toys – Wands, balls, and other toys you actively play with together stimulates their natural hunting instincts.
- Change up their environment – Rotate new toys in and out to keep things interesting. Move furniture periodically.
- Vertical space – Cat trees, shelves, and catios allow them to climb and perch up high.
Mental stimulation from activities and playtime prevents boredom and gives your cat a happy, enriched life inside.
Reinforcing wanted behaviors
Positive reinforcement training can help encourage good behavior in cats while discouraging unwanted jumping. The premise is to reward your cat when they engage in desirable behavior. This positive reinforcement helps motivate your cat to repeat actions that result in a treat or praise. For example, if your cat is jumping on the kitchen counter, wait until they get down on their own, then immediately reward them with a treat. This reinforces getting off the counter, rather than rewarding the act of jumping up.
You can also actively train alternative wanted behaviors that are incompatible with jumping. Teaching your cat to sit or lay down on command means they can’t jump at the same time. Always use small treats or affection as a reward during training sessions. Say your cat’s name, give a command like “sit”, and then reward as soon as they comply. With enough repetition, they will learn to sit when you give the cue. Gradually phase out food rewards and just offer praise once the behavior is learned.
Discouraging unwanted jumping requires ignoring the cat when they engage in this behavior. Never give them any attention, even negative attention, for jumping. Simply turn and walk away. This teaches the cat that jumping doesn’t result in what they want. Consistency is key, so everyone in the household should follow this approach.
Providing vertical space
Cats love to climb, perch up high, and scratch vertically, so providing vertical space in your home is important for your cat’s wellbeing. Vertical space allows cats to satisfy their natural climbing and scratching instincts. It also gives them a vantage point to survey their territory and relieves stress by providing a safe spot up high where they can retreat if needed.
There are several ways to create vertical space for your cat:
- Cat trees with different height perches and platforms allow cats to climb, scratch, play, and relax off the ground. Look for sturdy cat trees made of natural sisal rope or wood for scratching.
- Wall mounted cat shelves or window perches give cats a place to climb and lounge while looking out windows. Space wall mounted items at different heights.
- Vertical scratching posts made of sisal or cardboard allow cats to stretch and scratch. Multiple scratching posts around the home help limit damage to furniture.
Providing vertical climbing and scratching spaces helps cats satisfy their natural behaviors. It also gives them a sense of security and territorial control. Make sure to place vertical items like cat trees, perches, and scratching posts in areas your cat frequents most.
Dealing with boredom
One of the most common causes of sudden increases in activity is boredom. Indoor cats especially can get restless and seek out stimulation if their environment becomes too predictable. There are several great ways to enrich your cat’s environment and provide mental stimulation:
Rotate toys frequently so they remain novel and exciting. Hide or elevate toys to create a fun treasure hunt for your cat to solve each day. Food puzzle toys that require effort to obtain treats are another excellent boredom buster. Even simple things like ping pong balls, paper bags, and cardboard boxes can capture your cat’s interest when they investigate new textures and sounds.
It’s ideal to actively engage in frequent play sessions, mimicking hunting behaviors with wands and teasers. Try hiding treats around the house and encourage foraging. You can also liven up mealtimes by feeding portions inside food puzzles instead of a bowl. Establishing a consistent routine with regular playtime provides mental stimulation and prevents boredom from developing.
If your cat seems underwhelmed by their toys, try new selections with different movements, textures, and sounds. Change and rotation is key – even long-loved toys become mundane if constantly available. Frequently refreshing your cat’s environment keeps them engaged and satisfied. Consider getting a companion cat as well – playmates provide entertainment and enrichment.
With a little creativity and effort, it’s easy to provide a stimulating, engaging environment that keeps your cat’s mind and body active. And a cat that isn’t bored is a cat that’s less likely to get into mischief jumping on counters and furniture. Just be sure boredom isn’t masking an underlying medical issue.
Getting a companion
One potential solution for a cat that is suddenly jumping on everything is getting a feline companion. According to research, having two cats can provide many benefits over having just one cat. Cats are social creatures and a second cat provides companionship and an outlet for play and exercise (The impact of companion animal problems on society and implications for solutions).
Adopting a second cat allows your existing cat to expend energy through play and reduces boredom. Cats often play with each other more than they play alone with toys. Two cats may play, groom, or sleep near each other. This social interaction and play can improve mood, reduce stress, and provide mental stimulation (Impact of Lifestyle Choice on the Companion Cat).
When introducing a new cat, go slowly and properly introduce the cats over a period of days or weeks. Provide separate food, water, and litter boxes. Vertical space like cat trees, perches, and shelves helps cats comfortably share territory. With time, supervision, and proper introduction, two cats can provide companionship and entertainment for each other.
Using pheromone diffusers
Pheromone diffusers can help reduce stress and anxiety in cats by emitting synthetic pheromones that mimic the feline facial pheromone. This pheromone signals to cats that they are in a safe environment, triggering a calming response (https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/how-do-calming-dog-and-cat-pheromones-work). The diffusers steadily release these appeasing pheromones into the air to provide constant reassurance. Studies show pheromone diffusers can help with behaviors like vocalization, scratching, and urinary marking that often stem from stress or anxiety (https://www.webmd.com/pets/features/pet-pheromone-products-for-behavior-problems). The effects are calming without sedating the cat. Pheromone diffusers are easy to use – just plug them into an outlet near where the cat spends time. It may take a week or two for the full effects to be noticeable as the pheromones build up in the environment.
Ruling out litter box issues
Elimination outside the litter box is one of the top reasons cats are brought to shelters. This behavior can cause anxiety for both you and your cat. Make sure to rule out any issues with the litter box itself first.
Check that you are keeping the litter box clean and scooping out waste at least once a day. Cats prefer a clean litter box and may begin eliminating elsewhere if the box becomes too dirty. Remove any litter that has gotten stuck to the bottom or sides of the box. Replace the litter regularly as well, as cats don’t like old, smelly litter.
You should also have at least one litter box per cat in the household, plus an extra. Place boxes in quiet, low traffic areas. Some cats dislike covered boxes, so try removing the lid. Location near loud appliances or in busy rooms can deter use. Following these tips helps set your cat up for success with using the litter box.
If issues persist even with a clean, accessible litter box, your cat may have developed a substrate preference for a different litter material or location. Discuss options with your veterinarian. But first be sure to rule out medical causes.
When to call the vet
If your cat’s jumping and climbing have increased significantly, it’s important to rule out any underlying medical issues. According to the VCA Animal Hospitals, changes in a cat’s activity level can signal illness or injury [1]. While some extra jumping and playing is normal, excessive activity or restlessness can sometimes be a sign your cat is in pain or discomfort.
For example, cats may start jumping on counters or furniture if they have arthritis, dental disease or other painful conditions that make movement difficult [2]. The excess energy and restlessness is their way of coping. Cats also tend to become more active when their appetite decreases with illness. The increase in activity expends energy when they aren’t getting calories from food.
Make an appointment with your veterinarian if your cat’s jumping seems excessive, frantic, or is accompanied by other signs like vocalizing, loss of appetite, or litter box avoidance. The vet can examine your cat for conditions causing pain and prescribe treatments to help, such as pain medication or joint supplements. With treatment for the underlying cause, your cat’s activity levels should return to normal.
Getting an annual exam is also important to make sure your cat’s behavior and activity levels remain appropriate for their age. Your vet can address any health issues early before they become more problematic.
[1] https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/recognizing-signs-of-illness-in-cats
[2] https://www.thesprucepets.com/when-to-call-the-vet-552168
