For several weeks my cat has decided that there is something at the top of all the doors in the house. He will sit and stare and meow at the tops of doors or he'll stand on his hind legs and stretch up as far as he can go to get closer. This started with the downstairs bathroom door and has expanded to most of the doors in the house. Could it be something living in the walls?

Although eye and neurological problems could cause this, most likely the cat senses something behind them.

This is an interesting question. Most likely, your cat is responding to a real environmental stimulus (mice, bugs, plumbing/running water, electricity and other "house sounds"), just as you suggested. Remember, a cat's eyesight and auditory (hearing) acuity are far superior to a human's. Since cats are also naturally curious, the slightest noise tends to attract their attention. It really only takes one such exposure to a real stimulus to induce your cat to engage repeatedly in this behavior. Your cat may actually be hearing the sounds at the top of all of the doors. Alternatively, he may have learned to associate an interesting sound with the top of the first door and now he anticipates hearing the sound at the top of all of the doors. If this is the case, through a process called habituation, your cat may cease to pay any attention to the doors. This may occur over a few days or months.

Other possibilities include an ophthalmic (eye) or neurological problem or a behavioral disorder. Beginning cataracts or scar tissue over a visual area of the eye could cause a cat to "see things." It is possible that a variety of abnormal conditions inside the eye could have a similar effect. A neurological disease of the brain or cranial nerves could also cause such behavior. A thorough neurological examination with various diagnostic tests would be the next step after ruling out an eye problem.

If this behavior is not caused by a real environmental stimulus and if your cat does not have any medical problems that contribute to his excess inquisitiveness, it is possible that this may be an obsessive-compulsive disorder or other behavioral problem.

If you cannot identify a noise in the house that your cat finds interesting, and if your cat continues this behavior, you should take him to your veterinarian for a complete physical examination, including eye and neurological exams. The doctor may find it necessary to conduct bloodwork and other tests in pursuit of a medical explanation. He or she may decide that referral for consultation with a veterinary ophthalmologist or neurologist may be appropriate. If your cat is found to be healthy, and a behavioral problem is suspected, your veterinarian may choose to refer you to a veterinary behaviorist.

05/04/06