Steam Data Reset?

Every so often, certain data linked to my Steam account just disappears, and it's almost as if I'm starting DST anew; but with all my belongings... All my mods become reset, all my settings become reset, all my belongings and clothing appear with the "new" tag, and most devastatingly, today my 34-something day catcoon I've been caring everyday since the Year of the Catcoon event began vanished, leaving just behind their collar...  *sob* :'( 

Is there a "ghost update" behind the scenes that resets everything? I heard that a new beta launched today? It is tedious to configure all my settings again and again. 

Also give me back my catcoon! >:(