Cat Behaviour 

Why Do They Do The Things They Do

When it comes to cat behaviour and temperament, an important point to remember is that a lot of it depends on the way the cat was raised as a kitten. If a cat has a difficult first couple of years, it can make him more defensive, less adventurous, have poor litter box habits, and can also cause nervousness or even weight gain. If you have a good breeder who makes sure their cats are well socialized, you shouldn't have this problem.

An ebook that you may find extremely helpful in dealing with cat behavioral problems is called Solutions To Cat Behavior Problems. It's a "must read" item that will prove invaluable to cat owners who want to be able to identity and tackle cat behaviour issues in their feline friends.

If you are thinking of bringing another cat into your household, it's important when introducing cats to do it slowly and to be cautious, so neither cat gets upset or is left feeling threatened.

If your cat suddenly starts to act differently, it could be caused by an injury or illness. It's best to have a vet give your cat a check up to rule this out.

Cat Behaviour - Common Traits

Cats are independent by nature, but don't like the feeling of solitude or being lonely. Here are a few things your cat may have done that‘s left you scratching your head, wondering why:

Putting a Toy in His Food or Water Bowl 

The likely reason your cat does this is to find a safe spot for his favorite toy. In the wild cats take prey back to their nesting area in order to hide it and protect it from others.

Massaging You With His Paws 

Cats are said to do this to express their affection for you. It is also said to be a sign that they feel comfortable, secure, and safe. However, many believe that this stems from the fact that they knead their mothers' stomachs as kittens in order to help the milk to flow and the habit stays with them. Many purr as they knead and massage, which indicates that no matter what their reason for doing it they are happy whilst they are doing it.

Playing All Night Long 

The most common reason that your cat is up playing at all hours of the night is because he has been sleeping all day long. It could also be due to the fact that cats are instinctively night hunters, so your cat’s body clock may still be on this type of schedule.

Drink Water From a Running Faucet 

Next time you turn your faucet on leave it dripping slightly for your cat. Cats love to drink from a dripping faucet, because it appeals to their sense of hearing, sight and even smell. Plus the water is much fresher than the water from their bowl.

TIP - It's important to change your cat’s water daily, and also to use a stainless steel water bowl. Water that's been out for just even a few hours has lost oxygen, and in turn, has lost much of its freshness.

Hissing While Being Pet 

You may start to think that your cat has taken a disliking to you, but this likely isn't the case. It is more commonly because he has grown tired of being pet and simply wants to be left alone for a while.

Another possibility is that he may be frightened by something on or around you.

You should also consider that he may be injured or in pain – if he gets aggressive when you stroke him in a particular area consider taking him to the vets to check that there is no injury or underlying medical issue.

Grinding His Teeth 

Cats sometimes make a grinding noise with their teeth. According to cat behaviour specialists, this is instinctive cat behaviour and something that many of them do in the wild when they are hunting a bird, or another type of prey.

Burying His Food Bowl 

Your cat could be doing this for a number of reasons. He may not be happy with location of the food, or the kind of food he is eating. He may think of his food bowl as prey, and bury it to save and eat later on.

Licking or Chewing Photographs & Plastic Bags

Cat behaviour specialists believe that some cats find the odor of film and plastic hard to resist. Some also believe that it is a way that cats try to nurse.

Rubbing His Head Against You & Your Shoes 

Your cat has scent glands on different parts of his body, underneath his chin, around his eyes and in various other places. Cats "mark" their scent on you, so other cats know that you are theirs.

Burying Outside of His Litter box 

If you see your cat scratching around the area of the floor near his litter box, he is likely trying to tell you that something is wrong. This could be issues such as he doesn't like the feel or smell of the kitty litter, the kind of box you're using, or where the box is located. If you want to completely eliminate having your cat use a litter box you should consider cat toilet training. 

Running Outside Whenever the Door Opens

You have probably had it happen before, where you walk out the door and your cat scurries outside. Cats are drawn to the outside because of the sights, sounds and smells. They also have a natural instinct to mate, which is why getting your pet spayed or neutered is a good idea. It will help keep them from straying. Another option is to offer them a spot where they can see the outdoors, such as a perch on a window, or try out some outdoor cat enclosures.

Making Lots of Noise and Meowing

Generally, when you think of noisy cats the Siamese comes to mind because of its talkative nature. But other breeds can be talkative too, if they are in need. If your cat is meowing excessively the chances are your cat is trying to let you know that something is wrong. This could be as simple as needing food or water, or they could be in some sort of pain. However, cats are very good at hiding pain and illness, which is something else to bear in mind.

Cat Biting

Sometimes cat biting can be a problem. This is why it is important to give your young kitten something appropriate to chew on. This way they learn what is ok to bite, and what is not. Sometimes after a cat is de-clawed he may start to bite out of frustration, and out of misplaced cat aggression. Something you can do to calm your cat is to find him another cat to play with, or get him a few more cat toys to distract him.

Kittens are born without teeth just like we are. They start to teethe at around 3 to 4 weeks old, and get their full grown teeth at around 8 months.

Cat Spraying

Another common cat behaviour problem is when cats start spraying. Cats either do this out of stress, or for territorial reasons. There are many things you can do to stop cat spraying.

All cats behave differently. Learn about siamese cat behaviour and discover what sets this breed of cat apart from the rest. 

 

Ask a Vet Online

Type your Cat question here

 letters left

---

Home » Cat Behaviour

---