Cats are known for their unique and often mysterious behaviours. From kneading to scratching to meowing, cats have a language all their own. If you're a cat owner, it's helpful to understand some of the reasons behind your feline friend's quirky habits. Here are some common peculiarities and what they might mean.

The Importance of Learning Your Feline's Body Language.

 As any cat owner knows, felines communicate largely through their body language. By paying attention to your cat's physical cues, you can become better at understanding and predicting their behavior. For example, a low tail indicates that your cat is feeling nervous or threatened, while an erect tail usually signals excitement or confidence. Similarly, flattened ears and overly dilated pupils can be signs of aggression or fear. Learning to read your cat's body language can help you identify when they're feeling stressed or uncomfortable and take steps to remedy the situation before it becomes a bigger problem.

Understanding Common Cat Behaviours, Including Biting and Scratching.

Understanding common cat behaviors is essential for any cat owner, especially when it comes to biting and scratching. While cats naturally exhibit these behaviors during play or when feeling threatened, it's important to distinguish playful bites and scratches from those motivated by aggression or fear. You can observe your cat's body language to determine the underlying motive. For instance, if your cat is hissing, arching their back, or has dilated pupils, they might be frightened or defensive. In such cases, avoid engaging with your cat until they calm down.

If your cat's behavior seems unpredictable or poses a danger to themself or others, consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist for advice on how to address the issue. 

How to Calm Down a Cat: The Most Effective way.

If you're a cat owner, you know that our feline friends can sometimes exhibit anxious or stressed behavior. Fortunately, there's a solution: Feliway. This product is designed to help calm cats in a variety of situations, from moving to a new home to introducing a new pet to the household. Simply plug in the diffuser and let it emit a synthetic feline facial pheromone that cats respond to. This can help alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety, such as urine marking, inappropriate scratching, and changes in appetite or behaviour.

With Feliway, you can help your cat feel more relaxed and comfortable in their environment.

The Meaning Behind Purring and Meowing.

 Purring is a common behavior exhibited by cats and can indicate a range of emotions. While often associated with pleasure or contentment, purring can also be used as a way for cats to calm themselves when they are feeling anxious or stressed. Meowing, on the other hand, is primarily used as a form of communication between cats and humans.

Cats may meow to greet their owners, solicit attention, or express hunger or discomfort. It's worth noting that some breeds of cats are more vocal than others and may be prone to meowing more frequently.

Understanding your cat's vocalisations and body language can help you better meet their needs and strengthen your bond with them.

Reasons for Litter Box Issues, and How to Address Them.

Litter box issues are one of the most common problems that cat owners face. If your cat is displaying unusual behaviors such as eliminating outside their litter box, it may be due to a variety of reasons. For example, health problems, stress, or changes in their environment can all lead to inappropriate elimination. It's important to address these issues promptly and consistently to prevent them from becoming habitual or worsening over time.

Consider changing the type of cat litter and location of the litter tray, and make sure it’s cleaned regularly. If you notice any signs of illness or stress displayed by your cat, consult with a veterinarian for further advice and treatment options.
It's a natural instinct for cats to bury their waste, and there are a couple of different reasons. Wild cats bury their poop to remain undetected in a territory that might belong to another cat and to remain undetected by potential predators. Conversely, they may leave their poop uncovered to mark their territory.

If your cat suddenly stops burying their poop, it could be a sign of a medical problem, that they don't like their litter, their litter box isn't big enough, or some other litter box dissatisfaction issue. 

Watching from high places

 Vertical spaces aren't just about watching and hunting prey, they are also for cats to get away from potential predators, or noise, and chaos that comes along with busy families (like kids, dogs, other cats, and even adults). Vertical spaces are a big part of environmental enrichment for cats, so you can never have too many vertical spaces for them to hang. 

Cats and boxes

Cats, much like little kids, often prefer to play with the box a gift came in over the toy itself. Put even the tiniest empty box on the floor and your furry pudge muffin will try to squeeze itself into it.
Felines are hunters and love to hide in small spaces before surprising their prey, making a box the perfect hideout. The texture of a box, often cool and smooth, can also feel good to a cat. Just make sure the box is safe to play in, free from staples and plastic packing.

Deciphering Odd Cat Habits, such as Kneading and Licking Plastic.

 Cats can display some peculiar behaviours that may seem odd to their owners, such as kneading or padding with their paws and licking plastic. Kneading or treading, is a natural behaviour that cats exhibit from kittenhood, often seen when they're nursing from their mother. It's a sign of contentment and relaxation, and many adult cats continue to knead well into adulthood when they feel happy or comfortable.

Licking plastic could be a form of pica or an iron deficiency, so it’s important to monitor your cat's behavior and diet. Providing appropriate toys and distractions can help curb unusual habits and ensure your cat is healthy and content.

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