Please Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Welcome to the Cat Behavior FAQ section, where we attempt to decode the baffling and often hilarious antics of our feline overlords. Ever wondered why your cat stares at you like you just insulted their favorite toy, or why they suddenly sprint across the room as if they’re training for the Olympics? Here, we’ll delve into the mysterious world of cat quirks—like their inexplicable obsession with knocking things off tables (is it a sport or an art form?) and their uncanny ability to sleep in positions that defy all laws of physics.
Why does my cat purr?
Cats make sounds similar to humans, although a typical cat's sounds can vary widely in terms of tone and pitch. The most well known sound made by a cat is a meow which has many meanings, the most common of which is a greeting. Turning, pulling back their ears, and making low growling sounds while opening and closing their mouths are all indicators of a annoyed cat.
When feeling safe, happy or relaxed, cats can be heard purring which is sometimes accompanied by rubbing against other cats to increase bonding. Cats can also fiercely protect their territory which has been known to cause them to go into a bad mood, sometimes leading to aggression targeting other cats or trees.
As a point of fact, cats usually grow out of their aggressive phase thanks to their mother teaching them the value of self control.
Handy Amazon Shopping Directory for Cat Supplies
Cat Food - Cat Toys - Cat Health - Grooming - Carriers - Cat Beds - Apparel
Furniture - Cat Doors - Collars - Feeding/Watering - Flea/Tick Control - Treats
What does it mean when my cat kneads?
Nursing a cat causes it to knead and that influences the following:
1. They derive happiness which brings contentment: In most cases cats knead simply because they are happy or comfortable. Cats may knead when they are being petted, or they settle in a warm spot to rest.
2. Young kittens engage in this kneading activity: In the course of feeding, kittens push around their mother’s belly’s area so that milk will flow freely. Such acts may persist in adult cats as an instinctual comfort mechanism when they were still kittens.
3. Cats feel their paws are scent glands, kneading for them is like rubbing their scent onto something and marking it as theirs: It is also possible that cats will use kneading to encompass a more extensive area with their scent as they have scent glands embedded in their paws.
4. Cats knead when highly anxious or during a stressful situation: Camouflaging anxiety and stress is what some cats use kneading for.
Cat's emotional state is expressed in the most positive manner through kneading.
How can I stop my cat from scratching furniture?
Cats make great companions, but we all know how territorial they can be, which can lead to the destruction of your apartment's style. If you’re interested in trying to prevent such actions, you might want to try out some of the listed strategies.
First, try providing several scratching posts to your cat to see if it will move the itch away from your couch. If your cat still proceeds to scratch your couch, you can try positioning the scratching posts near the area your cat is scratching and placing it in their more accessible regions. Even so, as an added incentive, consider applying some catnip onto those scratching posts. If you still find your cat destructing your furniture, you can opt to use special sprays which are scratch-resistant as an extra measure.
In the unfortunate event that your cat does scratch the furniture, furniture covers might do the trick as an additional layer of defence. If training doesn’t go according to plan, you can always trim your cat’s nails, however, that should be a final resort. Treats or toys should work fine, and not only do they allow you to observe your cat in a prankster-like fashion, but they also serve as a great distraction to prevent your cat from getting bored and eventually will lead your cat to scratch things.
Last but not the least, don’t forget to reward your cat during positive reinforcement, otherwise, your cat won't stop using the scratching post instead of furniture. In the end, if all else fails, consulting a veterinarian on behavioral training is a good option to consider. It is important to note though, that in order for the above mentioned strategies to work, you must be repetitively instigating your cat to scratch their desired item which could be fulfilling their natural urge to scratch.
How can I stop my cat from biting or scratching me?
You should implement the following techniques in order to minimize your cats’ biting or scratching you;
1. You should not play rough: Do not try to make use of hands and legs while playing. Stick to Us ing of interactive toys to maintain safety.
2. Distracting Actions: Get to know the signs that keep the cat from becoming overly stimulated and irritated (e.g. twitching tail or bent ears) and back off.
3. Control and Pivot: Guide your cat’s focus to a toy whenever they begin to scratch or bite.
4. Be Positive: Use praise in combination with treats to reinforce appropriate molding.
5. Be Creative: Almost everyday you should get the toys out to better keep the cat entertained otherwise anger might build up.
6. Be Discretionary: If there is any scratching or biting while playing in one minute file a distance to cut off the time of playing.
7. Move Wisely: On a daily basis a few minutes should be set aside to lessen aggressive behavior.
8. Ask the help from a professional: If the option of biting has not worked than there might be an infection or trauma otherwise go to the nearest clinic.
Over the years it Persistence and Patience that work the best whenever you want to get your cat to change behavior.
Why do cats sometimes knock things off tables?
For various reasons, stability is not the strong point for items residing on tables, especially with curious cats lingering about.
1. Cats are quite curious beings, and they would knock objects over just for kicks, to see how their surroundings are.
2. To a good number of cats, many objects double up as toys to play with. Swatting them while playing simulates the hunting instincts which are quite mentally engaging.
3. If the cats see shattering something gets you riled up, they would more often than not do it on purpose.
4. Cats sometimes want to move or remove items from their vicinity just so that they can establish their authority over space and items.
5. Instincts are quite strong, and for cats in the wild, as offspring in their new environment, they would most likely look for a place to hide, so knocking objects so as to get slay in some vertebrate creatures wouldn’t be a surprising move.
6. Oh the boredom! A house cat without any external stimulation is bound to precipitate quite a number of items at home for some gratification in form of amusement.
If this understanding of your cat’s motivations in relation to their adoption of certain behavior patterns is in place, it would be much easier to manage their curiosity by playing ball with them or giving their energy and curiosity a different outlet.
What is the reason for my cat’s sudden bursts of energy (zoomies)?
Cats have well-defined characteristics which help owners understand them better. One such characteristic that can be commonly observed in cats is the hyperactive phase for a short duration known as ‘cat zoomies’. Here are the reasons which explain this behavior:
1. Predatory Behaviour: For a beloved pet that is also an avid hunter at heart, zoomies mimic the adrenaline of the classical chase.
2. Play Acting: Cats like to expend energy through playing with balls and toys especially if they are asleep or bored.
3. Excessive Energy: If your feline friend has not gotten enough mental or physical stimulation throughout the day, then they may go all out in one go.
4. Dealing With Stress: Whenever a cat feels an unusually large amount of stress or anxiety, zoomies are a way for them to combat it, as they are focusing on absoring that energy rather than getting overwhelmed by their environment.
5. Pet Togetherness: Zoomies can also be observed when the cat is playing with the owner or other pets, it highlights the excitement the cat is feeling due to the interaction.
6. Developmental Ages: Younger cats having more energy tend to have a lot more hyperactive episodes aka zoomies, as compared to older cats who require stimulation.
Though these can be some of the common behaviors amongst cats, one can assist in controlling the cat’s energy via regular playtime.
Why does my cat hide when guests come over?
Cats may choose to run and hide when there are guests in the house for a number of reasons:
1. The cat might be shy with new people and is afraid of approaching such unfamiliar individuals; hence it might feel insecure and hide which it perceives is safe.
2. Cats tend to have space issues and if they feel that visiting people some how enter in their territory, they will not hesitate to avoid contact by hiding.
3. Some cats are sensitive to sounds and activities caused by visitors, such cats would feel too much noise and great activity even in a clipped interaction, hence hiding will help the cat to unwind.
4. Not all cats have the same temperament, while some love to interact with every new person who comes in the house, others enjoy being the lone wolf as they prefer the same people all the time.
5. If in the past the cat has had unfortunate encounters with unknown human beings then it will certainly associate such guests to stress and danger.
If you want to help your cat, give it a safe area where it can find some comfort and let them slowly, depend on their comfort, seek out the visitors.
How can I tell if my cat is happy or stressed?
The body language of your cat will mostly determine their mood, whether happy or stressed.
### Indicators of a Satisfied Cat:
1. Purring: A regular sign of satisfaction.
2. A Relaxed Body: Slightly open legs, elevated tail, and normal or slow blinking.
3. Playfulness: Showing interest and participating in activities, such as playing.
4. Kneading: Where paws are dug into delicate surfaces like a kitten would.
5. Affection: Rubbing or butting their head against you and following you.
### Indicators of a Stretched Cat:
1. Hiding: Going for places where no one can see them to stay away from danger.
2. Aggression: Hissing/swatting and even biting when around other people.
3. Over-Grooming: An indication of stress which is not good for a cat.
4. Talkative: When in discomfort. Left alone, a cat would yell and meow a lot.
5. Lack of Food or Water: A sign that a cat is going through stress as they are not eating or drinking as they usually do.
Once you are familiar with these behaviors, it will become easier to decipher your cat’s overall mood as well as any triggers that may be causing them stress.
What does it mean when my cat stares at me?
Your feline may be looking at you for a number of reasons when she stares.
1. Appreciation: If your cat slow blinks at you while staring, it means that your cat trusts you and loves you. This is known as a cat kiss.
2. Interest: Creatures of April, cats tend to be explorers at heart. Maybe your cat wants to know what you are doing or just looking around.
3. Predator’s Behavior: Possibly, your kitty is observing the movement and is still, aiming on becoming a prey or an animal hunter.
4. Playfulness: Your pet would also want to interact in different ways like during playtime, during petting or even when hungry.
5. Fund of Stares: Staring is a way to converse for cats, A stare at an individual may also mean aggression towards the stand taken by the other person.
Stare’s complement can be the stay of the head, torso or other parts of the body and surrounding things. This will help explain the situation better.
Why do cats bring "gifts" to their owners?
As it turns out, there are a number of plausible explanations as to why cats leave “gifts” for their humans.
1. Hunting Skills - Cats have a natural instinct to hunt. They may bring back pets such as mice and birds not as food for you but simply because they enjoy doing it or feel the need to do so.
2. Providing for the Family- A pet cat considers its human to be a part of its family. You cat may bringing gifts or catching mice and birds for you only because he wants to share his success with you.
3. Looking for attention - Or it may be that cats expect their owners to congratulate them after a successful hunt. A cat expects you to shower praise.
4. Toys - Cats are playful creatures and whatever they want to bring may well be just a toy which they would use for entertainment.
5. Wanting attention - More often than not, if your cat wants more attention, making her bring gifts for you will help her.
Understanding this behavior can help make your relationship between you and your cat even better!
How can I prevent litter box issues related to behavior?
To help your kitty adjust to the litter box, there are several things that can be done:
1. Clean the litter box regularly, at least every day to remove any excrement, as well as changing the litter as cats and puppies dislike unpleasant scents.
2. Avoid placing the litter box near cat’s food and water or in high traffic areas. It is always best to keep the litter box in a quiet place that is easy for the cat to get to.
3. Give each cat a separate litter box and a couple of extra ones. For example, for one cat, the best idea would be to place two boxes so that this never leads to any territorial conflicts.
4. Cats do not seem to be enamored by one brand of litter and or type, so let the kitty try different options like non-clumping and clumping.
5. Lastly, if a lid is required for additional privacy add that but also ensure the box is roomy enough for the cat.
6. Try to use multiple tools to calm a pet if they seem to be frightened or anxious, such as pheromone diffusers.
7. Lastly, if the stress seems unbearable for the cat, it might indicate a medical problem such as a kitty urinary tract infection , therefore multiple veterinary appointments should be scheduled.
8. Positive Reinforcement: Praise your cat for utilizing the litter box properly so as to create an appropriate habit.
As a result of dealing with these aspects, litter box related behavioral problems can be avoided.
Why does my cat follow me around the house?
Cats may follow you for a number of reasons:
1. Affection: Your cat clearly appreciates your presence and wants to be comforted by you.
2. Curiosity: As a matter of fact, they are very curious creatures and wish to see what you are doing.
3.Hunting Instinct: It could be that they think you are part of their ‘hunting party’ or perhaps, you are a source of fun for them and expect playtime with you.
4. Routine: They may tend to follow you because they know that at certain periods of the day, you play or provide them with food.
5. Seeking Attention: A cat can seek your attention for various reasons such as: they might want you to pet them or they want to play with you.
6. Anxiety or Stress: There are also some cats who follow their masters due to insecurity or anxiety; in this case their master’s presence acts as a stress reliever for them.
Having insight of a cat’s behavior will make it easier for you as an owner to enhance the bond you have with them and also ensures they are at ease in their surroundings.
What should I do if my cat is overly aggressive toward other pets?
If your cat exhibits hostility towards your other pets here are some tips you may try.
1. Establish separate areas: You can minimize stress and territorial disagreements by assigning specific spaces to every pet.
2. Gradual Exposure: Introduce the pets gradually after conduct scent exchanges or short sessions where they are supervised together to allow them to adapt to one another.
3. Retreat spaces: Ensure that there are places for your cat where it can go and feel safe and not see the other pets.
4. Positive interaction: Reward your cat with treats for being calm, in turn reducing the chances when it becomes aggressive.
5. Regular interaction: Play with your cat on a regular basis to use up energy, hence damaging aggression.
6. Observe aggression: Watch out for any indications of abuse, e.g. hissing or raised hair, and before situations grow worse, respond.
7. Visit a animal doctor: In case of increased violence, better consult a doctor, throwing aside health problems, or talk to an expert specializing in animal behavior about customized approaches.
It’s better to understand and take fights slow to gradually achieve an environment where all the pets can live together.
How can I help a shy or anxious cat become more confident?
Here are a few simple ways to help a timid or anxious cat to become a little more self-assured:
1. Secure familiar surroundings – Make a quiet spot in the house where the cat would want to go and feel safe.
2. Avoid at first too much trauma – Allow your cat to experience new people or places in small-scale and in a more gradual way.
3. Voicing the praise – Every time the cat ventures out, its special treat would be a good idea.
4. Encourage hunting games – Not only stimulating playtime can help in building the cat’s confidence.
5. Rest routines – Making the day the same way with feeding, games, and contact throughout can bring stability.
6. Low activity noise – Surround the cat in a low-stress space which has no sudden change to help lessen triggers in the cat.
7. Hormonal products – You might want to try synthetic hormones which help in creating calm spaces and adjusting the setting.
8. Wait for cats to stray – Try and not interact or be in too close contact with the cat or put undue pressure on it, for it takes time.
Thus, a positive and supportive backdrop would help the inviting or shy or scared cat grow confident step by step.
Why do some cats enjoy being held while others don’t?
Every cat’s personality varies which impacts to what extent they are comfortable being held. Some of the reasons that determine why some cats like being held while others dislike it include:
1. Socialization: Often in an environment where cats are given kinks younger, they get used to being picked up more often. This is why those cats love being held.
2. Temperament: Just like every human is different, so are cats. Some cats love cuddling and being more social while other cats prefer some distance and don’t cuddle as much.
3. Past Experiences: If a cat has been subjected to bad experiences during being held, it is likely that in the future they will be scared towards it.
4. Trust Levels: Every owner aims to have a strong bond with their cat so they can enjoy each other’s company more. Cats that feel safe are more likely to be comfortable being picked up.
5. Physical Comfort: For some kittens, being held can be uncomfortable especially due to their body type, or general sensitivity to touch.
6. Mood and Context: Cats can be moody as well; depending on their mood they might enjoy being held or prefer it when they are left alone.
It is really important to know and understand one of your cat’s traits and help them feel comfortable to have a better bond in the future.
What are the signs of play aggression in cats, and how can I manage it?
Felines’ play aggression is quite a usual behavior, particularly for young or circus-like cats. Let’s look at its signs and come up with ways to manage it.
### CONCERN IN FURRY PLAYMATES:
1. Pouncing and Stalking: During play, for example, a stalk pounce is another element where cats may stalk their owners or pets and start to attack them.
2. Biting and Scratching: In the course of fighting or some sibling tussle, when the pet is sure of getting it’s opponent down, it engages in scratching and biting which is pretty normal for cats and active kittens.
3. Chasing: At one sudden time when their energy peaks they run after a moving object which is not relevant, something like fingers or feet.
4. Hissing or Growling: As verbalization can include hiss and growl too which imply too much excitement or getting fed up with some things.
5. Dilated Pupils: Such a reaction is said to excite the cat or make it more aggressive.
ACCEPTABLE CONSTELLATION BY TEACHERS FOR CATS:
1. Provide Appropriate Toys: Wand toys, laser pointers, etc will do the job perfectly when it comes to children aiming these items at their hands or feet.
2. Scheduled Playtime: It would be helpful to establish set times to play with a cat as it would enable it to channel energy in a better way.
3. Avoid Rough Play: Do not be rough with a child as it will ingrained violent tendencies in him.
4. Teach ‘No’ Commands: Stop any behavior that seems unwanted from the child merely by saying no as they are preconditioned to remain calm at particular situations.
5. Create a Safe Space: Cats tend to get disturbed with too many people cut down on their anxiety levels by creating noises.
6. Monitoring Overstimulation: Observe any sudden movements of the tail or ears during play, this will help to estimate the emotions of your cats, also remember to take breaks when hitting the limits.
Recognizing these signs and also employing strategies can help preclude play aggression effectively whilst ensuring that the cat is animated and active.
How do I recognize signs of jealousy in my cat?
Understanding signs of jealousy in cats can be quite important so as to maintain the environment while ensuring that problematic behaviors are adequately addressed. Some of those signs include the following:
### Signs of Jealousy in Cats:
1. Aggressive Behaviour: Cats that have jealousy issues will often attack other pets including humans or will hiss or even swat them whenever they are being fed attention.
2. Changes in Vocalization: Binding or roaring more than usual whenever another pet is being attented to by being played with or petted.
3. Attention Seeking Behaviour: Getting siiuitable attached to the pet parent, following them everywhere, or touching them and expecting them to pay more attention by sitting on their lap.
4. Territorial Behavior: Making a habit of urinating anywhere other than the litter box when new pets are introduced into the household or using furniture as a means to scratch whenever such situations arise.
5. Withdrawal or Social Isolation: Hiding or becoming unsocial or ungroomed when new dominant pets come into the household.
6 Disruption of Routine: Acting difficult when there is a a new pet in the house, change in the schedule or even new people visiting the house.
7. Change in Eating Patterns: Developing increased appetite to eat more whenever some competing factor drives them away from their pet parent or vice versa.
### What to Do:
- Devote Equal Attention to each cat.
- Make Sure Each Pet Gets Their Own Space and Supplies.
- Brining in New Pets Slowly and Observing Their Behavior
- Reinforce minimal calmness in a person by giving a reward whenever introductions and interactions are held.
Considering these signs and taking the necessary interventions can help minimize the jealousy issues and enable a more moderated atmosphere for your cats.
Why does my cat vocalize so much, especially at night?
1. Primarily instincts: Do cats think about food constantly? This behavior comes naturally. They scream out to rosters of prey while foraging for food.
2. Attention: A cat’s frequent meowing can be equated with a toddler’s nagging as they look for instant attention.
3. Lack of interest: The cat didn’t get stimulated for too long which is why it would cry or meow to amuse itself.
4. Discomfort: Sometimes shouting and crying aggressively may lead others to think of hypertension. A crying overactive cat may have cognitive dysfunctions.
5. Certain Dependes: The presence of cats or females may trigger some noises within a cat.
6. New place: The new creatures, habitats or altering the habitation may make a cat allway souring when stressed.
### What You Can Do:
- For the day, keep a number of interactive toys and playtime handy so that the feeding and play will be low during nights.
- Import feeding puzzles and climbing devices for some mental stability.
- If allergies are a matter of concern visit the vet for a thorough examination of the pet.
- If it has not already been done, consider spaying/neutering.
- Establish a night time atmosphere to help them settle down.The understanding of the purpose of the vocalization can help address other needs of the cat completely.
How can I train my cat to use a scratching post instead of furniture?
Training a cat to stop furniture scratching involves the following steps:
1. Get the Correct Scratching Post: It is important to note that cats may have differing preferences when it comes to the scratching material and other items. Therefore, consider the following; Try to purchase only a robust post that is adequate in height for a full stretch of the cat , carpets, sisal and cardboard are some materials that help customize their needs.
2. Correct Placement: Given the love of cats for certain areas, it may be wise to place the post closer to such points or even where they prefer scratching furniture. The diversity in post preferences has prompted the use of vertical and horizontal posts.
3. Start Using: Spraying the scratching post with catnip is a great way to get your feline friend attracted to the post. The use of toys also encourages them to play and climb the post. You may also use treats as positive reinforcement when you cat uses the post as it is very effective in training.
4. Encourage the Cat to Scratch the Post: If they are with the furniture, calmly place them beside the scratching post while offering them a reward until they noticed the post.
5. Avoiding Furniture Scratching: The cat may not initially use the post due to their lack of familiarity, this can be addressed by using protectors and double sided tapes on the furniture. In the early stages this will discourage furniture scratching.
6. It is important to highlight the patience aspect here: Cats need time to adjust and get trained to the scratching post. So, be consistent in encouraging its use and be patient.
7. If space permits, place more than one scratching post around the house so that your cat is not limited to only one.
In this way, with proper environment set around the post and proper behavior modification techniques implemented, scratching can be appropriately taught to the cat.
What behaviors indicate that a kitten is ready for adoption?
As pets are becoming common in households, it's only natural to consider the addition of a kitten, however, if you do, make sure that you tick these boxes so that the kitten doesn’t have any issues with adjustments after adoption.
1. Socialization: Kittens should be exposed to people as well as animals in such a way that they seem focused or calm at the same time. Purring, sitting on ones lap, and playing would be activities engaged by the kitten.
2. Playfulness: It is a good sign that a kitten is healthy if they are jumping around attempting to interact with others or are diving into toys. This would mean that they have a good energy level and are well developed.
3. Eating Independently: If a kitten is eating on its own and drinking water without an adult cat, it is a sign that the kitten can be adopted since it indicates that the kitten is ready to get weaned off fully.
4. Litter Box Training: It would be an indication of good hygiene if the kitten used the litter box even after being taught basic commands.
5. Health Checks: Any signs of diseases in a kitten can be fatal as it can lead to additional problems; thus, ensuring all checks are done including getting recommendations from a vet as well as ensuring the kitten had necessary shots.
6. Proper Age: Kittens that are eight weeks old can be adopted since at that age they are fully developed and ready to be on their own.
7. Behavioral Stability: A confident kitten will not show aggressive or fearful actions and will not behave in a timid way as it would be able to explore its surroundings freely.
Keeping in mind such behavioral tendencies, one if even planning to adopt a new kitten should consider them for an overall successful adjustment of the kitten in the house.
Back to the Main Cat FAQ Directory

Kevin Collier is a dedicated feline enthusiast and expert contributor at CatFAQ.com, where he shares his knowledge on cat health, training, and overall well-being. With years of experience caring for and studying cats, Kevin provides insightful tips and practical advice to help cat owners nurture and understand their pets better. His passion for enhancing the human-animal bond shines through in his articles, making them a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their cat’s quality of life. Whether it’s training techniques or health care tips, Kevin aims to empower cat owners with the information they need to ensure their furry companions thrive.