Introduction:
Cats communicate and behave in ways that are often misunderstood by their caregivers, leading to confusion or frustration. However, these behaviors are not driven by malice or jealousy but are instinctual and natural. To ensure a harmonious relationship with your cat, it’s essential to learn how to interpret their signals. From night-time vocalizations to litter box issues, understanding why your cat acts in certain ways can help you address their needs effectively. This article explores the most common feline behaviors, offering insights and solutions to support a better connection with your pet.
The behaviour of some cats is not always understood by their caregivers. This is due to a different way of communicating and interpreting the signals the cat sends us. Today, let’s address the most common considerations and questions in this area. None of the behaviours presented here is due to cat malice or jealousy. These terms are completely foreign to cats; they are acting instinctively and do not want to upset their caregivers. It’s a good idea to observe and learn to read discrete messages so you can react immediately and possibly help your cat.
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Why is my cat making noises at night?
Cats can vocalize for a variety of reasons, in different tones and volumes. It is their way of communicating with humans. The stimulus may be pain, hunger, a search for interest, heat, or a desire to blackmail or obtain something out of reach of cats. However, the most common cause of loud meowing is insufficient play before bedtime. These animals have a natural nightlife. This is when the hunting instincts and play instincts of these natural predators are heightened. This is a completely natural process, and you should not blame your pet for it. If you work systematically, you can find a compromise that works for both of you. All you have to do is stick to the hunting approach, which involves respecting your cat’s natural day phases, i.e. sleep – hunting (fun) – eating – grooming. This will help to avoid frustration in your cat, which can include excessive vocalization. You should play with your cat for an hour and a half before going to bed and then feed your cat. All cat toys, cat sticks and cat games will help. No amount of effort before bedtime will guarantee that your cat will hunt, attack, play alone, or meow in the middle of the night.
However, if we are sure that the cat is in good health, we have made sure that it has the necessary resources (clean litter box, fresh water), has played and has been fed; we should not react to the meowing. It is probably an attempt to get attention, a form of blackmail. By responding, you are only teaching the cat that she can get what she wants by vocalizing, and she will begin to repeat this method.
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Why won’t the cat eat?
Kittens take their food preferences from their mother when they are still kittens. What the nursing cat eats affects the taste of the milk and shapes the kitten’s taste buds. Also, cats don’t like change and often instinctively won’t try new foods, basically out of fear of new products. If you have a fussy kitten at home who won’t try new things and is stubbornly attached to a particular food, it’s best to slowly and gradually switch to a new, better food.
If the consistency of the food remains the same, but you are switching to a different type of food (dry to dry, wet to wet), it is best to mix the previous mixture with the new one, increasing the amount of the new food each day. A cat is more likely to taste the odour that it recognizes, and this will help to prevent possible digestive problems. If you decide to switch to a completely different type of food (from dry to wet), it is best to start feeding the wet food immediately, but use your cat’s favourite treats, such as sauces and jelly, and sprinkle them on top of the dry food.
If we have the opportunity, it is worth switching the pregnant cat to the right and valuable food.
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It is important to remember that starvation is very dangerous for cats. Studies suggest that not eating for a little over 12 hours can cause liver damage in cats. If your cat has stopped eating and is lethargic, contact your veterinarian immediately. However, it is common for a cat to refuse to eat when the food is changed. If adding extra treats doesn’t help, go back to the original food mix and repeat the process more slowly.
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Why doesn’t my cat like his litter box?
It is very annoying and difficult to get your cat to pee outside the litter box. Cat urine has a strong smell and stays on the surface for a long time. This behaviour can be caused by both health and behavioural problems. Never underestimate the signs and act as soon as the first symptoms appear. The caregiver should be sensitive if the cat suddenly sits in the litter box for a long time, vocalizes before or after, and has not done so before. Often, your cat’s signals are so subtle that they are barely noticeable, and the effect is already visible – faeces on the floor.
It is important to remember and consider that an unaltered cat will always mark its territory in mild cases with urine and in severe cases with faeces. This is a natural reflex, and the only way to change it is to neuter the cat. This should be done as early as possible. Otherwise, it will become the norm, and it will be difficult to get rid of this unpleasant habit.
In a neutered cat, health problems are the most common cause of litter box avoidance. Kidney stones, constipation, bladder, kidney, urethra, etc., are extremely uncomfortable conditions, and the pain they cause begins to be associated with the litter box, leading to its avoidance. The caregiver’s response to any alarming signals should be to consult a veterinarian and perform the necessary tests. Behavioural cases of litter box avoidance are quite varied, and the cause may vary from individual to individual. Constant stress, anxiety and tension in the cat, wrong location of the litter box, too few litter boxes for the number of cats, inappropriate litter, dirty or overly scented litter box, wrong size, covered litter box instead of open litter box (and vice versa), etc. can all influence the cat’s reluctance to use the litter box.
If your kitten is doing things outside the litter box, it may mean that she has not yet learned that the litter box is the best place to do it. As soon as you notice your kitten peeing in the wrong place, gently guide her to the litter box and praise her. Under no circumstances should she be punished.
Any urine odour-neutralizing and discouraging liquid, such as Urine Off, may also help solve the problem.
Is my cat scratching maliciously?
Absolutely not! Scratching different surfaces is a grooming behaviour for your cat. She is using her claws, stretching, and leaving behind her own unique scent. Scratching is a way of marking territory. Cats have scent glands on the pads of their feet. When they rub these, they smell and find their way around the area more easily. If you don’t provide your cat with the proper scratching surfaces, i.e. scratches, he will easily redirect his instincts to something else that is not necessarily meant for him.
However, every cat has its own preferences for scratching trees. There are upright scratches – vertical, horizontal or slanted. You can try to encourage your cat to use an already purchased scratching post by spraying it with catnip or playing on it. If your cat still won’t use one, try another one, this time in a different shape. Choosing the right scratching post has been an investment for many years.
Conclusion:
Understanding your cat’s behavior is key to providing a supportive environment where both the caregiver and the pet thrive. Cats are instinctual animals, and their actions are driven by natural impulses rather than negative emotions. By paying attention to their cues, creating a stimulating routine, and addressing any health or environmental issues, caregivers can foster a more peaceful and mutually satisfying relationship. Patience and consistent care are essential in recognizing and responding to your cat’s unique needs, helping them feel secure and happy at home.
FAQs:
- Why does my cat make noises at night?
Cats vocalize for various reasons, including hunger, discomfort, or attention-seeking. Often, it stems from their natural nocturnal instincts and insufficient play before bedtime. - Why is my cat refusing to eat new food?
Cats are resistant to dietary changes due to early preferences formed during kittenhood. Gradual introduction of new foods mixed with familiar ones can help ease the transition. - Why is my cat avoiding the litter box?
Litter box avoidance can be linked to health issues like urinary problems or behavioral factors such as stress, dirty litter, or an unsuitable litter box location. - Is my cat scratching the furniture on purpose?
No, scratching is a natural grooming and marking behavior for cats. Providing appropriate scratching posts in various shapes and materials will redirect this instinct. - What should I do if my cat won’t stop meowing at night, despite being fed and played with?
If your cat’s needs are met and they still meow, it may be an attempt to get attention. Ignoring the behavior will teach them that vocalizing doesn’t result in rewards. - How do I stop my kitten from peeing outside the litter box?
Gently guide your kitten to the litter box when they attempt to pee elsewhere. Use positive reinforcement and avoid punishment to help them learn the right behavior. - What are the signs my cat may have a health problem causing unusual behavior?
Prolonged litter box avoidance, lethargy, refusal to eat, or increased vocalization may signal a health issue, and you should consult a veterinarian immediately.
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