Understanding Cat Behaviour

Much like humans, cats can have peculiarities and strong personalities, which can often be difficult to read. Whereas some cats like to be independent and to explore outside, some cats prefer to stay indoors and to show affection to their owners. Although they can sometimes be hard to decipher, most types of cat behaviour typically have a reason, and by understanding the reasoning behind it, cat owners can built a deeper connection with their pets.

We’ll be exploring some of the common behaviours of cats, why they do it, and the best way to respond as a pet owner.

Common Cat Behaviour

From kneading and purring to scratching and chewing, here are some of the most common types of cat behaviour and what you need to know about it. 

Kneading

A common behaviour that resembles kneading dough, it is often associated with comfort and contentment. The origin of this behaviour may be from wild cats treading down grass or foliage to lie atop of, or from newborns that helped stimulate their mother's milk production. A sign of affection and relaxation that is often accompanied by kneading, you should allow your cat to knead, however, if you're concerned about furniture damage, offer your cat a soft blanket or cushion to knead on.

Purring

Cats purr or vocalise for many reasons, and it can indicate happiness, contentment, relaxation or that they are self-soothing during stress. Purring is not typically a behaviour that you need to be concerned about, however, if your cat is purring excessively, you can consult the clinic to rule out any deeper issues.

Sudden Zoomies

Most animals get the zoomies, and cats are no different. Sudden bursts of energy that often occur after periods of inactivity or relaxation, cats release their pent-up energy to exercise their hunting instincts, or just to move. If your cat has the zoomies, you should let them have fun, as they may not be particularly happy if you don’t allow them to. If you're concerned about your cat’s safety, be sure to clear their environment of hazards, or entertain them with a toy.

Scratching

Cats shed for several reasons, whether they are cleaning old layers of skin, marking their territory, stretching their muscles, play-fighting, or if they feel threatened. Having scratching posts or trees is a good way to contain this behaviour, particularly if they are placed near their favourite resting spots. If your cat is being aggressive, be careful to avoid being hurt, as your cat might accidentally hurt you even if they don’t mean to.
Hiding
Cats are natural predators and hiding is an instinctual behaviour that helps them stay safe, which is why they may hide when feeling scared, stressed, or wanting to be alone. If your cat is hiding, allow them the freedom to do so, as they might be recharging. If you notice your cat hiding regularly or acting detached, it may be a sign of stress or anxiety, which you may want to consult one of our vets about.

Chewing

Chewing is a normal behaviour that can be caused by boredom, stress, dental problems, or just exploring their surroundings or new objects. Care must be made that your cat does not ingest a toy or part of a toy causing gastrointestinal obstruction. Giving your cat chew toys can allow them to do so without causing damage to furniture or anything else in your home. If the chewing becomes excessive or destructive, you may want to consult with your veterinarian. 

Each cat has their unique personality, and what is normal for some cats might not be normal for others. Some may exhibit behaviours more frequently than others, so it’s important that you consider your cat’s usual behaviour, and that you observe their behaviour patterns to better understand their needs.

Considering their body language and vocalisations can shed light into their mood and state of mind, however, if you are struggling to understand your cat's actions or they are displaying harmful behaviour, you may want to seek professional advice.

At Ripponlea we understand that your pet is like family, which is why we offer the very best care for your cat. From general checkups and advice to specialised treatments, our team can help.
 
Whether your pet is young or old, big or small, schedule an appointment with us to ensure your pet has the best quality of life!