Behaviour & Training

If you have a cat that goes outside, you’re probably no stranger to having dead creatures turn up on your doorstep. While some cats may be more adept hunters than others, you may still find yourself wondering about the reasons behind this hunting behaviour. If you have an outdoor cat, it’s incredibly likely that you’ve had dead mice or birds turn up on your doorstep. This may range from just the occasional delivery to something that you’ve come to expect each and every morning. This tendency to bring us hunting gifts has baffled cat owners across the globe and many find themselves wondering about the reasons behind cat hunting behaviours. This is especially true when your cat is regularly fed and given all the attention and fuss they could possibly wish for! If you have a cat that’s an adept hunter, it helps to understand why they hunt. Why do cats hunt? Historically, cats weren’t kept as pets and fed by loving owners. They had to provide for themselves and hunt for their own food, like their big cat cousins such as lions and tigers. A limited amount of prey meant that only the most successful hunters survived and reproduced, so your four-legged friend is descended from hunting-savvy cat ancestors. Today, cat hunting is more about fun and entertainment. The mere sight and sound of prey triggers your cat’s hunting instinct which is hardwired into their brains. Quite simply, your cat is powerless to resist the flapping wings of a bird or the scuttling feet of a small mouse.

Cats are known for their independent natures, which is just one of the qualities that makes them such great pets! Most cats will be perfectly happy being left alone during the day, but if you need to leave them for longer, you may need to look into boarding catteries or cat sitting services. As cats snooze for around two thirds of their day (and even more in their senior years), they should be fine left to their own devices for shorter periods of time, as long as you give them plenty of love and quality playtime when they’re awake! However, if you’re going to be away for longer than a day, you’ll need to make sure that your cat is properly cared for. If you can’t find a willing friend, try a cattery or use a cat sitting service. Leaving cats at home Cats are home-loving, territorial creatures, so it can be easiest to find a way for your cat to be looked after at home when you go away. They’re unlikely to feel stressed if they’re in their usual environment with its familiar scents, sights and sounds.

If you have an indoor cat or one with limited access to outside, a litter tray is essential. Litter training kittens and cats is relatively simple and with this helpful guide your furry friend will be using the tray confidently in no time! Your cat’s natural instincts will usually find them wanting to go to the toilet outside, but many cats like to have a litter tray indoors too. It’s usually best to start with cat toilet training from a young age, but older cats can still be taught to use a litter tray. In fact, they may even find it beneficial as their joints are stiffer and they lack the same energy to go outside. If you’re new to litter training kittens or cats, you may be wondering where to start. That’s why we created this guide to tell you everything you need to know, from what you’ll need to get started to how to get your new kitten accustomed to using the tray. Getting the perfect cat litter tray If you’re just starting out litter training kittens, ensure you use a low-sided plastic tray at first for easy access. When they’ve grown a bit, you’ll want to swap to a larger and deeper tray to give them enough room to turn around and prevent kicking up and scattering the litter all over your home.

Cats love sharing your home with you – for them, it’s somewhere familiar and comforting where they can feel safe, secure and relaxed. When you’re moving house with your cat, it’s bound to be disrupting, stressful and disorientating, for both of you! However, there are things you can do to help your cat keep calm during and after the move to help them feel comfortable in their new surroundings. In the build up to the big move, your home will start to feel unsettled for your feline friend; packing boxes, strangers wandering in and out, new scents and the emptying of once-familiar rooms can all add to their anxiety. If your cat is used to staying with some familiar friends of yours or in a cattery, it may be a good idea to have them stay there for a short break to spare them the stress. If you decide on a cattery, book well in advance and make sure all their vaccinations are up to date. Read our article on cat sitting and catteries for more helpful tips and advice. If you’d prefer to keep your cat with you during the move, set aside a quiet room in your old house and leave it untouched until the very last minute. Get them accustomed to that room about a week before you move by placing their bed, litter tray, toys, food and water bowls in there. It will soon feel like their home within a home, and allow them a haven away from the hustle and bustle in the rest of the house! "Once you’ve moved home with your cat you need to give them at least a week to get used to their new surroundings before you let them go outdoors."

Our pets are our loyal family members and as such, it’s only natural that we want our children to share a strong bond with them too. Find out how to teach children to care for dogs and cats with our guide. Pets are members of our families, and the bond we share with them is one we also want to nurture in our children. Here are some things you can do now to help strengthen this bond and give your child a sense of purpose by involving them in the care of a family pet. Let Children Play a Part in Pet Training and Games Time at home creates an excellent opportunity to get older kids involved in training family pets. According to Purina behaviorist Dr. Annie Valuska, “This can be a trick, like high-five or roll over, or something you’ve been meaning to work on, like getting your pet used to nail trims, their pet carrier, that new harness, the vacuum cleaner or finally conquering loose-leash walking.” Just as with human friends, playing together brings kids and pets closer. We suggest games to play with your dog or cat, such as hide and seek or the cup game, in which the pet has to find a treat hidden under one of three overturned cups. Empowering kids to lead pets in these games creates an excellent development opportunity for everyone. Once your pet and child figure it out on their own, you will see the ‘Eureka’ moment in action with lots of tail-wagging, jumping around and excitement! Encourage Responsible Treating When it comes to training and play, different pets need different types of encouragement. While treats are usually popular with pets (and kids enjoy giving them) it’s important to teach kids that for pets, too many treats each day can be unhealthy. As an alternative to always handing out treats, encourage your child to discover other things that might motivate your pet; it might be time with a specific toy, or social interaction, such as petting or praise. Give Children a Role in Pet Exercise With families spending their days at home, taking breaks for exercise is essential for everyone’s mental and physical health. This is a great opportunity to let older children take charge of some of the exercise for family pets. This can be as simple as choosing the route for a family walk or run or setting the time when it will take place. If a park is involved, be sure to confirm whether the facility is open.

Most cats are home lovers, so travelling anywhere else with them can make them stressed. Some journeys are unavoidable, so when travelling with cats it’s important to know how you can make your feline friend feel comfortable. We’ve put together some cat travel tips to help everything run smoothly. Cat car travel Knowing how to travel with cats in the car is the most useful place to start. If you’re confident and in control, and you understand how to keep your cat calm, the journey can be relatively stress-free for both of you.

Whether you’re a first time cat owner or have a long term feline friend, there will be times where you wish you could know what your cat is thinking. Understanding Cats’ Body Language Sometimes you might wonder about a change in your cat’s behaviour and what that could mean, or would like to know how you can tell if your cat is happy. Although cats might seem hard to read, there are lots of tell-tale signs that will give you an insight into what your companion is thinking, and what kind of mood they’re in! You’ll probably be able to tell some of your cat’s more obvious moods already from their body language, facial expressions, vocalisations and tail movements. But looking out for some other signals, such as the following cat tail signs and body postures, can tell you even more. Cats have a wide range of basic emotions – they feel happy, sad, afraid, relieved and even frustrated, just like us humans! The key to a good relationship with your cat is learning how to recognise these emotions, and respond where needed. Watch this great video guide on cat body language from our friends at Cats Protection, presented by their Cats Behaviour Manager Nicky Trevorrow.

Curling up with your cat as she purrs is a comfort to all pet owners. It’s a sign she’s happy, content and feeling settled on your lap, enjoying lots of fuss and attention – or is it? We all know that cats express their feelings by purring, in the same way that when we’re happy we smile and dogs wag their tails. Purring cats aren’t always happy cats though, and there’s lots of mystery around why they purr and how they make this mystical sound. Previous scientific research has shown that cats don’t just purr when they’re happy but also when they’re distressed or afraid. Purring is a defence mechanism and a way to keep calm in stressful situations. You’ll often hear your cat purring at the vets as she’s being examined, but be careful not to mistake this as a happy sound! It’s more likely that your cat will be purring to calm herself down rather than enjoying the examination.

It’s no secret that cats love to sleep, but owners are often puzzled by this behaviour. How long do cats sleep, and how do you know if your cat is sleeping too much? This article will explain how and why cats love to sleep so much. How long do cats sleep for? On average, cats sleep between 13 and 16 hours in a 24-hour day; that’s roughly twice the amount that their human owners require. Although this does vary depending on age and personality, your cat will certainly spend far more time napping than you. Why do cats sleep so much? Fundamentally, cats are predators, and sleeping is vital to conserve their energy after hunts. Cats are anatomically and physiologically designedto hunt for their food, even if now you provide it for them in a bowl. Wild cats are commonly observed hunting their prey and then sleeping for extended periods of time; this is because hunting demands a huge amount of energy. Domestic cats are no different, and even if they are only hunting their favourite toy or chasing after a mouse, the effect is the same: they employ energy intensive techniques, such as stalking, pouncing, chasing and climbing. Your cat is on alert throughout their ‘hunt’, using high levels of adrenaline and energy to keep their body fuelled. All this means that despite the relatively short period when your cat is active, they use up disproportionately large energy reserves, resulting in the need for a well-deserved cat nap! Why do cats have a cat-nap? Cat sleeping habits aren’t quite like our own. Contrary to popular belief, cats aren’t nocturnal; they are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active around dawn and dusk. This sleeping pattern is due to their hunting instinct, which evolved so that they would be awake when their prey is at its most active. Cat’s eyes are also more adapted to night vision, allowing them to observe movement more clearly in low light. If your cat has been at all active during the night, their depleted energy reserves will mean that they will probably start the day with a nap. Although many cats continue to stay active during the night, many cats sleeping habits have adapted to sleeping during the night, as their owners do. More universal, though, is their choice to wake up at dawn to demand their breakfast!

Provide your kitten with safety and a sense of security. New kittens are dependent on you to help them stay safe and thrive in their new homes. Here’s what you can do to provide your kitten with safety and a sense of security: Give them time 10 to 12 weeks is the ideal age to adopt a kitten. Some are adopted as early as 6 weeks, but adoption at that age can be stressful for kittens and may make them fearful or shy. A kitten that has been gently handled by humans will be friendlier and more well adjusted, so look for inquisitiveness and confidence in a new kitten. Cover the basics Young kittens need a place to feel safe—something reminiscent of being surrounded by their mother and siblings. A blanket-lined cardboard box or cat bed can be a great replacement. For the first year, kittens require the extra protein and calories found in kitten-formulated foods, so be sure the food you choose is created just for them. Begin litter training by placing your kitten in the box after meals or right after waking and gently simulate digging with the kitten’s paws. Never punish a kitten for missing the box, and always praise him for using it correctly. Provide a scratching post to prevent furniture damage. Introduce new family members slowly Place the kitten in a quiet room, along with a bed, litterbox and food, until he gets adjusted. Introduce family members one at a time, providing extra oversight with children. Teach children how to gently interact with the kitten and remind them to wash their hands after handling him. Kitten-proof your home Bundle electric cords and place them out of the kitten’s reach. Put all small items away and remove poisonous plants and insect traps. Close the toilet seat lid, along with kitchen cabinets and the lids to washers and dryers. Go room by room Give your kitten the grand tour of the house, one room at a time. Try to prevent him from hiding under or behind furniture. To discourage climbing on the bed simply place him back on the floor when he jumps up or starts the climb. Prepare your other pets If you already have pets at home, be sure that they’re in optimal health before introducing a new kitten to the mix. To help ease anxiety, give older cats extra attention. Then allow them to approach the kitten briefly so that they can sniff each other. If they demonstrate physical hostility, separate them and try again in a few days. If you have a dog at home, don’t leave your new kitten alone with him. Introduce them with the dog on a leash. Prevent the kitten from running so the dog doesn’t try to give chase. And remember to reward all pets for their good behavior during these introductions. Keep playtime safe Choose toys designed with kittens in mind—nothing with any small parts that could be ingested. Small stuffed animals or feathers on the end of a small fishing pole are good picks. Get the first check-up Make a vet appointment within a few days of the kitten’s arrival and let the vet know the kitten is new to your home when you call. It can help to make a list of any questions you want to have answered. And be sure to talk to your vet about spaying and neutering, which can help prevent health issues and overpopulation. Typically, kittens can be spayed or neutered at 8 weeks of age—but you and your vet should decide when is best for your pet. Provide comfort while you’re away Secure the kitten in one room before you leave, and include a bed, litterbox, scratching post, toys, food and water. Consider adding a nightlight or leaving a light on if you’ll be gone all evening. You may want to try playing music or talk radio, too—the sounds can be soothing to a kitten that’s alone. Share twice the love Single kittens can get lonely—so consider a pair when you adopt! If you opt for just one, here’s a great way to help with loneliness: Wrap a ticking clock in a towel and place it near his bed—the steady sound is comforting, reminding him of his mother’s heartbeat. Then further ease his stress by picking him up and speaking to him in a soothing tone.

Learn More About Your Cat. • In terms of development, the first year of a cat’s life is equal to the first 15 years of a human life. After its second year, a cat is 25 in human years. And after that, each year of a cat’s life is equal to about 7 human years. • Cats can rotate their ears 180 degrees. • The hearing of the average cat is at least five times keener than that of a human adult. • In the largest cat breed, the average male weighs approximately 20 pounds. • Domestic cats spend about 70 percent of the day sleeping. And 15 percent of the day grooming. • A cat cannot see directly under its nose. • Most cats have no eyelashes. • Cats have five toes on each front paw, but only four on the back ones. It’s not uncommon, though, for cats to have extra toes. The cat with the most toes known had 32—eight on each paw! • Some believe that if you dream about a white cat, good luck will follow. • Meows are not innate cat language—they developed them to communicate with humans!

It’s a common misconception that cats will only wag their tails when they’re angry, but there’s actually loads of reasons why they may do this. Find out everything you need to know about cat tail language in this article. Acat’s body languagecan often be hard to decipher. Cats are very complex and the way they tell you how they feel isn’t always obvious. It’s really easy to misread your cat’s behaviour, which can often result in being swatted away by an unhappy kitty when you go in for a pet at the wrong time. One thing in particular that can help you understand how your furry friend is feeling is their tail. Contrary to popular belief, a cat’s tail is actually really expressive and can give you an invaluable insight into if they’re feeling playful, happy or scared. Keep reading to discover the secrets behind cat tail language and discover more about your cat’s emotions. Why do cats wag their tails? Unlike dogs, cats often wag their tails when they are angry or upset, but it’s not always the case. Cat tail language is really sophisticated and can be an excellent indicator to your kitty’s emotions. By paying attention to the direction and speed of your cat’s wagging tail, as well as the rest of their body, you can usually get a good grasp as to how they’re feeling. See our list of possible explanations as to why your cat is wagging their tail.