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Cat BehaviorWhy Do Cats

Why Does My Cat Run Around The House At Night?

by Victoria
written by Victoria

Our cats are rarely on our schedules. These feline friends of ours always have their own agenda. They’re jumping on cabinets, napping, or pouncing on their favorite toys at any hour of the day. You may be rather irritated that your cat is up to the craziest things at night...having you wonder – why does my cat run around the house at night?

It has many of us curious. There are actually a few reasons why our kitties like to exert the most energy when we’re sleeping.

Let’s answer the question: why does my cat run around the house at night?

Why Does My Cat Run Around The House At Night?

Cats are ferocious little hunters

If there’s one thing that’s for certain, cats are hunters. Their wild cat ancestors left strong hunting genes in their DNA. So, cats are always alert and ready for action.

The thing is – domesticated cats aren’t trained to hunt for food anymore. They know very well that their bowl will be filled with cat food every day. But, that doesn’t mean their instincts go away. Cats still need to chase, pounce, and let all the energy out, even if it isn’t for their survival.

Why Does My Cat Run Around The House At Night?

Cats are crepuscular animals

What comes with a cat’s hunting genes is its crepuscularity. It’s what?

Cats are crepuscular, meaning they are active at dawn and dusk. This is another inherent trait that reminds us of their wild cat origins. Before cats were domesticated, they used to hunt primarily at dawn and dusk, times where human activity was less and it was much cooler at night. Cats lived in places in Africa and the Middle East, where temperatures could get seriously intense. And those unique eyeslits that cats have is another reason why they prefer these hunting times, too.

Now, our house cats may not have to deal with the scorching sun or the potential threat of humankind. Yet, they still stick to this crepuscular schedule. And, they have a method to it.

why does my cat run around the house at night?

Our kitties don’t sleep as we do…

Cats are able to live their crepuscular lives because of their sleeping schedules. In other words, we call a quick nap a ‘cat nap’ for a reason…

Cats sleep around 16 hours a day. Yes, that’s pretty impressive. Yet, cats don’t sleep consecutive hours like us humans. Cats much rather take quick naps, throughout the day. This isn’t just because cats just like to sleep when they want – they do this instinctually.

Being hunters, cats are always alert. So, a deep multiple REM-cycle slumber is not in the books for them. Rather, cats prefer brief cat naps. During these rest periods, cats can still be aware of their surroundings. They can pop out of sleep and straight into a sprint if they feel threatened or sense something appetizing around the corner.

Ok, you may be wondering – what does this have to do with my cat’s craziness at night? Well, these little naps mostly happen in the daytime for cats. That means cats will expend the majority of this energy during dusk and dawn (and sometime in between.) Sadly, this is when we humans prefer to rest…

why do cats run around the house at night?

So, how do I keep my cat from running around the house at night?

There are a few tricks to get your cat to chill out at night. In a way, you have to treat your cat like a…kid! First off, keep your bedroom door closed. This will mute some of your cat’s ruckus, and keep your cat from waking you up at odd times of the night.

Another great idea is to try playing with your cat at night before you go to bed. This way, it helps your cat get out all their predatory energy. That means more cat naps, at night. It’s also a solid idea to feed your cat before bed too. This will keep your cat from creeping around at night, in search of food.

If you feel like your cat is acting out of character at night, it may be worth investigating. There are external explanations as to why your cat may be acting crazier than usual at night.

For cats that seem to be meowing more than usual at night, you should double-check your cat for fleas. Fleas can really irritate cats and cause them to cry for help. Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS) is also a potential cause, which tends to affect older kitties more than younger ones.

Now, don’t panic – most of these causes are more on the rare side. Chances are, your cat is just exercising its natural instincts!

Are you someone asking – why does my cat run around the house at night? Trust us, we feel you! We hope these explanations help you find a balance with your feline friend, leading you to a better night’s rest!

cat walking around at night

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Cat Behavior

Why Are Cats So Sneaky?

by Victoria
written by Victoria

Cats…they’re always up to something. Whether it’s sneaking around at weird times of the night or climbing in strange corners of the house, we are almost always confused by our kitties’ agendas. Sometimes, our cats even manage to fully disappear and then pop up out of nowhere when they’re hungry. It’s got us asking – why are our cats so sneaky?

Well, our felines are still fierce little predators. And, their history and evolution can tell us a little bit about what makes them so sly…

Let’s get down to it – why are cats so sneaky?

why are cats so sneaky?

They’re natural-born hunters

Our cats were once wild animals (if you couldn’t tell already.) They used to hunt for their meals and do everything to survive. This makes our cats innate predators, something you can see in our cat’s physical nature.

Cats are built for hunting, with powerful senses, impressive jumping capabilities, and unreal reflexes. Of course, the nature of each cat depends on its breed. But, every cat has a wild cat lineage.

Cats also have most of the instincts still of their wild ancestors. They have an innate drive to be on the prowl, sneaking around so that their prey doesn’t see them. This goes for whether your cat is chasing a mouse or trying to steal its toy back.

If you notice your cat sneaking around, it may be trying to spot and catch something. Cats have pretty remarkable hearing capabilities, using them to discover what they can catch just around the corner.

why are cats so sneaky?

But, they’re also prey…

Cats may be hunters at heart, but that doesn’t make them at the top of the food chain. Domesticated cats are small animals (or else, they wouldn’t be as easily domesticated!) This means there are others who lurk above them in the food chain, who might just find them an appetizing snack…

There are several types of animals that hunt cats. Larger animals like wolves and coyotes are known to hunt cats. Predatory birds, like owls, eagles, and hawks, also prey on cats. If you live in an environment with these animals, you should take your cat’s sneaky behavior as a sign and make sure your cat stays protected.

Cats know this through their hunting genes. So, whenever a cat may feel threatened, it may begin to behave more sneakily. As we know, cats are wickedly intelligent and love to outsmart others in any situation. To make sure they’re safe, many cats may act very sneaky in order to assure that they won’t get attacked even if no real danger is present.

why are cats so sneaky?

Adapting to domestication

Cats, as you can imagine, changed a little bit as they adapted to domesticated life. Although the domestication of cats began thousands of years ago, cats still respond to that domestication in a lot of fascinating ways. One way you may notice it is by just how sly your cat is.

When cats became domesticated, they still felt all their inclinations as hunters. But, what changed is that they no longer needed to hunt for survival. Mamma cats stopped teaching their young to find food to nourish themselves. But, this left cats with inherent traits of chasing prey, without any use for it.

Have you ever wondered why your cat may love to chase anything, even mice, but not eat it? Or maybe, they bring it back to you, dropping it off at your doorstep? Well, this is the way your cat is showing you that she can support her family, despite them being humans who don’t usually eat mice.

why are cats so sneaky?

Cats are protective of their alone time

If you notice your cat acting sneaky, it may also be a way of self-preservation. Cats are very independent animals. They love their alone time and will do anything to protect it.

If there’s one thing for sure, cats like to be aware of their surroundings. Your cat’s sneaky behavior may not be sneaky at all. It may just be a way for your cat to take time to itself, but cautiously. They want to be alone, while not losing awareness of what’s going on around them. This goes back to their wild ancestors. Cats are survivors – they’re actively predators and prey!

No matter how sneaky your cat is, don’t take it as an offense – it all has to do with a cat’s nature! They aren’t trying to hide things from you. Cats just march at the beat of their own drum, one that is one part hunter and one part domesticated kitty.

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Cat Behavior

Why Do Cats Love The Dark?

by Modi Ramos
written by Modi Ramos

Your cat likes many things. And sometimes these are things which you are not into. Hanging out in the dark is likely one of those things. It seems that our feline friends seem to know that there aren’t monsters hiding in our closets or lurking underneath our beds. In fact, this seems to often be our cats’ favorite places to hide. And when they do decide to hide in those dark places, they often scare the bejesus out of us once we flick the lights on. If you’ve ever wondered why it is that cats like to channel their inner Batman, keep reading to discover why cats love the dark.

why do cats love the dark?

Bright lights are different for them

We know that cats like to sleep in the sun because they simply love to be nice and toasty. But sometimes those blinding beams can be a bit too much for their taste. And this is especially true when it comes to those blinding artificial energy-saving lights in your home.

Think about when you spend the most amount of time with your feline friend. Is it often when you are curled up on the couch at night watching television? Chances are, this is the case. Cats prefer low lighting or dark places because their eye structure differs greatly from our own.

The biggest difference between human vision and cat vision is in the retina. Cats have a low concentration of cone receptors with a high concentration of rod receptors. Humans are the complete opposite. This would easily explain why what we see differs greatly from what they see. And because of this, they see much better in low lighting. Hence, why they prefer it.

cat sleeping in the dark

They don’t like to be interrupted when they’re sleeping

Perhaps I channel my own inner feline on many occasions because if there’s one thing that can make me flip my switch, it’s being woken up from a dead sleep. Our cats are not fans of being woken up when they’re in a deep sleep, so this is often the reason they’ll retreat to an area of the home which is notoriously dark—i.e. a closet, spare bedroom, or basement.

Cats might “sleep” up to 16 hours a day, but keep in mind, this is mostly cat nap sleep AKA snoozing. Watch for little flips of the tail and whisker twitches, because your cat is a profound actor, don’t let them trick you into thinking they’re off in Dreamland every time those eyes are shut. Your cat prefers to pass the time sleeping during the daytime hours, but this does not mean that they are nocturnal. Your feline friend is what is known as crepuscular—meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk. If your cat were to be feral, these would be the times in which they’d hunt.

why do cats love the dark?

The better to scare you with, my pretty!

Out of all the many things that cats are terrific at, hiding is truly their specialty. And we sometimes wonder if our cats do this as a way to toy with us. Perhaps they secretly find joy in all those frantic “here, kitty, kitty” calls we say. Your cat is also excellent at stalking its prey. And like I mentioned above, they prefer to do this in low lighting based on their unique eye structure. Despite the fact that your cat knows exactly when and where their next meal is coming from, they’re still predators at heart. Hiding and pouncing out of a dark area is a favorite pastime for many of our feline friends. Simply oblige their natural kitty antics…and hopefully don’t trip in the hallway and send that glass of wine flying.

Has your kitty ever stalked you and you never saw them coming? Or perhaps they’ve stared at you—or what felt like right through you? Find out why it is that your cat loves to place their peepers on you here. 

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Cat Behavior

Why Do Cats Hiss?

by Victoria
written by Victoria

Cats make a lot of funny little noises. They purr, meow, and sometimes, they even hiss. This may come as a surprise, and make you wonder – what’s up with my cat? Well, there are a few reasons why cats hiss. You may be surprised by what they are!

why do cats hiss?

Why Do Cats Hiss, in General?

The common misconception is that hissing is a way a cat shows aggression. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

Cats hiss when they feel scared or threatened. It’s almost like a kitty anxiety response. When we feel fearful or anxious, we need to take big breaths to calm ourselves down. When a cat feels a similar way, it exhales a deep burst of air, which causes a hissing sound.

Hissing doesn’t just happen on its own. You can notice your cat’s entire body language change when it hisses. Their ears will flatten, their bodies may become more rigid, and they get goosebumps. Yes, cats do get goosebumps! You’ll notice it through their fur, which will stand straight up.

why do cats hiss at humans?

Why Do Cats Hiss at Humans?

This all goes back to a cat’s safety. Cats will hiss at humans when they feel unsafe and endangered in some kind of way. This can happen when held in an uncomfortable manner or restrained in any sort of way. Cats, as we know, as born-hunters – they absolutely hate if their mobility is compromised. They always need a way to escape.

It’s important to know that if your cat is hissing at you or someone else, that you should leave your cat alone. A cat’s next step after hissing could be a defensive attack. So, hissing acts as a warning sign that a cat wants to be left alone. Just as we humans can get really emotional when overwhelmed and scared, cats can react too. Except, cats will more likely use their claws instead of their words…

why do cats hiss?

What Does it Mean When a Cat Hisses at Another Animal?

If you have a cat at home, you know that they’re capable of hissing at other animals. There are many instances where this can happen.

Cats are pretty territorial and like to maintain control wherever they are. So, when another cat comes around trying to mess that up, cats aren’t super happy. So, they hiss! You may notice this if you have at least a couple of cats at home. Felines maintain a little hierarchy. When another cat tests that hierarchy, a more dominant cat will hiss as a sign to stop messing around and respect the territory’s ‘rules.’

Now, why do cats hiss at other animals, like dogs? For a very similar reason. Cats, despite their almost insane confidence, can feel pretty intimated by even a naive puppy. Therefore, cats hiss as a way to say get away from me! Sadly, dogs can often be victims of a cat’s claws by being a little too curious about a cat’s hissing rather than just taking it as a warning and leaving that kitty alone.

Why Is My Cat Hissing A Lot?

If you notice your cat is hissing way more than usual, it’s time to take into account your cat’s mental health. Now, you aren’t going to have to send your cat to a kitty therapist or anything. You simply need to assess their environment.

One excellent way to help your cat feel less stressed is by making sure your cat has enough room to move around. Cats really hate feeling trapped, even the ones who prefer to cuddle up and stay indoors. Ensuring there are safe places to jump and areas to move around will make your cat feel safer. It’s also never a bad idea to invest in a cat condo either.

If your cat just had kittens, that may also be a reason for increased hissing. This can cause a cat to hiss in even the mildest interactions.

Why do cats hiss is a question that comes with a few simple answers. One thing is for sure – your cat isn’t hissing to be mean or to be aggressive. A cat’s hiss is a form of protection and self-preservation. A hiss is a simple form of cat communication to show that your cat isn’t feeling so great about a situation.

The next time your cat hisses, remember not only to stay away but to also consider how your cat feels. They may need some extra space and some TLC to themselves!

separation anxiety

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Cats

Why Do Some Cats Hate Other Cats?

by Dani
written by Dani

What could ever be better than having a cat in your life? Having two cats! Or three, or four… It’s 2021 and you survived the COVID pandemic, who cares about how many cats you have. We have one cat with our five dogs. Her name is Kintla and I adopted her 3 years ago come October as a kitten (that’s what you get from working at a clinic that works with the town’s animal shelter).

Anyway, I brought Kintla home while my husband was at Cow Camp gathering cows for a week, surprise babe! She was supposed to be my kitty – the kind that snuggles on your chest and purrs all night. At least that’s what I had hoped for. But no, she is 110% a daddy’s girl… go figure. So, I tell him that next time a male Tuxedo kitten rolls in, I’m bringing him home. But I don’t know how Kintla would respond. Some cats absolutely hate other cats. But why? Usually, it boils down to two simple aspects of their lives.

why does my cat hate other cats?

Territorial

Did you know cats are extremely territorial? It is so true. A house is their house and they may not want anyone interfering with their home. If they do, catfights may arise and even worse, your cat may be so mad at you for bringing in an outsider that they start not using their litter box. Once a cat has claimed their territory, they may not want to share it with anyone. This can really come into play when you have two intact male cats. Ever heard an alley cat scream at night? That’s to keep an intruder out of their grounds. 

Not Socialized

This is the biggest reason cats hate other cats, they have never been around them! They may have no idea what another cat even is, for all they can tell, the new cat may want to eat them for dinner. You’ve heard of how important it is to socialize a puppy to decrease the chances of being aggressive around other creatures like dogs, cats, and people. But, the same applies to cats too! It is important for kittens to grow up meeting other critters so they aren’t terrified and full of hatred. You want to promote positive interactions with other cats to avoid your cat hating every feline around.

why does my cat hate other cats?

How to help a cat that hates other cats

Usually, the reason why cats hate other cats is because they haven’t been socialized around other cats. So, if your cat has been an only child for years and you want them to have a brother or sister, you need to introduce them slowly. 

Put them in separate rooms with an adjoining door so they can sniff each other under the door frame. You can also put one of the two in a kennel and introduce them that way. They may hiss at each other, but at least they are both protected. 

Once the initial stage of introduction has gone well, start letting them be in the same room under your direct supervision of course, no one likes emergency vet bills! 

You can also install “happy vibes” by using cat pheromones, which you can read more about here. 

It may take some time, but you can change your mind about your cat’s views of other cats. Oh, and if you are wondering, no male Tuxedo kittens have rolled through our clinic yet, but we still have plenty of time and I’m hopeful! How did it go when you introduced your cat to their new housemate? 

 

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Cats

Why is My Cat So Emotional?

by Victoria
written by Victoria

Cats may be sassy and crazy independent. But, you may be wondering why is my cat so emotional then? Cats are actually highly emotionally intelligent beings who experience a whole range of emotions. They can be angry, sad, or head over heels in love, just like humans. In fact, many of the emotions cats exhibit are strangely similar to humans…

Of course, our kitties can’t necessarily tell us the emotions they’re feeling. But, they surely can show us. There are a few specific ways that cats express their emotions. Let’s explore them all!

Feeling Sad isn’t Foreign to Felines

Cats do experience sadness and depression. Just like for humans, sadness takes over the life of a cat. It can change their emotions dramatically, leading to your feline becoming exceptionally emotional.

So, what causes sadness or even depression in cats? It can be caused by something as simple as not being able to go outside. Movement and the outdoors are essential to many cats. Not having that access can 100 percent affect a cat’s emotional well-being. Cats can also become depressed due to pain or illness. This includes emotional pain, like losing someone a cat truly loves. So, treat your indoor kitty to a catio, walks on a leash, or lots of extra enrichment to keep them happy!

A cat’s response to overwhelming sadness varies per cat. Some kitties become extra clingy or way more vocal with their purrs. Others, may hide away and seem disinterested in the things that once made them excited. If you notice any of these emotional cues,  this could mean your cat is dealing with something deeply upsetting.

Cats Get Attached to their Humans

Cats may be all about their independence, but there’s no denying that they adore their human companions. It may not be obvious all the time, but cats do care!

A cat behaving emotionally could be a response to just how much this kitty is attached to its owner. Many think that cats are too independent to become so loyal and obsessed with their humans like dogs. That isn’t true! Cats can form. super strong bonds with their humans.

Certain breeds actually are known to choose one special human in their life. From then on out, they are highly loyal to that person. As one could imagine, loyalty can definitely lead to some emotional behavior…

There have actually been studies on the healthy relationship attachments cats have to their owners. Many cats have secure attachments, meaning they feel comfortable and safe with their owners. They’ll look for them when they’re gone and greet them lovingly when their owners return.

On the other hand, cats can have insecure attachments to their human companions. Cats can feel anxious around their owners, exhibiting some very emotional symptoms. A cat can be super vocal, twitchy, or just M.I.A. It all depends on the cat.

eye discharge in cats

Kitties Feel Anxious Too!

As mentioned briefly before, cats can in fact feel anxious. This is because cats, as we know, are survivors. They have excellent fear instincts and are always on the lookout for possible danger.

One of the results of domestication is that cats have developed their own anxieties from their surroundings. Surprisingly enough, one of the biggest drivers of kitty anxiety is separation. Our fiercely independent felines definitely get upset when we aren’t around as much. Some may think it’s just because we aren’t there with food and scratches. But, in reality, our cats actually do miss us.

Cat anxiety can also be caused by pain, serious trauma, or by other animals or humans around them. No matter the cause, the result is one emotional kitty.

why do cats love to sleep in the sunlight

How to Be More Emotionally in Touch with your Cat

We aren’t felines, no matter how close we are with our cats. The best way to console an emotional cat is to try to understand how they feel. Observe their behaviors and responses. What is making your cat feel so emotional?

Your cat may need extra attention and love. Or, it might want the exact opposite. No matter what you chose, the best thing to do is to make your cat feel comfortable. Don’t keep them inside in order to control them or figure out the problem – allow them to roam! Cats like their space. If they need a belly rub, then give them one. Cats are similar to us. When they’re feeling highly emotional, they simply need support!

Understanding why your cat is so emotional isn’t always an easy thing to do. It’s always best to be there for your cat so that they feel comfortable enough to find themselves again. We’d love to hear about your experience with your emotional kitty in the comments below!

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Cats

Why Does My Cat Like To Groom Herself On Me?

by Dani
written by Dani

My kitty, Kintla, is not a snuggle bug whatsoever. She is one of those independent females and all her attention revolves around Kintla time and heaven forbid I try to snuggle her when I feel like it. However, she will crawl between my legs or lay on my side and arm to groom herself. Does your cat ever try to groom herself on you? To my surprise, there is actually a reason why cats choose to groom themselves on their humans. Here is why.

Bonding

Cats groom each other and around each other to bond with other cats. Cats that groom their owners or grooming on their owners is that cat bonding with their human. This is your cat’s time to spend valuable time with you. Now, if your cat is like mine, I would take this grooming time as valuable one-on-one time with your cat. As a matter of fact, this makes total sense when it comes to Kintla. Grooming herself on me is her way of bonding and spending time with me. In Kintla terms, “Hey mom, thanks for feeding me, but just so you know, you are my human and I do love you… most of the time.” This is great because I thought she only loved me when it was feeding time.

Some cats, not my independent fluffy cheeks, of course, will actually take the time to groom their owners. Going to the extent of grooming their owner’s arms and even hair. If your cat licks you a lot, they are not trying to taste you, but actually grooming you. I can understand that the licking is more like a sandpaper feeling than a welcoming feeling, but in their mind, it is normal. Cat’s that groom their owners or housemates will even produce a group scent so they know who belongs and who doesn’t, according to this by Dr. Fowler in TX. Think of this as your cat accepting you into their group. Congratulations, you are officially a part of the cool cats club!

Stress Relief

Cats will groom themselves because it is a stress reliever, it is soothing to them. Pair grooming while having the best seat in the house – your lap, chest, arm, or face, the experience for your cat is even better than the feeling they get from the best catnip sold on the block!

Grooming is a completely natural behavior in cats. However, sometimes it can get a bit out of hand. If your cat is taking their grooming to the extreme, see ” Why Is My Cat Overgrooming? “ for more information about why cats overgroom themselves and what it can mean.

If your cat has a nice healthy hair coat and they just enjoy the evening spent by your side or laying on top of you, it is normal. Pretty awesome actually. If your cat was a lion, it would mean that you were part of a pride. Small domesticated lions – groom on!

Have you ever had a cat that tried to groom or chew your hair? Find out why some cats choose to do this here on cattitudedaily.com.

 

 

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Cat BehaviorWhy Do Cats

Why Do Cats Like To Sleep In The Sunlight?

by Brittany
written by Brittany

Any human who lives with a cat or two has probably noticed a connection between cats and sunlight. Even as I type this, my own handsome boy is stretched out in a lovely beam of sunshine. My cat adores the sun! It’s really fun to see him stretched out in a sunny spot. You could say he’s living his best life. But why do cats like to sleep in the sunlight? Read on for some answers to this common question about cats.

why do cats like to sleep in the sunlight?

Cats Like Warmth

Did you know that cats’ overall temperatures are higher than ours? Even without a thermometer, you can feel it. Cats enjoy the sun because it’s so warm. And that warmth feels differently to them because of the higher temp. That sunbeam might feel too hot to you. But to your cat, it’s heavenly. It’s one reason why cats like to sleep in the sunlight.

Cats Don’t Have as Many Heat Receptors

On a similar note, Purina says that cats do not have the same number of heat receptors we do. So that same sunbeam which feels scorching hot to you feels comfortable for kitty. This could also mean that your cat doesn’t feel pain as quickly as humans do. You probably don’t have to worry so much about this with a sunbeam streaming indoors. But you might want to keep a close eye on cats around hot stoves or hair tools. With fewer receptors that sense heat, cats might be at risk of a burn. The same goes for a kitty spending time in direct sunshine outdoors.

why do cats love to sleep in the sunlight

Sunlight Helps with Energy

Your cat’s love of the sun correlates with his higher body temp. But it also means that he won’t have to produce so much energy. The sun will keep him warm when he sleeps. This is important because your cat’s temp will get lower when he sleeps. If your cat sleeps in the sunlight, it helps give him a little boost.

Sunlight is Just Relaxing

Finally, sometimes soaking in the sun is just plain relaxing. Have you ever taken a moment to sit in the sunshine? You’ve probably felt yourself relax a bit. That warmth and Vitamin D can work wonders when you’ve had a stressful day. Your cat probably didn’t have too much stress in his life. However, cats just plain enjoy the sunlight. It’s a pretty natural instinct for many cats. The same could be said of us humans as well!

why do cats love to sleep in the sunlight?

Is Sunlight Good for Cats?

Sunshine is a healthy thing for living beings. However, you will want to keep an eye on your cat. Indoor cats could still get a sunburn, though it’s a little less likely. Outdoors cats in direct sunshine are more likely to experience a bit of a sunburn. Solar dermatitis is something that could occur if cats are exposed to too much sunlight over time. It’s not something to be overly concerned about. However, as your cat’s guardian, it’s good to be aware of it. Let your cat enjoy his sunlight, but be sure to pay attention to any changes in him and call in the vet if needed.

Have you ever seen a black cat that looks a little rusty? Find out why it is that some black cats “rust” by reading this next article on cattitudedaily.com.

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Cat BehaviorWhy Do Cats

My Cat Is Possessive Of Me…Is This Normal?

by Modi Ramos
written by Modi Ramos

We know that cats are finicky beings, and if one thing is certain when it comes to cats, it’s that no two cats will ever be exactly the same. Cats are individuals by nature, and there are some cats which are quick to make their mark when it comes to their favorite person. If you are your cat’s chosen one, you may have sometimes wondered to yourself, “why is my cat so possessive of me?” And that’s a totally normal question to ponder if your cat in question makes it fiercely known that you are theirs…and theirs alone.

If your cat is possessive, there could be a few reasons for it. Keep reading to find out what they are…

cat is possessive

First, it’s important to understand what’s healthy and what’s not.

If your cat isn’t a fan of your significant other, but is all about you, jealousy might be to blame. Cats, like humans, can get jealous if they’re insecure. And this can be especially triggered if your cat has recently endured change. If there’s one thing that we know about cats, it’s that they’re not fans of change. Should change occur, your cat can react accordingly to how they feel.

For instance: let’s say your significant other and you just took the next step in your relationship and the two of you have decided to move in together. While this is totally exciting, your cat might be less than thrilled about the new addition to their living quarters. Or, let’s say you’ve just welcomed a new family member into your home—either a human baby or a new kitten/puppy. Well, that can certainly trigger some insecurities and frustration inside your cat’s mind. And, because of it, they might react by becoming possessive over you.

cat is possessive

Kitty doesn’t like to share

Have you ever met an only child that you thought was a total brat? Perhaps they didn’t understand the concept of sharing—whether that was a person or a toy? Well, cats can be this way, too. If your cat is an only cat and they’re possessive of you, it’s likely because they’ve never had to share your time or attention with anyone else before.

If your cat is feeling insecure, they can show you this by claiming you as theirs in front of others. (And dogs can do this, too.) Reassure your cat and praise them, because a confident kitty is much less likely to become overly possessive.

why is my cat so possessive of me?

They perceive others as a threat

Sometimes when you are your cat’s person, things are this way because of your cat’s past. And, of course, this is not their fault. Cats who have come from abusive or neglectful situations can be untrusting of humans—and for good reason. This “threat” in your cat’s mind can also come as a result of another pet in the home that is vying for your attention and affection.

Have you ever greeted one of your cats only to have your possessive cat run up on you and demand your affection? Cats will sometimes do this because you are the center of their universe and they want to know that the feeling is mutual. If you have a clingy cat in your life, then chances are that this clingy cat of yours is quite possessive, too.

Interesting fact on cat jealousy: If your cat was poorly socialized as a kitten, this could lead to a cat that easily becomes codependent on you and displays signs of jealousy often.

How do cats show jealousy?

There are several signs of jealousy in cats. Some of the most common signs of feline jealousy include:

  • Swatting
  • Hissing
  • Growling
  • Biting
  • Unprovoked attacks, particularly to the person or thing that triggers their newfound jealousy
  • Hiding

why is my cat so possessive of me?

Tips for managing a possessive feline

Our cat’s well-being is important. But it’s also important for your cat to be confident. Work to grow their confidence so that they won’t feel the need to be so possessive with you. The reason for your cat’s desire to be possessive over you is essentially because they are bonded to you. You make them feel good, keep them calm, and allow them to feel loved.

Talking to your cat has many benefits, and it’s a great way to build confidence in your cat, too. Also, if you can, the times when your cat is demanding of your attention, give it to them! Cats are incredibly sensitive beings that get their feelings hurt easily. So, don’t let that tough exterior fool you. If your cat is possessive over you, and it’s not causing a threat to anyone else in your home, than it can be easily managed by building confidence in your cat.

If it is causing issues, try providing your finicky feline with a safe space in your home that is theirs and theirs alone. This will help them to feel calmer and less jealous if they have their own place to retreat to away from others.

Did you learn anything new and interesting about our feline friends? Share this article with another cat lover that you know so they can learn something, too.

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Cat BehaviorWhy Do Cats

Why Do Cats Bathe Themselves So Often?

by Brittany
written by Brittany

Living with cats is endlessly fascinating. They’re such quirky creatures–and we love them for it! I know I spend way too much time observing my own cat. Among the many interesting things I see him do, he tends to bathe a lot. And when I say a lot, I mean multiple times per day. It’s especially funny when he cleans his tail and his tongue gets stuck momentarily. (He does not appreciate it when I chuckle at this, for the record.) But why do cats bathe themselves so often? Let’s explore a few reasons in this post.

why do cats bathe themselves so often?

Cleanliness is Key

Okay, this one is a no-brainer. Cats do bathe themselves because they want to be clean. Generally, cats are pretty tidy animals. They like having a clean litter box. They also like having a nice clean fur coat. So yes, when your cat bathes he may simply be bathing to clean his fur. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak.

Bathing Can Help Untangle Cat Fur

In addition to bathing for cleanliness, cat fur sometimes need untangling. This is especially true of breeds with longer hair. All that fur can be hard to maintain! And, cat tongues are perfectly equipped to detangle. Your cat’s tongue has papillae, which makes it feel rough. The papillae are there to act as nature’s comb, in a way.

why do cats bathe themselves so often?

Cats Need to Keep Cool

It turns out that bathing can also help cats stay cooler in hot weather. Interestingly enough, cats do bathe to cool themselves off a bit. It’s kind of similar to how we sweat as humans. That sweats dries and we feel a bit cooler. Your cat’s saliva is a useful tool for helping him beat the heat in summer time.

Why Does My Cat Bathe After I Pet Him?

On another note, bathing may have a bit more to do with scents or oils. Have you ever stopped to give your kitty a friendly pet as he’s hanging out, only to have him immediately lick himself? In addition to enjoying clean fur, cats do bathe themselves often to manage their scent. If you pet his fur, you leave some of your own scent there. You also leave a bit of oil. Both of these things could prompt your kitty to bathe herself to leave a bit more of her own scent on her fur. Don’t be too offended here. It’s just a natural instinct that many cats have!

How Often is Too Often?

Cats generally do bathe themselves often. But how often is too often? That answer varies depending on each cat. If you suspect kitty is taking too many baths, keep a close eye on her. If you notice excessive fur falling out or if she has other odd behaviors, it might be time to call in the vet. If her fur seems to be healthy, just let her bathe. It may seem often to us humans, but multiple baths each day are pretty standard for felines.

Should you notice your cat grooming excessively, keep a close watch. Fur mowing is a common problem among cats and is notoriously difficult to manage. This is because fur mowing can be a medical issue or a psychological one – or a little bit of both. More on that here.

Did you learn anything new and interesting about our feline friends? Share this article with another cat lover that you know so they can learn something, too.

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