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why do cats slap each other?
Cat BehaviorWhy Do Cats

Why Do Cats Slap Each Other?

by Modi Ramos
written by Modi Ramos

Cats will be cats—and we know some felines are quick to put another cat in their place. We don’t usually see this happen with dogs, but cats are a tad more finicky and far more territorial. Sometimes, it amuses us when we see this happen, but other times it can signal an alarm in our minds as we worry that our cats might break out into a dangerous cat fight.

If you’ve ever wondered to yourself, “why do cats slap each other?”—just keep reading, because I have the answer for you!

why do cats slap each other?

Cats slap each other sometimes as an invitation to play

While we humans wouldn’t walk up and slap one of our mates when we’re feeling playful, we must remember that cats have far different ways of communicating with their own species. Sometimes when cats slap each other, this can indicate to the other cat that they’re ready to play. Think of it as a play invitation if you will. If you happen to watch videos of big cats in the wild, you can observe this behavior with lions and tigers,  too. (One of the many traits your house panther shares with their big cat cousins!)

These cutesy versions of cat slaps are usually amusing to watch and not intended to mean any harm. It’s a fun way for our cats to engage in play with one another, and that play is great for mental stimulation, as well as daily exercise!

At times, cats slap each other to exert dominance

We obviously know that some cats are far more territorial than other cats. Super territorial kitties can be ferals that were later domesticated, a cat that has experienced abuse, or a cat that was neutered/spayed after they’d reached sexual maturity. These are just examples in which it’s more likely that a cat will be highly territorial, but since cats are individuals by nature, any cat possesses the ability to be this way. Should a kitty be more territorial, they will be quick to show off their dominance and not take any crap from another cat. This is exactly why you might see a cat slap another cat, often accompanied by that classic grumbling growl that felines will exhibit. Fear aggression in cats is fairly common, you can learn more about that here. 

why do cats slap each other?

Cats slap each other because one cat might feel their social rank is threatened

It is very likely that a resident feline will slap another cat should they be recently adopted into their home. Cats feel threatened easily as they are both a prey and predator species, therefore, social rank is of utmost importance to them. Bonding is a very important thing to cats, and if you’ve yet to see your two cats allogrooming or sleeping together, then they have yet to establish a strong bond with one another. Remember, patience is key in life—and this is especially true when it comes to cats. Don’t force things, or those slaps could turn into something far worse—like a nasty cat fight.

Remember, despite all those hisses cats are famous for, cats are actually proactive about avoiding conflict. They will often go to great lengths to avoid a cat fight, but if they sense an immediate threat this is a different story. A cat quickly slapping another cat might be their way of saying that they are the boss of this domain. This is done with an abrupt slap so that both cats know that the cat on the defense is not in the mood to play any games. Closely watch your cats’ behavior when this happens, and be prepared to separate the two should the other cat be looking for a fight. It’s important to be able to understand the difference between cats playing and cats fighting, learn all about that here. 

Does your kitty seem quick to lash out? This could be a sign that they are in pain

Whenever we are not feeling well, we are quick to react in a defensive manner. The same goes for our cats, too. If a cat is in pain, they will guard their injury and are quick to protect themselves from making matters worse. Cats are stoic beings and naturally afraid of showing signs of weakness., A cat might slap another cat if it is in pain and does not want to engage in physical contact with another cat/person. This could also be why your cat quickly slaps you if you try to pick them up or pet them. If your kitty is usually sweet and suddenly they’ve taken a liking to slapping other pets or people in your home, it’s time to take them to the vet to have their health assessed. For more signs that your cat is in pain, check out this article here.

why do cats slap each other

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

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tips to introduce your cat to kids
Cats

Tips To Introduce Your Cat To Kids

by Victoria
written by Victoria

Kids love cats, but they don’t always know how to handle them. To make sure your cat and child will be the best of friends, you have to make the perfect introduction. This requires teaching both your child and cat how to engage with each other. These basic tips to introduce your cat to kids can help guarantee that your two-legged and four-legged families get to know each other, getting along for years to come!

Here are 5 tips to introduce your cat to kids

tips to introduce your cat to kids

Talk to your kid beforehand

Before making the first introduction, it is always a great idea to have a little chat with your child. Preparing them for meeting your cat is very crucial. A child’s shock and surprised reaction to first seeing your cat might make it feel very uncomfortable. Remember, cats don’t love change. Their reaction could be timid or aggressive, like running away or hissing.

Chatting with your kid before the introduction is also a great way to explain any of these tips beforehand. That way, when your cat and kid first meet, your child will have a preliminary understanding of how to approach your new feline friend.

If you have a baby or toddler who isn’t old enough to have a conversation, it’s best to give your cat a little intro beforehand. Start to place some of your baby’s things around so that your cat becomes familiar with things associated with your child, like their scent, toys, and clothes.

Emphasize distance

When you are finally ready to introduce your cat and child, remember to host their little meeting in a place with lots of space. Don’t leave them alone – you should be there when they first meet.

Cats do not like to feel trapped. So, the first introduction must be in a space where a cat has an easy way out. Always make sure to leave a door open if you’re not in an open space like a kitchen. This will make your cat will feel calmer. If your cat does run, remind your child to let them go.

In terms of distance for your child, make sure to remind your child to greet your cat from a distance and allow your cat to come to them. This will ensure that your cat is 100 percent comfortable with the situation. Quickly moving towards your cat may make your cat very scared.

tips to introduce your cat to kids

Teach kids how to hold a cat

It is important to explain to your child how to safely hold a cat and to notice the signs when a cat doesn’t want to be held.

Explain to your child that cats need to be handled gently. You shouldn’t grab them like a lion grabs her cub from the neck. You should hold a cat’s chest with one hand, and its hind side with another. This is how your cat will feel secure and safe.

The first time your child tries to hold your cat, be there to help them. It will be a great learning experience. Most likely, your cat will want to be let down. This is a significant learning experience, as you can show your child the cues that your cat is uncomfortable before your cat reacts aggressively.

Remind not to tease

Kids and cats love to play, but in their own ways. Oftentimes, what your kid thinks is just playing is actually teasing. This makes cats severely agitated.

From the moment your child meets your cat, prioritize making clear distinctions between playing and teasing. Remind your child that a cat is an animal with different reactions than people. They may not respond well to playing a game of, let’s say, tag. But, they might love to play with a string or even a game of fetch!

tips to introduce your cat to kids

Remind your cat of the boundaries

The teaching doesn’t just go for your child, but your cat too! Your cat needs to be reminded of how to safely engage and play with children, especially if we’re talking about toddlers and babies.

A big rule of thumb is to clarify which rooms are off-limits to your cat. This goes especially for those introducing a cat to a newborn or baby. It will take more than one introduction for your cat to be acquainted with your child. So, don’t be surprised if they’re trying to in their room.

The first encounter between your cat and child can be a little nerve-wracking. However, these tips to introduce your cat to your kid will help make you feel more confident that your child and cat may be friends for life.

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Cat BehaviorWhy Do Cats

Why Is My Cat So Clingy?

by Victoria
written by Victoria

Has your cat been attached to your hip lately, and you don’t know why? You shouldn’t ignore your kitty’s behavior. If you’ve been asking yourself – why is my cat so clingy – your cat may be trying to communicate something important to you. And, we have 5 reasons to explain what that may be.

Let’s Get Down To It – Why Is My Cat So Clingy?

why is my cat so clingy?

Separation Anxiety

Yes, cats have anxiety too. Although cats are known for their independence, they still do suffer from separation anxiety. This anxiety could stem from a few things.

Cats that were abandoned at young ages often struggle with separation anxiety. There are also various breeds that are extra social and feel very connected to their humans. This leaves them feeling way more lonely when their families are away for a longer period of time. This could be just a day of work or a weekend vacation.

If you do spend hours away from home often, separation anxiety may be the reason for your cat’s consistent clinginess, especially if this need for attention happens every time you come home.

Stress

A clingy cat can be a sign of stress. This stress is usually environmentally-driven. As we know, our cats are little hunters with keen survival skills. They are always hyperaware of their environment. So, when there is a change, cats get stressed. Oftentimes, the response is to get close to their human companions.

This stress can be induced by a variety of factors. The noise and vibrations of intense storms are known to stress cats out. The presence of new family members, both two-legged and four-legged, is another common stressor for cats. The foreign nature of a new person triggers a threat-response in cats, causing them to find comfort and safety by your side.

black cat anxious and scared

Illness

A sudden increase in clinginess from your cat may suggest that it is experiencing physical discomfort. As your cat’s human, it will look for you to comfort them through the pain they are experiencing.

Clinginess typically isn’t the only sign of cat illness. Your cat may also display other symptoms. Lethargy (extreme tiredness,) excessive vocalizations, or lack of appetite are some of the most common symptoms of pain and illness in cats. If you believe that your cat may have an underlying illness, you should make an appointment with your vet right away.

New People

Not every cat is fond of new people in their homes. Another person in the household, especially if this is a permanent addition to the household, can leave a cat very confused. They don’t exactly know why the person is there, and may even wonder if this newbie is a threat. Since you are your cat’s main companion and protector, your cat will seek refuge with you, until your cat feels comfortable enough with the new person to go back to its usual routine.

why is my cat so clingy

Age

If your cat is getting older, do not be surprised to see your cat become clingy. Older cats are less active, meaning they have less energy to play with toys or go on outdoor adventures. This, along with the physical pain that comes with aging, makes cats a little more clingy and affectionate.

How to Engage with My Clingy Cat

Of course, this all depends on the cause of your cat’s clinginess. Generally speaking, a clingy cat often results from some sort of stress and anxiety. There are key ways to help your cat stay comfortable and manage your cat’s clinginess.

First, don’t be cold. Your cat is looking for comfort. The best thing to do is to provide your cat with scratches, rubs, and cuddles it needs. But, don’t spoil your cat. Remember, you want to help your cat feel safe enough to be back to its regular routine.

To revitalize your cat’s independence and confidence, you should slowly give your cat a little distance. Show your cat ways to find comfort without you. You can provide toys to play with. Don’t be shy to even play a game with them, one that isn’t too over-stimulating. It can be as simple as playing with string, showing your cat that it can catch the string all on its own.

If your cat is dealing with physical pain, this would not be an option. It is always best to see your veterinarian so that you can identify the issue as fast as possible.

Finally, remember that your cat needs time to feel themselves again. If clinginess seems to be an issue, your cat returning to its full, confident self will not be an overnight fix. It will take time and patience. Cats just want to feel safe, just like us!

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Cat BehaviorWhy Do Cats

Why Do Cats Hate Aluminum Foil?

by Modi Ramos
written by Modi Ramos

Our feline friends are notorious for their finicky nature. And oftentimes, even the simplest of things can send them zooming in the other direction. One of the things that many of us cat people know that cats can’t stand is aluminum foil. The sheer sight of it can send them running—and if they touch it, then it’s game over. But, have you ever wondered why it is that cats hate aluminum foil? Well, since our cats are complex beings, there are a few reasons. Let’s take a closer look…

why do cats hate aluminum foil

First off, since we know many cats hate aluminum foil, we shouldn’t use it to negatively reinforce them

There’s an old wives tale that if you want to keep your cats off your counters, then you should lay aluminum foil across the counters to teach them a lesson so to speak. But this negative reinforcement on your cat could have consequences, and since aluminum foil is slick, it can also cause them to slide, and sliding across countertops is certainly not safe. Instead, try positive reinforcement methods with your cat. (More on positive reinforcement methods to practice with your cat here.) Remember, cats have the ability to learn the word “no”—it just takes practice. And they have the ability to understand the different tones in your voice better than you might realize.

why do cats hate aluminum foil?

So, why is it that cats hate aluminum foil? It lies mostly in the senses

Think about a thing you can’t stand. It could be a food that reminds you of something icky or a texture that makes your senses crawl. Now, imagine for a moment that your sense of touch is 3X stronger. This is why when your cat doesn’t like something that it touches, it really doesn’t like that particular thing. And cats have a fight or flight system like no other, and it goes without saying that they’re naturally untrusting of new things unfamiliar.

When it comes to aluminum foil and cats, this slick and cool texture combined with crinkling noises is quick to send them flying because it sends their senses into overload. Cats can become stimulated easily because their sense of touch is far more intense than our own. Our feline friends are highly intelligent creatures, and since they can’t figure out what aluminum foil actually is, this is why they’re so quick to run from it.

Just like it’s not okay to scare your cat with cucumbers, you shouldn’t think to scare your cat with aluminum foil either. Intentionally scaring a cat can have lasting effects on their mental health, and obviously, this is not something any caring cat owner would want.

cat playing with toy excited

Why aren’t cats afraid of crinkle sounds in general?

When it comes to toys that crinkle, this can excite your kitty because, in their minds, it might make them think of a tasty mouse rustling in leaves. It sends their natural predatory instincts into action. Those crinkle toys, or paper bags, or plastic bags are exciting to them, and they’ll often go wild having a good romp with them. Additionally, cats are drawn to plastic bags because of their chemical makeup.

Of course, we’ve come a long way in this modern day and age, but there are still many everyday products that contain things that we have no idea why they do. When it comes to plastic bags, it seems that many plastic bags contain tallow, which is an animal byproduct. Animal advocates have raised awareness as to why commercial shopping bags contain this, along with other everyday items that contain animal byproducts. Such as shampoos, conditioners, and toothpaste, for example.

Plastic bag fact cat lovers should keep in mind when they ask themselves why cats lick plastic: plastics are treated with stearates, a saturated fatty acid found in animal and vegetable fat.

why do cats like plastic?

Business Insider explains that many commercial shopping bags contain these “slip agent” chemicals which are derived from the stearic acid in animal fat. Manufacturers do this because it’s inexpensive and helps to prevent the polymers from sticking onto the metals during manufacturing and to prevent from clinging afterward.

So, when your cat licks plastic simply because they are doing this because they want to get a taste of that corresponding smell hitting their nose.

In response to concerned consumer demand, certain plastic makers have made changes to their plastic shopping bags to offer an animal-friendly alternative that’s also biodegradable. These options might be safer for the environment and serve to protect wildlife, but the cornstarch that many of them contain is alluring to cats given the smell and the taste of them. Which means—you guessed it—cats still want to lick them.

Curious about a list of harmless objects that cats are irrationally afraid of? Discover them here on CattitudeDaily.com.

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Cats

Study Reveals That Cats Use Their Ears to Track Their Owners

by Victoria
written by Victoria

We can all pretty much agree that cats are almost always two steps ahead of us. And, a recent study proves just how true that is, by how cats use their ears to track their owners. Crazy, right? Well, this study is 100 percent real. More importantly, it’s revealing that cats may have more complex minds than we ever even thought.

This study all started in Japan

One of the most (if not THE most) cat-loving nations is Japan. A place full of cat cafes, islands, and temples, it comes as no surprise that a revelational study on cat behavior happened in this very country.

It all began with a doctoral student at Japan’s Kyoto University. Saho Takagi was observing cats and started to recognize the fascinating way they responded to sounds. She noticed, in particular, how one cat had just one ear tilted back as if the cat was listening to something very carefully. It stirred up questions for Takagi – what are cats thinking about? Are they listening to us more deeply than we think?

So, Takagi decided to take her observations to the next level, with serious research and experimentation.

white cat watching

How cats use their ears to track their owners: the experiment

Takagi and her group of researchers came up with a very clever experiment. In order to guarantee that the cats were solely listening to their owner’s voice, the researchers chose to play the voices of cat owners through a speaker, hiding the owners from sight. This eliminated the possibility that the cats could track their owners by visual cues.

The experiment also took place in different settings as well. The researchers observed the cats at home and in cat cafes.

To test the cats, Takagi and her researchers placed speakers in various rooms, playing recordings of the cat owner’s voices at individual times, in different rooms. Takagi did this purposely, to see how cats responded to the relocation of their owners’ voices, without any other visual or vibrational signals.

As the cats listened to the recordings of their owners, Takagi and her researchers analyzed the response of the cats. Each cat appeared surprised that their owners’ voices moved from room to room, without any additional sounds at all.

beautiful burmese cat staring

The results of the experiment

What Takagi and her researchers found was pretty thought-provoking. Seeing that the cats felt surprised suggested that the cats expected other kinds of movement accompanying their owner’s voice. This prompted the researchers to suspect that cats use their ears to track their owners more intensely than we thought. As Takagi puts it, cats most likely create their own ‘mental maps’ of their owners’ behavior.

Whether you want to call it love or kitty control issues, this study is absolutely fascinating. For the most part, cats are known for seeming rather disinterested in human life, unless it’s a situation where cats feel they could benefit from. Yet, Takagi’s study might be proof that cats are more involved in our lives than we think.

“It is generally believed that cats are not as interested in their owners as dogs are, but it turns out that they were mentally representing the invisible presence of their owners,” Takagi explained to CNN.

This ‘invisible presence’ alludes to the fact that cats may be a lot more invested in us than we initially thought. The idea that cats creatively map out an owners’ behavior and follow it shows that cats rely on their owners emotionally. This means that cats may have more complex minds, full of imagination, that we’ve only scratched the surface of.

cat ears listening

What this means for cat-human relationships

As Takagi alluded to, cats may have just as much interest in us as dogs do (although they may show it a little differently…)

Discovering that cats strategically and thoughtfully follow the movement of their owners signifies that cats do find at least some comfort in their human relationships. It also shows that cats may not only be big sleepers but big thinkers too. Who knows what kind of plans kitties are thinking up while they snooze away in the living room window…

It comes as no surprise that our kitties are this smart. If there’s one thing we know about cats, it’s that they surely know how to use their senses. It’s what makes cats so good at playing games, sneaking around, and surprising us. But, what makes this study extra special is how it shows that our cats may love us more than we ever even knew!

Do you enjoy reading about cat studies? We’ve got a whole bunch for you to enjoy—check them out here on CattitudeDaily.com. 

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Cat BehaviorWhy Do Cats

Why Do Cats Like To Mess With Toilet Paper?

by Modi Ramos
written by Modi Ramos

Cats will be cats, won’t they? And this is especially true when it comes to naughty little kitties shredding our toilet paper. Our canine companions can be naughty too at times, but we won’t usually find them in the loo turning our two-ply toilet paper into fine pieces of paper prosciutto. So, this begs the question, why do cats like to mess with toilet paper? There are a few reasons, actually—and none of them include wasting your money!

Before we dive into the reasons why cats like to mess with toilet paper, enjoy this comic from my pal Scott Metzger. He was kind enough to allow me to include it in this article…

When cats play with toilet paper, it satisfies their hunting instincts

We all know how this scenario goes. You’ve come home from a long day and you shuffle into the restroom to clean yourself up only to find that your cat has decided to leave you shredded presents in the form of toilet paper. Of course, they aren’t there to give you puppy dog eyes and feel guilty. Because that’s not how cats roll!

For our feline friends, especially those who stay exclusively indoors, they need to find ways to titillate their strong desire to hunt. So, essentially, when your cat chooses to shred your toilet paper into little pieces, this is a form of indoor “hunting” for them. Be thankful that this is a far less gruesome cleanup than a dead bird they could bring into your home if they were permitted to travel outside!

why do cats like to play with toilet paper

Cats are naturally playful creatures!

Your cat might be the cat nap champ, but this doesn’t mean that they aren’t playful by nature. And this is especially true for younger cats and kittens. If your cat likes to play with toilet paper so much that it’s wreaking havoc on your life, simply shut the door each and every time you exit the restroom…and hope that your cat hasn’t mastered opening the door on their own!

If your cat is obsessed with that Charmin, then this is their way of telling you that they need more mental stimulation. There are several enrichment ideas for indoor cats that can satisfy their desire to play, and you can find several of those listed here on our website. Boredom in cats is a very real thing, and when the cat’s away, the mice will play. Offer your cats ways to pass the time that doesn’t make for a cleanup in your restroom.

Some experts have even gone so far as to say that our cats’ desire to play with toilet paper is a means to mimic our own bathroom behavior, but I’m not so certain on that one. After all, cats would never subject themselves to the same behaviors as us mere mortals. They’re far too sophisticated for such a thing!

why do cats like to play with toilet paper

Cats love to bunny kick when they play with toilet paper—which further solidifies the theory that they’re hunting that TP

Have you ever watched your cats play together and seen them kick each other right in the belly with frenzied bunny-like feat? Well, that’s often what they do when they go at it with toilet paper, too. When cats get deep in play, they’ll often exhibit some pretty entertaining and peculiar behaviors, like bunny kicks, zoomie eyes, and chirps and trills. It’s just another reason why life with cats is always so entertaining. And, in case you didn’t know, big cats like tigers will bunny kick too!

If you’ve ever wondered why it is that your feline friend likes to follow you to the bathroom, I assure you that it’s not just because there’s toilet paper in there! Find out why it is that our cats like to accompany us to the restroom by reading this next article on CattitudeDaily.com.

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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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