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why do cats

Why Do Cats Pee On Things?

by Cattitude Daily November 30, 2022

Our cats are our world—even when they make a mess in our homes. We know that cats will be naughty at times, but what about when cats choose to pee in places outside of their litter box? Despite what some might think when this frustrating behavior occurs, cats are not actually spiteful beings trying to wreck your day with their naughty cat antics. Your feline friend is an incredibly calculated being, so don’t take it to heart when this occurs. If you’ve ever wondered why it is that cats pee on things they shouldn’t, just keep reading.

Cats pee on things for a few reasons, actually…

why do cats pee on things?

Cats pee on things as a cry for help

When your cat chooses to urinate outside of the litter box, they aren’t usually doing this because they want to. Your cat will associate pain with their litter box, and when relieving themselves causes them pain, they’ll choose to pee in other places in your home. Keep in mind, your cat peeing is completely different from your cat spraying. Spraying is a territorial behavior that cats will display to cope with stress, show dominance, and mark their territory. A cat spraying on a vertical surface is known as spraying, and as I mentioned above, cat spraying is a common complaint among cat owners.

It’s important to understand the difference between the two so that if your cat is peeing outside of the litter box, you can take them in to be seen by their veterinarian. If your cat is peeing on things, consider their fluid intake. Do you notice that they’re drinking more/less water than normal? Increased water intake and increased urination are both telltale signs of hyperthyroidism in cats.

Just as in humans, UTIs and kidney disease are quite painful. The difference is, your cat cannot speak to you in meow and tell you it’s burning when they pee. Listen carefully for cues from your poor kitty. A cat that avoids the litter box might cry out from pain and in frustration. If caught early enough, this greatly reduces your cat’s risk of conditions advancing to something much worse.

Kitty might be jealous

We all know that cats are not fans of change. If your cat has suddenly started peeing in your home, first think to yourself if anything new has happened in their life. A new family member, a change to their daily diet, or perhaps a new work schedule that keeps you away from home more often. Your cat doesn’t like change, and when they incur change, they prefer it to be on their terms. Cats are not spiteful, but they can easily become jealous of other pets and people in their homes. And since your cat can’t pen you a letter to express their feelings of confusion or loneliness, they just might pee in places that they normally wouldn’t.

Please, clean that darn thing

This one might be a given, or something that a cat owner must learn the hard way. Your cat is the epitome of cleanliness, and this goes for their litter box, too. While your cat’s entire litter doesn’t require a daily switch, it does require a daily once-over. And this is especially true if you have more than one cat using the box. Your cat could show their disdain for a filthy cat box by urinating elsewhere. This silent protest will not make for a fun cleanup and can serve as a clear indication that you’re not meeting your cat’s high standards of cleanliness.

cats pee where they shouldn't

Consider your cat’s age

Urinary issues are common in older felines. For older cats, incontinence can become an issue as a cat’s health declines in their twilight years. House soiling, which is also referred to as feline inappropriate elimination, is the most common complaint when it comes to behavioral issues in cats. For older cats, house soiling can occur when the cat is not able to make it to the litter box in order to relieve themselves. Litter box location is extremely important to cats regardless of age. So, keep that in mind as well.

If you want to make life easier for your senior cat, consider adjusting things for them so that life can be a little easier. Have multiple floors in your home? Try providing them with a litter box on each floor. And in addition to that, be sure that their litter box is easy for them to enter and exit. Your cat looks to you as their caregiver, so show them just how much they mean to you by making small adjustments that can make a big difference in their everyday life.

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

November 30, 2022 0 comment

Cat Behavior Cats Why Do Cats

Why Do Cats Sleep In Crazy Positions?

by Amber November 26, 2022

written by Amber

Your phone is probably bursting with countless pictures of your sleeping cat, and the best shots are the ones that showcase their most interesting sleeping positions. With their limbs stretched in awkward angles and their long bodies contorted into bizarre shapes, it’s hard to believe anyone could be comfortable like that, let alone fall into a deep sleep. But despite how uncomfortable they look, your cat still manages to snooze soundly without waking up with regrets.

No matter your cat’s personality, all feline friends seem to have this ability to fall asleep in crazy positions. Have you ever wondered why they do it?

cats sleep in crazy positions

Cats Love to Stretch

When you observe your cat during their waking hours, you’ll probably notice that they do a lot of stretching. They pull off a perfect downward dog every time they get up from a nap, and it’s not unusual for them to start stretching at random times during the day and night.

Dr. Kathryn Primm, owner and operator of Applebrook Animal Hospital, tells us that cats are built like lean athletes. Even if they’re a little overweight, cats can perform impressive physical feats thanks to their strength and flexibility. And like human athletes, cats know that stretching is an important part of keeping those muscles in the best shape.

Cats stretch when they’re awake to keep their muscles warm, and they also probably do it because stretching can trigger the release of positive brain chemicals that make them feel great. (This works for humans, too.)

For cats, those big stretches are ultimate comfort. A lot of times, they fall asleep while stretching or stretch in the middle of a nap and don’t bother to untangle themselves before drifting back to dreamland. The result is that your cat sleeps in whatever crazy position felt the best while stretching.

Cats Are Super Flexible

Even if you get comfortable during a good stretch, you’re not likely to fall into a deep sleep with your muscles extended at odd angles. The strain gets uncomfortable, and you’ll feel the urge to move into a more comfortable, or “normal,” position.

Cats might feel like this on occasion, but their bodies are much more adapted to sleeping at awkward angles. That’s because cats are extremely flexible. They can contort their bodies in ways humans can’t.

A position that would be painful for a human, like putting a leg up over your head, is barely a mild stretch for a flexible feline. They’re not in any pain when they fall asleep with their limber limbs pointing in all directions or neck craned at an awkward angle. This makes it easy for cats to sleep in crazy positions.

Cats Pick Peculiar Places

cats sleep in crazy positions

Sometimes, your cat’s chosen nap spot also influences what interesting position they sleep in. Thanks to their flexibility, they can twist and warp their bodies to fit into odd places.

Cats choose their favorite sleep spots for a number of reasons. First, it’s their natural instinct to sleep in spots where they feel safe from threats. They like areas that only have one entrance or exit, like a box or the corner of a closet. By tucking themselves into these protected areas, they rest easier by knowing they’re not exposed.

Your cat also likes to sleep in spots that are warm. The need to seek out warmth is another instinct domestic cats carry over from their wild ancestors. Your pampered kitty hopefully isn’t at risk of freezing to death, but that doesn’t stop them from being attracted to warm nap spots like sunny spots on the floor or even the radiator.

When your cat finds a spot that meets their qualifications for a good snooze, they’ll find a way to make themselves comfortable. Even if they don’t exactly fit inside that box or atop that tiny pillow, they’ll be determined to make it work. This habit often leads to some of those crazy sleeping positions you love taking pictures of.

Cats drape themselves over heaters, curl up inside shoes, squeeze themselves into boxes, and splay out their limbs in the most outlandish ways. And despite how uncomfortable the position looks, they still manage to sleep up to 16 hours a day. It’s a type of super power we can all be jealous of, but at least we get to fawn over our cute kitties and take tons of pictures of their crazy sleeping positions.

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

November 26, 2022 0 comment

Cats Why Do Cats

Why Do Cats Like To Lay On Paper?

by Amber November 22, 2022

written by Amber

You can’t leave a single sheet of paper on your desk or scattered on the floor without your curious cat staking a claim. It doesn’t matter if it’s a blank sheet of printer paper, a stray piece of mail, or the most important document you’ve ever read, cats see it all the same. If they don’t end up shredding it, they’ll treat it like the world’s comfiest cat bed. They might even hide it under their furry bulk as you scramble around worried it’s lost. From kittens to seniors, they all do it. So, why do cats lay on paper?

We don’t know exactly what they’re thinking, but there are a few interesting theories to explain the behavior.

They Like the Texture

Paper is smooth and sometimes soft, and that can be intriguing to a pet that spends a lot of time trying to find comfy places to nap. Even if your cat has claim to multiple cat bets, the living room sofa, a recliner, and your bed, a single sheet of paper could be just what they’re looking for. When the hardwood floor or padded carpet gets old, a nice piece of paper is an interesting change in texture.

cats lay on paper

It Gets Them Attention

Even though cats are known for being independent, they can still be avid attention seekers. The most people-friendly felines always want to know what their humans are doing. They meow loudly from across the room, rub against your ankles, and jump lovingly into your lap. There’s no such thing as alone time or even personal space. If a newspaper or work document is hogging your attention, you can bet your cat will take notice.

A popular theory as to why cats lay on paper has to do with their urge to always be the center of attention. They learn quickly that if they cover up the object of your attention, they’ll get their own attention in turn. It’s a clever scheme that also happens to be incredibly cute.

Cats Are Attracted to Small Spaces

There’s another theory that says cats lay on paper because it looks like it could be a small, enclosed area. Cats are programmed to be attracted to tight spaces because it makes them feel safe. It’s why they can’t resist a good box, and it’s where the whole “if I fits, I sits” concept comes from.

A thin sheet of paper obviously isn’t going to provide any protection. But neither does a square taped to the floor, and the Internet has already proven that the #catsquare challenge is both real and impressive. Cats could be attracted to paper because it gives them the opportunity to curl up in a confined space and feel more secure.

It’s Warm

Along with feeling safe and secure, cats also like to be warm. Their attraction to all things warm stems from a survival instinct they’ve carried with them for generations. In the wild, a little warmth could be the difference between life and death. Cozy blankets, the sunny spot on the floor, and even a random piece of paper provide that all-powerful warmth they desire.

Paper might not strike you as being particularly warm, but even a one-degree difference can be enough for a cat. If the paper is on the floor, that thin piece of insulation separating them from the colder ground could be enough to make laying on paper a lifelong habit.

Cats are Curious

Our final credible theory for why cats lay on paper has to do with their undeniably curious personalities. Some cats will run and hide from new things. Even those scaredy cats, however, will feel slightly intrigued by something new in their environment.

Cats are experts at spotting when something looks different. They can tell right away when you bring home something new, and they usually want to conduct their own kind of investigation. A piece of paper that’s on the floor now, but wasn’t there an hour ago, is definitely worth checking out. And what better way to inspect it than by laying on top?

Do you have any additional theories for why cats lay on paper? We’d love to hear them!

November 22, 2022 0 comment

Cat Behavior

Why Do Cats Make Biscuits?

by Brittany November 8, 2022

written by Brittany

Anyone who has the privilege of living with a feline friend or two is highly familiar with the kneading cats tend to do. Generally, it occurs right on top of a full bladder or a full stomach after having just enjoyed a delicious dinner. (Cats seem to have a way of knowing just where you don’t want them to step on you, but that’s another topic for another day.)

I know my feline housemate just loves to hop up into bed with us early in the mornings. Usually, he’ll just walk across his two sleeping humans with those extra heavy paws at five in the morning. But sometimes he will decide to snuggle in on top of me after he takes a moment to knead me in the stomach.

why do cats knead

He generally keeps his claws to himself while he does this, but that isn’t always the case. I do wonder sometimes why he feels that he must paw my stomach, especially when I’m trying to fall back to sleep because my alarm hasn’t gone off yet.

Despite the fact that fellow cat guardians are incredibly familiar with kneading behavior, we might not always know why it happens.

Let’s explore a few reasons why your kitty seems to have this compulsive knead to gently pulverize your stomach.

According to How Stuff Works, multiple things are driving your cat to knead you. (Not to be confused with actually needing you, which most cats are too proud to admit!)

When your cat was a tiny kitten, kneading behavior probably came naturally to him. He kneaded his mama in order to access her milk a bit better. That behavior may have stuck with him as he grew into an adult cat who now feeds from his bowl of kibble.

Another reason that your cat might knead is simply due to evolution. The How Stuff Works article notes that cats may have kneaded an area in the wild that they intended to bed down in for the night. This makes sense since felines out in the wild probably wouldn’t have had access to soft, comfortable spots for sleeping. They would have had to create their own beds by kneading brush or other leafy debris into something much more comfortable.

why do cats knead

One last thought from the article pertains to marking territory. Cats actually have scent glands within their paws. The act of kneading a human or perhaps a couch cushion or favorite blanket might be your cat’s way of telling the world that this particular spot is hers. The scent would be noticeable to other felines that might happen upon your cat’s favorite blanket. They would then know that they should stay far away from this particular fuzzy bed since it already belongs to your cat.

Feline behavior is definitely fascinating! Perhaps your cat kneads you in the early morning hours as mine does. Or maybe she has a favorite spot on your chair or couch that requires some adjusting before she deems it comfortable enough to take a nap on.

The next time you notice your cat kneading something, now you’ll have a few ideas about why she does it!

Like learning more about cute cat behaviors? Check out this article on Cattitude Daily to learn five super cute things cats do and why they do them.

November 8, 2022 0 comment

Cat Behavior Cats

Why Do Cats Hate Closed Doors?

by Amber October 30, 2022

written by Amber

In the mind of your cat, there’s nothing quite as insulting as closing a door. They’ll meow, yowl, and scratch at the wood as if their life depends on getting past that force field of man-made deprivation. Not every cat carries on when they’re faced with the obstacle of a closed door, but for one reason or another, we all know a dramatic feline that is fully capable of making a scene when they don’t have unobstructed access to the house. So, what’s the deal with cats and closed doors?

It’s those territorial instincts.

Your nap-happy house cat isn’t destined to roam the Savannah like their big cat cousins, but domestic cats and wild cats do have a thing or two in common. One of those commonalities is their territorial instinct.

cats hate closed doors

In the wild, a cat’s survival depends on claiming and keeping their own territory. It’s an area that includes a safe place for them to sleep and find food. They patrol their land on a regular schedule and leave their scent in strategic places to warn off intruders. If their boundaries aren’t respected, they’re willing to fight for what they believe is theirs.

Outdoor cats are the ones most likely to take their territorial instincts seriously. That doesn’t mean, however, that indoor cats can’t be territorial. If your cat enjoys all-access to your house, it doesn’t matter who pays the bills—your cat sees your home as their territory. From their favorite spot on the sofa to the corner of the closet where they like to leave hairballs, they see the walls of your house as their rightly claimed homeland.

So, when your territorial cat encounters a closed door, they easily become distressed. That impenetrable barrier blocks them from an area that they see as their territory. It stops them from patrolling their lands and restricts their ability to defend what’s theirs. Imagine if you owned an acre of land and someone suddenly built a wall that blocked your access to part of your property. You’d be rightfully distraught, confused, and most likely angry. That’s exactly what’s happening with your territorial cat when they carry on outside a closed door.

Curiosity makes cats hate closed doors.

cats hate closed doors

We all know cats are curious creatures. They’re always interested in what we’re doing and aren’t afraid to insert themselves in every situation. I once had a cat who would be dead asleep until someone in the family decided to move an inch. It didn’t matter what they were doing, he needed to know what was happening and give his approval. If that person had the audacity to close a door behind them, we all had to suffer from the cat’s outrage.

To the curious cat, a closed door is the ultimate insult. They want to know about everything that’s going on, and a closed door stops that from happening. It’s even worse when the cat can hear or smell something from the other side of that irritating barricade.

It doesn’t matter what’s happening on the other side of the door-—it could even be an empty room or closet. A curious cat NEEDS to know what you’re keeping from them.

Let me love you!

Cats have this reputation for being independent and standoffish. We have to admit that for some felines, those descriptors are all too true. But cats are also social and affectionate. They like being with their humans on their own terms, and they don’t like when we disappear from sight.

Even if your cat isn’t one to voluntarily jump in your lap, they could still like knowing you’re nearby. When you go for a bathroom break and close the door behind you, your affectionate cat could have a problem. Either they don’t like it when they can’t see you, or they want to be with you at all times. They don’t care that you closed the door for privacy or will come right back out. For all they know, you closed the door because you’re going to disappear completely.

This could also be why your cat freaks out if you close your bedroom door at night to lock them out. They probably don’t want to curl up and sleep with you, but they prefer to express their nighttime crazies with their favorite humans nearby—even if those humans are asleep (or at least trying to sleep).

What To Do About It

If your cat is one of the many that hates closed doors, you have a few options. One is to remove all doors from your house so you’re never tempted to insult your feline friend again. If that doesn’t sound ideal, you could invest in cat doors or teach your cat to accept the reality that they can’t have everything they want.

If you think your cat is territorial, your best option is to teach them that whatever is behind that closed door is no longer part of their territory. It has to be an all-or-nothing type of situation. Either your cat sees a room as their territory and therefore believes they deserve unfettered access, or they know that room is always off limits.

For that to work, you have to commit to always keeping that door closed. Your cat will likely throw a fit for a few days (or maybe weeks), but they’ll eventually get the message and move on. But if you ever accidentally leave the door open and allow your cat access, you’ll be back to square one.

Hating closed doors is just one other thing that makes our cats interesting and unique. You have to admit that life with cats is never dull!

October 30, 2022 0 comment

Cat Behavior Cats Why Do Cats

Why Does My Cat Stalk Me?

by Amber October 9, 2022

written by Amber

While you savor the times your cat jumps into your lap and bops their head against yours in a feline form of affection, life with cats isn’t always so sweet. They’re undoubtedly cute and cuddly, the purrs and snuggle sessions prove that. But your cat is also a skilled hunter…and you’re the prey. At least, that’s what it feels like when your feline best friend launches a surprise attack on your exposed ankles.

Before you worry that your domesticated cat has turned wild, feline behaviorists say that when cats stalk humans, it’s completely normal. Most cats do it, and they have a few good reasons. Keep reading to find out what they are.

cat stalk

Can’t Ignore Instinct

Believe it or not, studies show our domesticated cats share 95% of their DNA with wild tigers. The leading theory is that house cats and big cats come from the same ancestor, and they get a lot of their traits from that ancient connection. That explains why your pampered pet can sometimes act like a wild beast.

In the wild, cats survive because of instinct. They have an ingrained knowledge that tells them what is safe to eat and how to track it down. That natural aptitude for hunting includes stalking and attacking their prey. And while your cat’s survival depends on your ability to fill their food bowl and not their skills as a hunter, they still haven’t lost that urge to stalk and pounce.

Your cat’s body is built for stealth, and their brain is wired for stalking. So when you saunter across the room minding your own business, the instinct to stalk clicks in your cat’s mind without them realizing. They’re not doing it because they think they can make a meal out of you, but they do it because it feels right.

cat stalk

Bored Bored Bored

While all cats have the instinct to stalk “prey,” it can happen more often if they don’t get the appropriate amounts of physical and mental stimulation. Basically, cats stalk their humans as a way to ease their boredom.

Cats sleep up to 18 hours a day, but they still need daily exercise and attention. And like a bored toddler, they can resort to creative, and often mischievous, ways to use up their surplus energy. They’ll look for things to do and unconventional toys to play with. That boredom combined with their natural instinct often leads to planning and executing sneak attacks on the most interesting thing in their environment: You.

If you’ve noticed your cat stalks you more than they used to, it might be because you’ve started neglecting their exercise needs. Offering them more opportunities to run, jump, and swat could put a stop to the behavior.

A Lesson Well Learned

Cats are smart. They learn quickly, and they’re good at figuring things out on their own. When they jump out from behind the chair and wrap their paws around your shin, they’re focused on their own actions, but they also pay attention to what you do about it. You don’t realize it’s happening, but how you respond teaches your cat an important lesson.

Think about this: What’s your gut response when your cat stalks you and attacks? Most of us make some kind of sound, whether it be a startled scream or an expletive. After that, we usually bend down and give the cat some kind of attention. We might even indulge their imagination and start playing along.

If you go through this same routine a few times, your cat is going to catch on to the pattern. They realize that one specific action on their part (stalking you) results in a favorable outcome (them getting your attention). The next time your feisty feline feels like attracting your attention, they already know a foolproof method to get what they want. You inadvertently reinforced their stalking behavior by reacting the same way every time it happened.

If you don’t want your cat to stalk you, you’ll have to do your best to ignore the behavior. With no reaction, there’s no reward, and your cat won’t be as inclined to stalk you.

Frustration At Its Fiercest

While most of your cat’s stalking behavior is playful and harmless, there are occasions when cats stalk and pounce on their humans out of frustration. It’s like when something doesn’t go your way and you feel the need to scream or hit something. Releasing the pent-up irritation is a form of catharsis.

cat stalk

When your cat gets frustrated, they’re not going to punch a pillow. They’re not even going to scream—although some cats do get extra chatty when they’re irritated. For these frustrated felines, the most likely behavior is for them to act out in a way that lets out energy. Stalking a human just so happens to get that job done.

An example of this would be if your cat is sitting by the window and sees the neighbor’s tabby hop the fence and enter your yard. That blatant act of trespassing can tick your cat off, and they may want to burst outside and deal with the intruder. But because they’re trapped safely behind the glass, their eye trains on a more accessible target…you.

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What To Do About It

Even when your cat stalks you out of frustration, the chance of them doing anything more than minor harm is slim. You might get a few scratches, but it likely has nothing to do with your cat’s feelings about you. If your cat’s stalking behavior has gotten to the point where you’re afraid to walk through your own house, remember that punishment is not the answer. Cats don’t respond to punishment the same way humans do, and you’ll only make the situation worse. (Read about that here.)

Instead, it’s best to redirect your cat’s behavior toward something they can harmlessly stalk, like a catnip mouse or feather wand. Remain calm so as to not reinforce the behavior, and make a mental note that your cat could use more opportunities for interactive play.

Did you learn anything new about our feline friends? Share this with other cat lovers so they can learn something, too!

Do you know why your cat stares at you? Find out here on Cattitude Daily.

October 9, 2022 0 comment

Cat Behavior Cats

Why Are Cats Attracted To The Pspsps Sound?

by Amber September 29, 2022

written by Amber

Even with 32 muscles in each ear, cats still manage to ignore our voices on a daily basis. Their selective hearing is so advanced, they somehow convince us to make all kinds of weird sounds to get their attention. I used to bark at my cat, Jack, just to get him to turn his head. But out of all the ways we try to entice our cats, the pspsps sound is by far the most popular. We don’t know why humans started making this random noise for our feline friends, but it’s turned into a well-known strategy to coax our stubborn cats to our sides.

Not every cat is inclined to follow the sound of pspsps, but those who do seem to be especially intrigued. So, what’s so special about that sound? Let’s find out.

cat pspsps

What’s That Sound?

Until the day we can either read feline minds or learn to speak their language, we’ll never know exactly why the pspsps sound is so alluring. There’s, unfortunately, no scientific data to give us a clear and undeniable answer to this pressing question. But thanks to millions of cat owners and a basic understanding of the feline psyche, we can make educated assumptions and develop reasonable theories.

One of the leading theories as to why cats are attracted to pspsps is that the sound imitates several other sounds that cats are naturally interested in. Pspsps is actually an onomatopoeia for several sounds found in nature. It could be the sound of rustling leaves or tiny claws scratching the dirt. For some cats, it might remind them of a bird ruffling its feathers or the buzz of an interesting insect. All of these sounds signal great fun if you’re a cat with a predatory instinct.

Some experts believe cats are attracted to the pspsps sound because it closely resembles something they’d be interested in stalking or chasing. It triggers the predatory instinct in their brain, and they can’t help but investigate. That sound suggests that there might be a critter nearby, and despite their best efforts to remain aloof, potential prey is always worth checking out.

pspsps

A Mother’s Warning

Another theory about the pspsps sound is that it sounds like the hissing noise cats make when they’re angry or afraid. Kittens grow up knowing that if mom makes that aggressive sound, there’s something up. They’re taught to pay attention to anything that sounds like a mother’s hiss.

Cats usually hiss at other animals or people to tell them to stay away. But the sound can take on a different meaning between kitten and mama cat. It’s a warning signal that tells kittens there’s a threat nearby, and they better hightail it back to the safety of their mama. And because our domesticated cats often see us as their protectors, there’s a theory that suggests they’re also attuned to any warning sounds we may make. When we pspsps, our cats might think we’re letting out a warning hiss. They follow the sound because they know we’ll do everything we can to protect them.

Your Cat’s Curiosity

Cats are naturally curious. They like to know what we’re doing at all times, and they’re usually not shy about their investigative tactics. We can’t bring home a bag of groceries without the cat sniffing every box of cereal. And they’re usually the first to notice when you bring in a new piece of furniture. When they hear a strange sound, their curious nature takes over.

There’s a good chance cats respond to the pspsps sound simply because they want to know what it is. There’s the chance it could be a prey animal, or it could be literally anything else. Even if your cat is used to you making that sound, they still feel the urge to confirm its origin.

A Conditioned Response

A final theory is the fact that a lot of cats are conditioned to respond to the pspsps sound. It’s like when you train a dog to come when you call its name. With enough positive reinforcement, your dog will eventually learn that every time you call their name, something wonderful happens. You probably aren’t purposefully training your cat to come when they hear that specific sound, but it happens all the same.

Think about it: what happened the first time your cat approached you while you were pspspsing at them? You probably got excited and covered them in pets and love. That single interaction showed them that good things happen when they hear that sound. As you continued to make the sound, you trained your cat to come when called. So it’s not the sound that your cat is attracted to, but the attention they get afterward.

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

September 29, 2022 0 comment

Cat Behavior

Ways Your Cat Shows Their Love For You In Their Language

by Cattitude Daily September 27, 2022

written by Cattitude Daily

I think a cat’s weirdness is one of their most endearing qualities. We know the basic signs that our cats love us. Like when they knead us or bunt us or purr happily in our presence. They might even bring us dead things, too. But there are some other lesser-known—and some might say a bit odd—signs that our cats will prove their affections for us. Wondering what they are? Just keep reading!

Here is my list of ways cats show their love for you in their own purrfect way…

Check out my derrière

I adore all three of my cats, but when they decide to moon me randomly while I’m petting them I’m quick to turn my head away. Think for a second that you are a cat. You’re fierce, stealthy, and always on guard. For you, turning your back to someone is when you’re most vulnerable. While we humans wouldn’t turn our backs to someone as a sign of respect, your cat is also doing this to give you, um, a whiff of what they have to offer, too.

Cats willingly offer these areas up so that their friends can take a whiff. This odor exchange is a great form of communication for our feline friends, and your cat assumes you operate in the same way. Just don’t freak out your cat and put your rear in their face…

Watch my tail quiver

My little ginger cat named Tom does this often. For the longest time, I simply thought that he was doing it because he was spraying. Because to the untrained eye, it does appear like a cat is spraying. But, unlike spraying, this is a tail quiver that is happening in your presence, and your feline friend isn’t backed up against a hard surface marking their territory.

So, when cats do this in your presence, it doesn’t actually relate to spraying like a cat would do whenever they’re marking their territory. It’s actually a weird way they’re showing their affection for you.

Here’s an example of it in action…

Things cats do when they love you

Like their ears, your cat’s tail is a mood indicator. And when their mood is one of happiness, this cute tail quiver action can come into play. Karen Reese, the animal behavior manager at Operation Kindness, says, “Cats that love you will put their tail straight up in the air with a hook on the end (like a candy cane). They may vibrate their tail when they see you indicating their excitement.”

As I mentioned, this is entirely different than cat spraying. And yes, cats can—and sometimes will—spray even after they’ve been neutered or spayed. This can happen for a few reasons, actually. You can read about them here in my article, should you like.

Arching Backs

Of course, the quintessential black Halloween cat image comes to mind when we think of cats arching their backs. But when your cat is being petted by you and they arch their backs, this is a weird way they show their love for you. It’s as if their body is saying to you, this feels really good and I want to get even closer.

If you’re petting your kitty and you’ve reached a sweet spot that feels really good to them, they’ll arch their backs because they love the action taking place and want to give you easier access to it. Under normal circumstances, an arched back is a warning or sign of fear. But when your cat is arching back when you’re petting them, this is a sign of love.

weird ways cats show their love for you

Watch my roll

My Maine Coon cat always does this, and thankfully I’m quick on my feet and don’t trip when he does this right in front of me. Cats flash their bellies as a telltale sign that they love you, and when your cat rolls happily on the ground, this is a sign, too.

Your cat rolling at your feet is a loving greeting of belly flashes and submission, which cats are not quick to give to just anyone. Feel very special when this occurs! A cat is most vulnerable when they are on their back, so when they do this it’s an ultimate sign of trust. Just don’t think to go rubbing that tummy unless you want a hand full of scratches or bite scrapes in return. This is your first and last warning…just don’t.

I’m scratching just for you

Cats use their claws for many necessary reasons, and leaving their territorial scent on things is certainly one of them. Although we may not love the result of our favorite sweater or couch being shredded by cat scratches, your cat is scratching on these items/surfaces heavily marked with your scent because they are marking you as theirs.

Usually, cats will groom to get your scent off of them after you pet them. (Sorry to be the bearer of bad news on that one!) But, when your cat is scratching on places heavy in your scent, they are wanting to pick up on your scent and mark theirs on yours. And they’re not just scratching for scents. They might want others in your home to know that you’re theirs and not anyone else’s. Possessive much! Awww??

This is my bed

Just like I mentioned above with scratching, your cat will want to bask in your scent if they love you, too. This means that your cat’s favorite napping spot is A: on you, or B: in your bed! When our cats feel a closeness to us, their desire to be near is very strong. When you’re gone and return home to find your feline friend in your bed or on your favorite chair, they’re doing this as a way to calm themselves in your absence. How sweet is that?!

Tail wrapped right around you

Your cat’s tail is many things. But basically your cat’s tail is like their mood ring. It’s not going to change colors on you, but it will change shapes depending on what they’re feeling. Understanding cat tail talk will most certainly give you detailed insight into the feline mind. One thing that some cats will lovingly do to their owners—or even to another cat—is to wrap their tail around them. Typically this is your leg that’s being looped in lovingly by their tail when they’re at your feet…hopefully not trying to trip you simultaneously. Cats are not grudgeful beings despite what many might think, so if you fall, don’t take it personally.

Let’s have a lick

Did you know that cats do not possess the ability to taste sweetness? If only we could say the same to keep those pesky pounds off, right?! Well, your cat licking you is most certainly a sign of affection. And no, not when they lick you when you’re fresh out of the shower. They’re just trying to get a taste of that fresh, room temperature water they prefer when they do that.

When your cat licks you, they’re not necessarily doing this to see if you taste like chicken so that they can murder you in your sleep. They’re actually performing an act known as social grooming. This is similar to cats who cohabitate and are fond of one another. Cats groom each other as a symbol of affection and protection. So, why would you be any different? Maybe just try not to groom them back unless you want a mouth full of fur.

cats show their love for you

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

Have you ever wondered why cats close their eyes when you pet them? Find out here on cattitudedaily.com!

September 27, 2022 0 comment

Cat Behavior

Why Do Cats Love The Dark?

by Cattitude Daily September 17, 2022

written by Cattitude Daily

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. Our feline friends seem to know that there aren’t monsters hiding in our closets or lurking underneath our beds. In fact, these seem to be often our cats’ favorite places to hide. And when they 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 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 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.

September 17, 2022 0 comment

Cat Behavior Cats

Why Don’t Cats Make Eye Contact With Other Cats?

by Amber August 17, 2022

written by Amber

Not only are cat eyes big and beautiful, they’re also extremely expressive. If you’re ever interested in getting to know your cat a little better, my advice is to pay attention to their eyes. Where they direct their gaze, the intensity of their stare, and even how often they blink can tell you a lot about their current mood and their overall personality. And while you’re staring deeply into your kitty’s eyes, you might notice that your cat does everything they can to avoid eye contact⁠—especially with other cats.

For our feline friends, eye contact is a complicated thing. It can send different messages depending on the situation and who else is involved. It’s a fact that cats often go out of their way to not make eye contact with their fellow felines. But why?

cats make eye contact

Eye Contact Between Cats

While humans make eye contact to show they’re interested and engaged in an interaction, cats consider a pair of locked eyes to mean something completely different. In cat language, prolonged eye contact is anything from a stern warning to a serious threat. It implies intimidation, and it’s almost never shared between friends.

Cats are territorial and predatory. When your cat is approached by another cat they’re not completely comfortable with, the interaction could go one of two ways. If your kitty is the friendly, submissive type, she might try her best to avoid looking the newcomer in the eyes. This is her way of saying she comes in peace and doesn’t want any trouble. She hopes her new acquaintance will get the message and return the favor.

But if two cats are feeling feisty, territorial, or uncomfortable, they might not do each other the courtesy of averting their gazes. They won’t start an outright fight, but a staring contest will get their point across. Cats make eye contact when they want to send an assertive message. They’ll try and out stare each other as a way of establishing who’s in charge. The first cat to look away surrenders. And if the staring goes on for too long, it will eventually escalate to a physical altercation.

cats make eye contact

If you ever catch your cat making eye contact with another feline, it’s a good idea to try and distract them and redirect the situation. Pay attention to the body language coming from both competitors. If their bodies are tense and their hackles are raised, bad things are coming. Cat fights can cause serious injuries, so it’s best to avoid a confrontation if you can.

Special Exceptions for Special Humans

While cats do their best to not make eye contact with each other, you’ve probably noticed that eye contact can mean something completely different with humans. Cats have been by our sides for so long, they’ve learned to adopt some of our human behaviors. They’ve figured out that with humans, a staring contest doesn’t always have to be a bad thing.

Some friendly kitties will make eye contact with their favorite humans as a way to show affection. If that ever happens to you, it’s good etiquette to offer your kitty a slow blink. A sleepy blink or wink is cat language for “I love you.”

Don’t assume, however, that this rule applies to all humans. A lot of cats are only comfortable making eye contact with their closest family members. If a guest comes over and tries to stare at them, there’s a good chance your cat will turn tail and flee. They prefer unfamiliar guests greet them with a peripheral glance rather than a direct stare. It’s more respectful and doesn’t suggest a rivalry.

In most situations, cats don’t want to make eye contact with other cats. Two cats that live together but never make eye contact are probably the best of friends. They respect each other and never feel the need to threaten or dominate. But just because you catch two cats staring each other down, that doesn’t mean they’re bound to be enemies forever. Making eye contact can be a non-violent way to settle disputes. It helps cats determine status and set boundaries.

August 17, 2022 0 comment

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