Cat language goes beyond the vocalizations that typically include hisses, growls, chattering, and meows. Nonverbal language such as tail talk offers many advantages over vocalizations. For example, sounds give away a cat’s location while posturing can’t be overheard. To many owners' surprise, feline communication is done in large part through…
If you've ever walked into your home to find your cat perched on top of the refrigerator, a bookshelf, or another high point in your home—and wondered what, exactly, she was doing—you're not alone. We all know there are a lot of, ahem, odd feline behaviors that aren't so easy…
Called bunting, cats rub their heads against prominent objects to leave chemical markings as a part of scent communication. Depending on the object of the cat's communication, they may be claiming ownership or indicating pleasure. Cats' Pheromone Glands Cats have several different pheromone producing glands all over the body. They…
One of the most important tasks to attend to before bringing home a new cat is to organize a "safe room" for your new feline to stay in for the first few days. It should include all the necessities a cat needs for comfort and security. Although a designated room…
Cats are fastidious animals, and they groom themselves several times a day. Yet you may have always wondered why cats lick their front feet after every meal. Even though they have not touched any food with their feet, all cats tend to do this. Food-related grooming may be a throwback…
Moving to a new home is stressful for humans and pets alike. Most cats are sensitive creatures that dislike change, so moving is one of the most stressful events they can experience. Stress can have a negative impact on your cat's health and behavior. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce…
It's no secret that cats love boxes. In fact, most cat lovers have seen at least one cartoon depicting a cat sleeping in a box instead of the expensive cat bed that was inside that box. Why do cats love boxes so much? The reasons can be multifaceted, but basically…
All cat parents are familiar with the eternal struggle between cat and laser pointer. For something so small and scentless, that little red dot sure can keep cats busy—in spite of (or perhaps because of) the fact that they never really can catch it. Interestingly though, there’s some debate about…
In This Article Expand Why Cats Act Crazy Predatory Instinct Nocturnal Instinct Senility Fleas FHS Next Steps Read Your Cat Back to Top Does your cat suddenly run around the house or get a nightly burst of energy, complete with a chorus of meows? This "crazy" behavior in cats may…
While it can be upsetting and frustrating, fighting between cats that live in the same household is a problem that in many cases can be prevented and resolved with the help of a cat behavior professional and veterinarian. Cat behavior is complex and there are a variety of reasons why…