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Cat Behaviors Explained

Cats are the kings of shenanigans, which is just one reason why we love them so much. However, some of their behaviors and antics can cause a little concern. Learn more about these common problems and weird cat behaviors and what they could mean.

Don’t take it personally. If your cat isn’t fixed, making a break for an open door is a sign they’re hoping to get out and get frisky. Getting your cat spayed or neutered should lessen their desire to leave home. If it doesn’t help, you may just have an adventurous cat. Get your cat microchipped so if they get lost, they have a better chance of coming home.

If your cat’s meow sounds more like an alarm siren, this is called a yowl. A yowling cat that hasn’t been fixed is likely in heat and is hoping to attract a mate. If your cat has been fixed, yowling could signal hunger or possibly pain or discomfort. If the issue persists, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to make sure everything’s okay.

Unneutered male cats tend to spray as a way to communicate to other cats that they’re single and ready to mingle. Getting your cat fixed will help with this problem. If you’re still dealing with a cat spraying in house or a cat peeing everywhere, some other causes could be: 

  • A change has taken place — like a new cat, new baby or new home
  • They don’t like their litter
  • There isn’t an adequate number of litter boxes
  • There is conflict between cats in your home
  • A urinary tract infection or other medical issue (consult your vet!)
If you have cats who are always at each other’s necks, the first step — you guessed it — is to get them fixed. (Especially if your cats are male!) If your cats are fixed and still going at it, determine whether their fighting is playful or aggressive. Are their ears flattened? Are they hurting each other? Is one cat initiating aggression? If the answer is no, they’re likely just playing, especially if they’re less than two years old. If the answer is yes, you may need to separate your cats and reintroduce them slowly. Learn more about introducing a new cat.

Cats tend to sleep between 16 and 18 hours a day, which compared to our sleeping habits seems like a lot! If your cat is slow to wake up or you notice a change in their sleeping habits, it’s never a bad idea to call your vet.

If your cat is sneezing more than usual, they could have a cold (yes, cats can get colds, too!) or allergies. Sneezing, scratching, shaking their head, watery eyes and a runny nose are all signs of seasonal allergies. If you’re concerned your cat has allergies or is sick, visit your vet. 

Most experts think that cats knead soft objects because kittens knead their mother’s tummy to stimulate milk production. It could also be a way of marking territory or signaling that they’re really happy. Whatever it means, we can all agree that it’s absolutely adorable.

The cause of your cat puking could be hairballs. Most cats get hairballs from ingesting too much of their own hair. To help prevent hairballs, brush your cat more often, try a hairball laxative or start feeding them a food formulated for hairball-prone cats. Other causes for your cat upchucking could be a new food, eating too fast or eating something that is definitely not food. If your kitty is throwing up more than a couple of times a month, definitely consult your veterinarian.

Select a myth below to reveal the facts:

Don’t take it personally. If your cat isn’t fixed, making a break for an open door is a sign they’re hoping to get out and get frisky. Getting your cat spayed or neutered should lessen their desire to leave home. If it doesn’t help, you may just have an adventurous cat. Get your cat microchipped so if they get lost, they have a better chance of coming home.

If your cat’s meow sounds more like an alarm siren, this is called a yowl. A yowling cat that hasn’t been fixed is likely in heat and is hoping to attract a mate. If your cat has been fixed, yowling could signal hunger or possibly pain or discomfort. If the issue persists, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to make sure everything’s okay.

Unneutered male cats tend to spray as a way to communicate to other cats that they’re single and ready to mingle. Getting your cat fixed will help with this problem. If you’re still dealing with a cat spraying in house or a cat peeing everywhere, some other causes could be: 

  • A change has taken place — like a new cat, new baby or new home
  • They don’t like their litter
  • There isn’t an adequate number of litter boxes
  • There is conflict between cats in your home
  • A urinary tract infection or other medical issue (consult your vet!)
If you have cats who are always at each other’s necks, the first step — you guessed it — is to get them fixed. (Especially if your cats are male!) If your cats are fixed and still going at it, determine whether their fighting is playful or aggressive. Are their ears flattened? Are they hurting each other? Is one cat initiating aggression? If the answer is no, they’re likely just playing, especially if they’re less than two years old. If the answer is yes, you may need to separate your cats and reintroduce them slowly. Learn more about introducing a new cat.

Cats tend to sleep between 16 and 18 hours a day, which compared to our sleeping habits seems like a lot! If your cat is slow to wake up or you notice a change in their sleeping habits, it’s never a bad idea to call your vet.

If your cat is sneezing more than usual, they could have a cold (yes, cats can get colds, too!) or allergies. Sneezing, scratching, shaking their head, watery eyes and a runny nose are all signs of seasonal allergies. If you’re concerned your cat has allergies or is sick, visit your vet. 

Most experts think that cats knead soft objects because kittens knead their mother’s tummy to stimulate milk production. It could also be a way of marking territory or signaling that they’re really happy. Whatever it means, we can all agree that it’s absolutely adorable.

The cause of your cat puking could be hairballs. Most cats get hairballs from ingesting too much of their own hair. To help prevent hairballs, brush your cat more often, try a hairball laxative or start feeding them a food formulated for hairball-prone cats. Other causes for your cat upchucking could be a new food, eating too fast or eating something that is definitely not food. If your kitty is throwing up more than a couple of times a month, definitely consult your veterinarian.