Commonly misunderstood behaviours and what they really tell you

1st July 2022

Have you ever wondered why your cat is hoovering up their food or water, suddenly doesn’t like you anymore and is being aggressive, or perhaps started vandalising your home by doing their business everywhere else but in their litter tray?

Some of us may well remember frantically trying to source toilet roll or packs of pasta during the pandemic. So, if us humans aren’t immune to the fear of losing access to vital (as vital as toilet paper can be) resources, then why should our cats be?

In fact, cats are very sensitive when it comes to resource access and can easily feel stressed if they perceive a threat. Unfortunately, your cat cannot hoard resources and thus will respond with different coping behaviours in response to the stress that the sudden imbalance is causing:

Frenzied feeding

If a cat literally inhales her food during feeding time, then they may feel concerned about the food being stolen by another pet. If your cat is the only pet in your household or you’re not concerned about your pets stealing each other’s food, then you could try slowing them down by using a slow feeder, which looks like a maze and makes it more challenging for a cat to reach all the food at once. It is best to introduce your cat to this kind of feeding gradually as it may cause them frustration at a time when they feel most threatened.

If you have multiple cats, then you could separate them at mealtimes with a SureFeed™ Microchip Pet Feeder Connect. Selective feeders like this one only open for the designated pet and help putting an end to the stress triggered by the competitive situation.

As the behaviour of a cat can tell many things about their routines and wellbeing, the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder Connect can also help giving further insights into the situation. You’ll be able to see in the Sure Petcare App when your pets choose to eat as well as how much and so be able to spot changes.

Sudden “aggression”

If your cat claws or bites you during friendly interaction, the this can be a sign of frustration. Cats need mental and physical stimulation and can fall into a destructive or seemingly aggressive behaviour if their needs aren’t met. There are many ways to entertain your cat. One way is to give them access to the outdoors and another to simply play with them. There are a wide variety of toys available, like treat dispensing balls, catnip filled pouches or wands. Automated toys can even ensure playtime when you’re not around. If you decide to allow your cat enrichment through access to the outdoors, then a SureFlap™ Microchip Cat Flap Connect could be a great choice as it can be operated from your phone, and you can keep an eye on your cat’s comings, goings and overall outdoor activity levels.

Adopting a feline companion for your cat has its advantages but should be done with careful consideration. There are plenty of animal shelters and charities who can give you advice.

Sudden uncleanliness

If your cat has been using a litter tray and suddenly started preferring a spot in your home rather than the tray, then this can for a multitude of different reasons. It can be because the tray is dirty, or because they don't like the litter. Some cats don't like to share their litter tray with other cats, or they prefer multiple trays. It can also be that they don't feel comfortable or because the tray is in a busy area that doesn't give them the privacy they need. Cats like routine, and they are more likely to do their business outside the tray if there is no routine, or their routine is disturbed and they’re feeling stressed. In some cases, it can be a sign of an upset tummy or bladder infection. If it keeps happening, you should consult your veterinarian.

Scratching and spraying

Spray marking is a normal behaviour that cats use in their territory outside to communicate with other cats. If you see your cat spray marking in the garden it is nothing to worry about. However, when cats spray mark indoors, it means that they are stressed or unhappy about something. It could mean that there is tension with another cat in the household, or it could be that other cats in the neighbourhood are encroaching on their territory.

Hiding

Cats are non-confrontational animals, so when they feel threatened, they tend to stay out of the way. For example, many cats will go off to hide somewhere when there is a visitor in the house, or when children are playing boisterously. Less confident cats may hide underneath things, and more confident cats may get up high on a shelf so they feel safely distant from what's happening but can still observe what's going on.

Increased drinking

If you notice your cat drinking more than usual, then this could be a sign of dehydration or kidney problems. Kidney disease is the most common cause of death in cats of five years of age or older, making drinking monitoring even more important. A device like Felaqua™ Connect makes it easier to see if your cat is drinking more or less than usual.

If you'd like to share your pet care advice, why not join the conversation using the hashtag #DoYouSpeakCat on social media or give @SurePetcare a mention.

You can read more about feline behaviour here.

Always make sure to consult your vet, should you have concerns about your cat's wellbeing.