Common cat behaviours explained, and kind ways to respond

Cats are not small dogs, and many of the things they do make perfect sense once you see them from a cat's point of view. Most common behaviours are natural and harmless. The aim is to give your cat a suitable outlet, not to stop the behaviour.

One rule applies throughout: never punish a cat. Shouting, spraying with water or physical punishment won't teach a cat what you want. It makes them fearful of you, and stress often makes the problem worse. Instead, make the right choice easy and reward it.

Kneading

Kneading is when a cat pushes its front paws in and out against a soft surface, or against you. Kittens knead while feeding from their mother, and many adult cats keep doing it when they are content and relaxed.

If your cat's claws hurt, place a folded blanket on your lap. Don't push the cat away or scold it. Keeping claws trimmed, or asking your vet to show you how, can also help.

Scratching

Scratching keeps claws in good condition, stretches muscles and leaves scent marks. It is a need, not bad behaviour.

• Provide a sturdy scratching post tall enough for your cat to stretch out fully, and one that doesn't wobble.
• Offer different types: upright posts, flat scratchers and different textures.
• Put posts near where your cat sleeps and near the furniture it has been scratching.
• Reward your cat with praise or a treat when it uses the post.

If your cat scratches furniture, cover that spot for a while and put a post right in front of it.

Bringing in prey

Cats are natural hunters, and well-fed cats still hunt. Nobody knows for certain why some cats bring prey home, but it is normal behaviour, not a gift that needs a reaction.

Stay calm and don't punish your cat, which won't stop hunting. Daily play with wand toys that let your cat stalk, chase and pounce can help meet its hunting drive. Some owners keep their cats in at night or at dawn and dusk, when many small animals are active.

Hiding

Cats often hide when they feel unsure, such as when visitors arrive, during building work or after a move. Hiding is how a cat copes, so let it.

Give your cat several hiding places, including high ones, and let it come out in its own time. Don't pull a cat out of hiding. If your cat suddenly starts hiding much more than usual, or stops eating, contact your vet, as hiding can be a sign of pain or illness.

Spraying and toileting outside the tray

Spraying is when a cat backs up to a wall or object and sprays a small amount of urine. It is a way of marking territory, and is often linked to stress, such as tension with other cats in the home or outside. Neutering usually reduces it.

• Clean marked areas with a non-ammonia, enzyme-based cleaner. Ammonia-based cleaners can smell like urine to a cat.
• Give each cat its own resources: food, water, litter trays, beds and scratching posts, in separate places.
• Keep litter trays clean, in quiet spots, away from food.
• Ask your vet to check for a medical cause first.

Contact a vet straight away if your cat is straining in the litter tray and passing little or no urine, especially if it is a male cat. A blocked bladder is an emergency.

Zoomies and night-time activity

Sudden bursts of racing around, often in the evening or at night, are common, especially in young cats. They are usually a way of burning off energy.

Play with your cat before bedtime, then offer a meal, which can help it settle. Don't reward night-time demands for attention by getting up, as cats quickly learn what works. If an older cat starts yowling at night, or your cat seems to be in distress, ask your vet for a check-up.

Chattering

Many cats make a fast clicking or chattering sound while watching birds through a window. The reason isn't fully understood, but it often happens when a cat sees prey it can't reach. It is harmless. Play sessions can give your cat a chance to "catch" something.

Meowing and asking for food

Adult cats meow mostly to communicate with people. Some breeds, such as Siamese, are naturally more vocal. If your cat meows for food, feeding at set times can help, and puzzle feeders slow eating and keep cats busy.

If your cat is overweight, don't give in to begging with extra treats. Treats add calories, and they also teach the cat that begging works. Ask your vet for advice on a healthy weight and diet. A cat that suddenly becomes much more vocal or hungry should see a vet.