Tag: behavior

old brown tabby
Behavior

Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CTS) in Elderly Cats

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Meredith Hemphill

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Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

Old brown tabby cat
Photo by Jonas Jaeken on Unsplash

As our cats get older, they can show a variety of signs of aging. Some, like arthritis and a graying muzzle, you probably expect. But did you know that cats (and dogs) can get dementia, just like humans? Cognitive dysfunction in cats is not uncommon in old age [4]. About 30% of cats 11-14 years old and 50% of cats 15+ have changes in behavior unrelated to another health problem [4-6]. This is called Feline Cognitive Decline or Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) in veterinary terms.

What Does Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome Look Like?

Sordo and Gunn-Moore use the acronym VISHDAAL to help explain the typical indications of cognitive dysfunction in cats. The letters are in order of how common the symptoms are. [5]

  • V is for Vocalization: excessive meowing or yowling, especially at night [1-5]
  • I is for Interactions: changes in the way your cat interacts with members of the household, such as an increased or decreased interest in petting and attention, irritability, aggression toward people/pets, or decreased responsiveness [1, 3, 5, 6]
  • S is for Sleep-wake cycle: changes in the cat’s sleep-wake cycle, particularly being awake during hours of the night when they used to sleep [1-6]
  • H is for House-soiling: that is, urinating and/or defecating outside the litterbox [1-6]
  • D is for Disorientation: being confused about place or time, e.g. getting lost in familiar locations, becoming somehow stuck in places they should be able to get out of easily, not remembering that they’ve just been fed, staring blankly into space [1-6]
  • A is for Activity levels: either decreased activity, e.g. less grooming, lack of interest in food or play, or increased activity in the form of restlessness [1-6]
  • A is for Anxiety: this can manifest in a variety of ways depending upon the individual cat and may contribute to other symptoms [1-6]
  • L is for Learning and memory: forgetting routines, commands, and familiar people, pets, or places [2-6]

Not every cat will exhibit every symptom, and CTS is a condition that changes and progresses over time [5, 6]. Some of the first signs of CTS may be subtle, and many cat parents mistake them for a normal part of aging that they can’t do anything about [1, 5, 6]. However, if you notice any of these symptoms in your senior cat, you absolutely should tell your veterinarian [1, 3]. The vet can confirm a diagnosis and come up with a treatment plan to make your cat’s last years as peaceful as possible.

Cara’s Story

Cara was one of my childhood cats. She was born under our front porch when I was five or six years old, along with two sisters and a brother. We kept her and her brother, Milo, and they were with us into my college years. Cara was always sort of an odd duck. She wanted attention only rarely, stuck her head in shoes, and stared down into the floor vents for extended periods of time. But when she got to be maybe eight or nine years old, she started getting weirder.

The garage was the cats’ home base, and when they wanted out there they would stand at the door and meow. But Cara started going up to any closed door in the house and meowing to go out. She started actually rubbing against us and demanding attention. She started peeing in the bathtub. Cara had kidney problems, as many old cats do, but we never could figure out why it was just the bathtub. She became much more vocal, as well, although if she was meowing in the middle of night, we never heard it since they slept in the garage. No one in my family knew that pets could get dementia until we saw it with Cara.

Diagnosing Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome

CDS is a diagnosis of exclusion because many of the symptoms can also be caused by medical problems that are common in senior cats [1-3, 5, 6]. For example, pain from arthritis might cause irritability or decreased activity [1, 2, 5]. Vision or hearing loss might cause a cat to become disoriented [1, 2]. It’s important to rule out other medical causes through testing [5]. Only then can your veterinarian be sure that CDS is the culprit.

What Causes Cognitive Dysfunction in Cats?

No one knows for sure what causes CDS. Just like Alzheimer’s disease in humans, it is still somewhat of a mystery. Veterinarians have a few ideas, however. As cats get older, their brains accumulate certain kinds of age-related damage [4-6]. Their brains eventually shrink and lose neural connections, just like ours do [5]. Toxic beta-amyloid plaques and abnormal tau proteins build up in the brain over time [4-6]. Impaired blood flow and oxidative damage are also age-related changes that contribute to cognitive dysfunction in cats [4-6]. The brain is expected to deteriorate with age, just like the rest of the body [3]. However, handling dementia in your elderly pet isn’t as straightforward as some of the other conditions common in senior cats because it isn’t one-size-fits all.

How is Feline Cognitive Dysfunction Treated?

Tan cat laying on sidewalk
Image by Anna Armbrust from Pixabay

There is no cure for CDS, but there are things you can do to make things easier for your cat if they are diagnosed with it [3, 5, 6]. A lot of it has to do with adjusting your cat’s environment to make things easier for them [1, 3]. Keeping to a strict routine makes everything easier to remember and less stressful [1, 5]. Avoid major changes, such as introducing a new pet, if at all possible [2, 3]. If your cat is up all night, you can make a point to keep them active during the day and play with them in the evening hours [1]. Cats that are soiling outside the litterbox may be forgetting where the litter box is or how they’re supposed to use it [1]. Add more litterboxes in easy-to-see places [1-3].

Anxiety may be helped by giving your cat more attention, playing the radio at night/when you’re not home, or using a calming pheromone diffuser like Feliway [1, 3, 5]. Every cat is different, though, so expect some trial-and-error. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations based upon your cats specific symptoms [1, 5]. It may help to consult a cat behaviorist, too [1].

A special diet can sometimes help with CDS [2, 3, 5, 6]. Vitamin E and antioxidants are believed to aid an aging cat’s brain [2, 3, 5]. There are cat foods available that are high in these nutrients [5]. Ask your veterinarian or local pet store for a recommendation. You can also buy supplements, but be careful, because they are usually formulated for dogs and may not be safe for cats [5]. Only use a supplement that is clearly labeled as safe for cats!

Medication

There aren’t any medications specifically for cognitive dysfunction in cats yet; nonetheless, there are some that your veterinarian may prescribe. Anti-anxiety medication is one option [1-3, 5]. The drug selegiline/Anipryl is approved for CDS in dogs and is sometimes prescribed for cats [1, 2, 5, 6]. Not all cats with CDS require medication, however, and their needs can change over time. Take your senior kitty into the vet for regular appointments to reassess what their needs are [6].

Sources

  1. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (n.d.). Older cats with behavior problems. ASPCA. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/older-cats-behavior-problems
  2. Cornell Feline Health Center. (2018, July). Cognitive dysfunction. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/cognitive-dysfunction
  3. International Cat Care. (2018, August 17). Senility, dementia or cognitive dysfunction syndrome. https://icatcare.org/advice/senility-dementia-or-cognitive-dysfunction-syndrome/
  4. Kornreich, B. (2022, September 27). Feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CTS). Cornell Feline Health Center Monthly Health Tips. [Email Newsletter]
  5. Sordo, L. and Gunn-Moore, D. A. (2021). Cognitive dysfunction in cats: Update on neuropathological and behavioural changes plus clinical management. VetRecord, 188(1), e3. https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.3
  6. Stilwell, N. (2019). Unpacking feline dementia: A veterinary guide. Vetted, 115(5), 6-8. https://www.dvm360.com/view/unpacking-feline-dementia-veterinary-guide

Published October 1st, 2023

Behavior

Why Do Cats Rub Against Your Legs?

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Meredith Hemphill

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Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

Page from old book with drawing of cat rubbing a person's legs
“Cat in an affectionate from of mind, by Mr. Wood” from The Expression of Emotion in Man and Animals by Charles Darwin

Whether you find it annoying or cute, it is a universal truth that cats rub legs–and pretty much everything else, including each other. This quirky behavior is unique to cats [8]. Why do they do it? What’s so interesting about our legs? And our shoes? And that one corner of the sofa?

Showing Affection

As I discussed in my article about how our cats show that they love us, cats communicate their affection with their humans in the only ways they know how: like they would with another cat. A friendly nuzzle or head butt is one way that cats express affection for each other [1, 3, 4, 8]. It may be a greeting or just a reminder that they love you [3, 6].

When cats rub our legs, they put their faces and eyes in a vulnerable position, so it’s a clear sign that kitty trusts you and feels comfortable around you [5]. As animals that are in the middle of the food chain, cats need to be extremely vigilant to survive, so they only let their guard down if they feel completely safe.

Diagram showing position of a cat's scent glands
Diagram of Cat Scent Glands from Cat Care Center of Baton Rouge

Scent Marking

Cats are also naturally territorial animals, and rubbing both objects and family members is a healthy territorial behavior. Cats have a lot of scent glands on their faces [1-3, 5-8]. They use the pheromones produced by these scent glands to mark their territory by rubbing against objects [1-6]. Cats also create a group scent within their colony by rubbing their pheromones onto each other [2, 4, 5]. Since we are part of our cats’ social groups, our cats rub our legs to create a group scent [2, 4, 5]. Although we can’t smell it, it’s important to our pets [1].

When cats scent mark each other, they usually nuzzle their heads together [5, 7]. But humans are just too tall [7]! So instead, cats rub their faces against whatever part of us they can reach, and that’s usually our legs or feet [5, 7].

Trying to Tell You Something

Does your cat suddenly start twining around your legs when it’s time for their dinner, or when they think it’s time for their dinner? Mine do, and I nearly fall on my face about once a week. Why are they rubbing us then? Because they’re trying to get our attention and give us a message [3, 4, 6, 8]. In this case, the message is clearly, “Feed me.” Sometimes, though, cats might rub our legs because they want to play or to be pet [3, 4, 6, 8].

So if your cat keeps nuzzling you over and over, they may be trying to ask you for something. Unless you were recently visiting with another cat. Then they may just be trying to make you smell right again.

Works Cited

  1. Becker, M. and Spadafori, G. (2006). Do cats always land on their feet? 101 of the most perplexing questions answered about feline unfathomables, medical mysteries & befuddling behaviors. Health Communications, Inc. Deerfield Beach, FL.
  2. Blackwell, E. (2022, October 5). How to tell if your cat loves you, according to science. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-tell-if-your-cat-loves-you-according-to-science/
  3. Bondi Vet. (n.d.). Why do cats knead and rub against us? https://www.bondivet.com/promo/why-do-cats-rub
  4. Catonsville Cat Clinic. (2018, February 16). Why does my cat rub against…everything? https://www.catonsvillecatclinic.com/holmes-corner/why-does-my-cat-rub-againsteverything/
  5. Gormly, K.B. (2020, September 15). Why do cats rub against you? Catster. https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/why-do-cats-rub-against-you-a-weird-cat-behavior-explained
  6. Grimmet, D. (n.d.). Ask the vet: Why do cats rub against your leg? Sunset Vet Clinic. https://www.sunsetvetclinic.com/ask-the-vet-why-do-cats-rub-against-your-leg/
  7. International Cat Care. (2018, October 5). Why do cats rub round their owners’ legs? https://icatcare.org/advice/why-do-cats-rub-round-their-owners-legs/
  8. Waynick, L. (2021, December 14). 3 reasons cats rub against your legs. The Spruce Pets. https://www.thesprucepets.com/why-cats-rub-against-legs-5210427

Published March 19, 2023

Behavior

Why Do Cats Bite When You Pet Them?

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Meredith Hemphill

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Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

Tuxedo cat biting fingers
Photo by Crina Doltu at Pexels

You are sitting on the sofa with your cat snuggled up in your lap. You are stroking your kitty’s fur and thinking this is one of those perfect moments having a pet is all about. Then your cat whips around and clamps their teeth down on your hand. For many people, this is one of the most baffling things their cat does. It may seem sudden, unprovoked, or even just mean, but cats don’t do anything without cause. In fact, there are a few reasons why cats bite when we pet them.

Biting during petting is called petting-induced aggression or “love bites” [3, 6, 7]. While it may be cute to call them love bites, they are not a sign of affection. Cats usually bite when pet to tell the person touching them that they’ve had enough [1-4, 6, 7]. Most cats will give non-aggressive warnings first, but if those go unnoticed or ignored, a cat only has so many ways to say “Hey, stop that!”

Why would they want you to stop showering them in love and attention? Cats are extremely sensitive to touch, and too much petting causes them to become overstimulated [1, 4, 6, 7]. When a cat is overstimulated, their senses are overloaded, and they just can’t stand any more.

Cats may also bite when pet if they are in pain. Conditions such as arthritis, injuries, toothaches, and ear infections can cause cats to bite or scratch if you pet them on or near the sore spot [5-7]. My childhood cat, Milo, was a 24/7 love bug until he got arthritis in his old age. Then petting his lower back earned you a swipe. If your cat suddenly exhibits petting-induced aggression for the first time or in a new way, have the veterinarian check for a medical reason.

If your cat licks you before biting, they may be “grooming” you and getting carried away [3]. And some cats just think it’s playtime. Young cats and kittens are especially likely to mistake petting hands for toys [2, 5].

How to Tell If Your Cat is About to Bite

If you’re observant, you should be able to spot the signs that your cat is no longer loving your attention. You have to learn how your own cat communicates, but here are some things to look out for [2, 4-7].

  • Dilated pupils
  • Fur standing on end
  • Ears flattening or turning sideways or backward
  • Low growling or other vocalization
  • Quick head turns
  • Licking, rubbing, or other affection that gets too enthusiastic
  • Tail twitches
  • Skin rippling along the back
  • Claws unsheathing
  • Stiffening muscles
  • Whiskers tilting forward
  • Looking pointedly at your hand
Cat and child playing with wand toy
Use toys that keep your hands away from the action – Photo by cottonbro at Pexels

Some cats provide more warnings than others [1]. As soon as you notice any sign of irritation, stop touching your cat [1-4, 6]. If your cat wants to leave, let them, but don’t try to pick them up and move them, as that is just more contact they don’t want [6]. If you listen when your cat first tells you to stop, they won’t need to escalate to biting or scratching. Remember, we can’t expect cats to respect our boundaries if we don’t respect theirs.

NEVER punish your cat for petting-induced aggression [1, 3-6]. They are trying to communicate, and you will damage their trust by punishing them for it [1, 4].

More Ways to Prevent Petting-Induced Aggression

If your cat is very easily overstimulated, take the time to figure out where their sensitivity threshold is [1, 2, 4, 6, 7]. Settle down to pet your cat without any distractions, and see how many strokes they tolerate before the first signs of discomfort [1, 4, 7]. You can also try changing the way you pet your cat. Short scratches or strokes to the head, cheeks, and chin are usually easier for reactive cats to handle [1-3, 6].

If you think your playful cat or kitten may be using your fingers as toys, start by making sure you are providing plenty of interactive playtime to get out that energy [1, 6]. Never play rough with your cat or kitten, as they will instinctively fight back [4, 5]. Finally, always use nice, long toys like wands when playing with your cat so they don’t learn that your hand is the toy [4, 5].

Works Cited

  1. Becker, M. & Spadafori, G. (2006). Do cats always land on their feet? 101 of the most perplexing questions answered about feline unfathomables, medical mysteries, & befuddling behaviors. Health Communications, Inc.: Deerfield Beach, FL.
  2. Comstock, J. (2021, July 9). Ouch! Why does my cat suddenly bite me? DailyPaws. https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/behavior/common-cat-behaviors/why-does-my-cat-bite-me
  3. Fitzsimmons, P. (2018, May 1). Cat love bites: What do they mean? PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/cat/behavior/cat-love-bites-what-do-they-mean
  4. Galaxy, J. & Delgado, M. (2017). Total cat mojo: The ultimate guide to life with your cat. Tarcher Perigee: New York.
  5. Moore, A. (2001). The kitten owner’s manual: Solutions to all your kitten quandaries in an easy-to-follow question & answer format. Storey Publishing: North Adams, MA.
  6. Petting-induced or overstimulation aggression in cats. (n.d.). Humane Society of Huron Valley. https://www.hshv.org/petting-induced-or-overstimulation-aggression-in-cats/
  7. Shojai, A. (2022, March 8). How to stop petting aggression in cats. The Spruce Pets. https://www.thesprucepets.com/why-does-my-cat-bite-when-i-pet-her-553854

Published August 14, 2022

Behavior

How Do Cats Show Love?

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Meredith Hemphill

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Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

Ginger cat bunting tan dog
Photo by Snapwire on Pexels

Some people say that cats do not care about their humans, or that cats are cold and heartless. Both of these ideas are totally wrong and usually based on an assumption that cats should communicate with us the way dogs do (2, 3). But of course, they are not dogs, and cats show love in their own ways. Every cat has their personality and will communicate a little differently. That being said, here are some of the love letters your cat may be sending you.

Slow Blinks

One of the most important ways cats show love is with the slow blink, sometimes called the “cat kiss” or the “cat I love you” (1-5). This is when a cat looks at someone with half-lidded eyes and leisurely blinks at them (1, 2, 4, 5). The gesture conveys comfort, trust, and affection (1-5). That is because to cats, who are both predatory and prey animals, keeping their senses alert is imperative to staying alive in the wild (2). Therefore, slowly closing the eyes to another creature, a potential aggressor, is a signal of willing vulnerability (2). It says, “You make me feel safe.”

This is a form of cat communication that you can easily reciprocate. Soften your gaze, half-close your eyes, and slowly blink at your cat. Make sure not to stare–sleepy eyes only. Cats will sometimes return your slow blink.

Bunting

Also known as head butting or head bonking, bunting is when cats push the tops of their heads against that of a friend, be that friend cat, human, dog, or anything else (2-5). Cats have scent glands in their foreheads (2, 4). When your cat bunts you, they are mixing their scent with yours (2, 3, 4). This is a common social interaction among cats (2, 3). Cats build relationships by commingling scents, so this is a way they display affection (2-5).

Friendly Tail

Cats communicate a lot with their tails. A cat who is happy to see you will have their tail held high with a slight curve at the tip (1-3, 5). Flicking just the tip of the tail is a quick, friendly greeting (3, 5). This is a likely result of domestic cats’ ancestors living in dry grassland habitats where a tail held high to say hello would be visible above the tall grass (2).

Grooming

Two cats grooming
Photo by Ayelt van Veen on Unsplash

Another way cats show their love is through allogrooming, or grooming one another. Cats that have a bond use allogrooming to create a community scent and to relieve stress (3, 4). Your cat may groom you for the same reasons (3, 4). That sandpaper tongue may feel strange, but just remember that it’s a sign your cat cares about you.

Cheek Rubbing

You have probably seen your cat rub their cheeks against all manner of things in your home, including you. This is a scent-marking behavior, as another place cats have scent glands is in their cheeks (2, 3). Cheek rubbing declares ownership (2, 3, 4). Unlike more aggressive territorial behaviors, however, the cheek rub is a confident, friendly form of scent-marking that invites socialization (2, 3, 4).

Kneading

Kneading involves the rhythmic flexing and relaxing of a cat’s paws. Kittens knead against their mothers to stimulate the flow of milk. Adult cats often exhibit this behavior as well when they feel very content (1, 3). If a cat is making biscuits on your lap, you know they feel comfortable around you (1, 3).

Talking

Cats can make up to 100 different sounds, and they use some of them exclusively to communicate with humans (2). Chirps, trills, and meows are common sounds cats use to talk to their people (2, 3, 4). Some cats are more talkative than others, but almost all appreciate being spoken to (5). It makes them feel included (5). Another kind of kitty talk is purring. Cats purr for a variety of reasons, but one of them is to express security and contentment (1-5).

Vulnerability

Tabby cat rolling over on its back
Image by mrs. pandora from Pixabay

When cats completely trust those around them, they are willing to exhibit vulnerable body language (2, 3, 5). Like the slow blink, these postures would put a cat at risk in the presence of predators or assailants. A cat that is stretched out is leaving themself exposed, thus showing that they trust you (3). An even greater display of trust is for a cat to roll over on their back and show their belly (2, 3, 5). Don’t take it as an invitation to a tummy rub–that’s a bridge too far for most cats (2). But it does mean that your cat feels very safe with you.

Works Cited

  1. Bowman Road Animal Clinic. (n.d.). Does my cat like me? 6 ways cats show affection. https://bowmanroadvet.com/2017/02/6-ways-cats-show-affection/
  2. Galaxy, J. & Delgado, M. M. (2017). Total cat mojo: The ultimate guide to life with your cat. Penguin Random House: New York.
  3. Johnson-Bennett, P. (n.d.). How cats show affection. Cat Behavior Associates. https://catbehaviorassociates.com/how-cats-show-affection/
  4. Krieger, M. (2020, January 1). How do cats show affection? Look for these 7 affection signs. Catster. https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/how-do-cats-show-affection-cat-affection-signs
  5. Moore, A. (2001). The kitten owner’s manual. Storey Publishing: North Adams, MA.

Published March 13, 2022

Behavior

Why do cats raise their butts when you pet them?

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Meredith Hemphill

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Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

By special request from Brooke B.

White and brown cat stretching
Photo by Tamba Budiarsana from Pexels

You are probably familiar with the feline behavior amusingly termed “elevator butt.” Stroke a cat along the length of their spine or scratch them at the base of their tail, and they are likely to stick that posterior up in the air. My parents’ cat, Rosenberg, actually stands all the way up. It’s a foolproof way to get her out of your spot on the couch. But, why? It’s a pretty weird thing to do. When my friend asked me to find the answer for her, I honestly didn’t think I’d be able to. I mean, yeah, I wanted to know, too, but would there really be any behaviorists out there devoting their brains to the mystery of why cats raise their butts when you pet them? Sometimes I’m thrilled to be wrong. Not only did I find answers, but they’re really quite interesting.

The Importance of Body Language

Cats can’t just tell us how they feel, but they communicate a lot without words. One reason your cat might lift their hindquarters in response to petting is to tell you “oh yeah, that’s the spot–more of that please” (3-5). They’re leaning into the pleasurable sensation (1, 2). The hips and base of the tail have lots of nerve endings, so many cats really enjoy being pet or scratched there and want to tell you to keep going (1, 2). It’s also difficult for cats to reach those spots when grooming, so you may be scratching an itch kitty just can’t reach on their own (1, 2).

In addition, cats present their rears as a friendly greeting (1, 4, 5). Another cat would sniff the scents coming from their anal glands to learn more about them (1). Your cat probably knows from experience that you won’t put your nose under their tail, but their instincts still tell them that a raised butt communicates trust and friendliness (1).

By the same token, cats may exhibit this behavior as a way to mark the person petting them with their scent from their anal glands (1, 2, 5). That may sound gross, but it’s similar to when cats rub you with their cheeks, another place where they have scent glands. They just want to lay claim to a favorite person or someone who is making them happy by petting them in just the right spot (1, 2, 5). The pheromones from a cat’s scent glands are undetectable to the human nose, but other cats can smell them and tell whose human you are (2).

Are You My Mommy?

There is a theory that cats raise their butts in response to petting as a holdover from when they were young kittens (1, 2, 4, 5). Kittens aren’t able to do much for themselves at first. That includes grooming, which they rely on their mothers for until they get the hang of it. Young kittens stick their posteriors in the air so their mothers can clean them (1, 2, 4).

White mother cat and kittens
Photo by freestocks.org from Pexels

Our pet cats have a complex relationship with us in which they view us partly as surrogate parents (1, 2, 4, 6). When they feel their person stroking their back the way their mother’s tongue once ran down their fur, they may react the same way they did as kittens.

But What If…

…My Cat Doesn’t Do This?

If your cat doesn’t put their rear end to the sky when you pet their back, it doesn’t mean they hate you. If you just got your cat, it could be because they haven’t quite warmed up to you yet (2). But some cats just don’t enjoy being pet around the base of the tail like others do. The concentration of nerves endings that makes it feel so good to a lot of cats can actually make it unpleasant for others (1, 2). Other cats may like a little petting in that sweet spot but quickly become overstimulated (1, 3).

If your cat used to get elevator butt and really seem to enjoy those back scratches, but suddenly they don’t, or your cat seems to react with pain when touched around the hips/tail base, this could be cause for concern (1, 2). Skin allergies, impacted anal glands, spinal problems, and kidney disease can cause pain in that area (1, 2). Take your cat to the veterinarian if you notice any signs of pain in their lower back.

…My Cat Does This Without Being Pet?

If you have an intact (un-spayed) she-cat, you may notice that sometimes she gets elevator butt not only when you pet her, but apparently out of the blue. This is called lordosis and is an indication that a she-cat is in estrus, or heat (2, 3). Lordosis looks slightly different from regular elevator butt because it’s actually the she-cat presenting herself to a tom for mating–whether a tom is present or not (2, 3). She turns her tail to the side and may tread her hind paws (3). She cats in heat will usually do this a lot, including almost any time they are pet.

Works Cited

  1. Ask-a-Vet Member. (n.d.). How cats use their posteriors in friendly body language. CatHealth.com. https://www.cathealth.com/behavior/how-and-why/1224-cat-posterior
  2. FAQCats Team. (n.d.). Why do cats raise their back when you pet them: Behavior traits. FAQCats. https://faqcats.com/why-do-cats-raise-their-back-when-you-pet-them/
  3. Johnson-Bennett, P. (n.d.). Why do cats raise their butts in the air? Cat Behavior Associates. https://catbehaviorassociates.com/why-do-cats-raise-their-butts-in-the-air/
  4. ourcatsworld (2016, March 4). Why do cats raise their butts in the air? Our Cats’ World. https://ourcatsworld.com/2016/03/why-do-cats-raise-their-butts-in-the-air/
  5. Parker, R. (n.d.). Why do cats arch their backs when you pet them? SeniorCatWellness.com. https://www.seniorcatwellness.com/cats-arch-backs-when-petted/
  6. Thomas, E.M. (1994). The tribe of tiger: Cats and their culture. Simon & Schuster.

Published January 10, 2021

Behavior

How to Keep Your Cat out of the Christmas Tree

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Meredith Hemphill

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Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

Tabby cat in Christmas tree
Photo by Jessica Lewis from Pexels

If you celebrate Christmas, there’s a good chance you put up some kind of Christmas tree. If you read this blog, there’s a good chance you have at least one cat or are thinking about getting one. So if you celebrate Christmas and read this blog, then you probably have reason to keep a cat out of a Christmas tree. Me too, my friend. The two cats we had growing up actually showed very little interest in the Christmas tree, except as a new thing to sleep under. But in recent years, I have lived with cats that had a lot more holiday cheer, shall we say.

So this article is for Sven, my roommate’s cat who thought a two-foot plastic tree would somehow stand up to 10+ pounds of tomcat flinging himself into its branches. And for Joon, whose teeth marks are forever left in my shiny foil Christmas present ornament. This will be her first Christmas in a house with a Christmas tree that’s actually large enough for a cat to climb, and I am panicking more than a little. But my research says all hope is not lost.

Choose Your Tree Wisely

I have never once had a live Christmas tree. I was probably eight years old before I found out that was a thing people did. Now I know that for many people, the live tree is a big part of their holiday tradition. And the first people to put up Christmas trees certainly weren’t using plastic ones, so tradition really is on your side if that’s your preference. However, live trees are much more attractive to cats than artificial ones.

Climbing is hardwired into the feline brain, and one of the most readily accessible climbing surfaces in nature is trees (1, 2, 3). In addition to climbing trees to hide, hunt, and survey their domain, cats also use trees to mark territory (1, 2). Marking can include rubbing and scratching or really quite unpleasant urine and fecal scent deposits. Artificial trees can look similar to real trees, but they don’t smell like them. Scent is very important to cats–hence the marking–so when you bring in a real, live tree, they know it’s a tree (2, 3). And their feline mind has very different ideas about what a tree in the living room is for than you do.

If it’s really important to you to have a live tree, it can be done, but it’s easier (and often safer) to have an artificial one. Whichever flavor of tree you choose, keep in mind that smaller trees are less likely to become kitty jungle gyms (2). Plus, if your cat does climb the tree and manage to knock it over, the smaller the tree is, the less likely your cat is to get injured in the fall (4). Slimmer trees also make less appealing targets, so consider a pencil tree if you’re going artificial or a live tree with a similar profile (5).

Location, Location, Location

Once you have your tree picked out, you need to set it up. Depending upon the tree, that can be an ordeal in itself, but with a cat extra care needs to be taken. First of all, make sure that you have a heavy-duty base to secure your tree with (1, 2, 4-6). The hope is that the cat won’t climb the tree at all, but you want to do your best to keep the tree from toppling if they do.

Next, look for a place where there would be plenty of open space around the tree: no furniture, cat trees, or other launching pads your cat might jump into the tree from (1, 2, 4-6). Ideally, the amount of empty space around the tree will be equal to the height of the tree (2). So a six foot tree would have a furniture-free zone extending six feet from it in all directions.

Of course, having that much free space around the tree isn’t always practical. Fortunately, you can work around the need for so much space in a number of ways. We’ll get to the more complicated ones later. The simplest ways are to 1) have a shorter and/or slimmer tree that doesn’t need such a big zone around it, or 2) put the tree in a corner (6). That completely eliminates two directions from which a cat could come flying. It’s also safer for your cat–and your decorations–because it eliminates two directions in which the tree could fall, too.

If your home is amenable to it, it’s a good idea to secure the Christmas tree to a wall or the ceiling. Screw an eyebolt into the wall or ceiling and tie the tree to it with clear fishing line. It’s a nearly invisible fix that might prevent a disaster. Just make sure your cat doesn’t get ahold of the fishing line and decide to eat it! (1-3, 5, 6)

If you really want to keep the cat out of the Christmas tree completely, you may want to put the tree in a room that you can close off and restrict the cat’s access to (1, 7). Before you decide to shove your beautiful, festive tree of holiday cheer into a back room somewhere, though, wait until we’ve gone over all the options. There are lots of tricks you can try yet.

Ornaments Hung by the Greenery with Care

Decorating the tree is one of my favorite Christmas traditions. I love the beauty of the ornaments and remembering the history of each one as we go through them. Unfortunately, to cats, ornaments look an awful lot like toys. To avoid broken ornaments and possibly trips to the vet, we have to be careful about how we decorate our trees.

You may want to start decorating the second you get the tree put up. I know I do. But hold off for a while. If you leave the tree bare for a few days, it gives your cat a chance to investigate it and hopefully get bored of it before you start hanging any tempting baubles (4).

Brown tabby cat swatting gold Christmas balls
Image by Myshun from Pixabay

When it is time to decorate, first things first: if you decorate with tinsel, don’t. This is one thing that is non-negotiable. I know, tinsel is shiny and awesome, but cats think so, too. And they respond to shiny, awesome things very differently than we do. Cats infamously like to eat tinsel, and when they do the tinsel can choke them or get caught in their digestive systems (2, 4-6, 8). These are life-threatening emergencies. The digestive blockages caused by tinsel usually require surgery to repair. So, no tinsel.

Garlands may also be a chewing hazard, but it depends upon what they’re made of. Food garlands might seem safe, but some human foods are toxic to cats, not to mention that they tempt your pets to get into the tree (6). Anything tinsel-like has the same risks as tinsel. Paper garlands can be a good idea (8). They aren’t very attractive to cats, and if kitty does nibble them, it’s no big deal. Wood also doesn’t grab a cat’s attention the way shiny things do (3, 5).

Now, for the main event–the ornaments. Perhaps the simplest thing to do is not decorate the bottom of the tree at all (2, 4-6). How much of the tree you leave plain is up to you and the reach of your cat. Pet Health Network suggests not decorating the bottom fifth (2). Alternatively, decorate only with unbreakable ornaments at the bottom–wood, plastic, felt, burlap, etc. (5). That may still be too tempting and get your cat too interested in the tree, though. You can always try and see how it goes, if you’re feeling brave.

It’s best to only decorate with unbreakable ornaments, really. They’re typically less shiny, so they don’t attract cats as much (3, 5). And those fragile glass ornaments, while beautiful and often sentimental, can be very dangerous for your cat if they break them (1, 6). They might ingest small pieces or cut themselves on the sharp, broken edges (1, 6). And even if no one gets hurt, who likes broken ornaments? No one, that’s who. But most of us have some fragile favorites that we like to see on the tree every year. So make sure to put them toward the very top of the tree and secure them well. In fact, secure all your ornaments well.

The more ornaments sway, the more enticing they will be (3). Metal ornament hooks can hurt your cat’s paws if swatted or stepped on, and they aren’t very secure anyway (4, 5). Instead of hooks, consider tying your ornaments to the branches with twist ties, wire, or twine (2-6, 8).

The Art of Deterrence

Now we get to the more creative approaches. If you just can’t keep your cat out of the Christmas tree in any of the above ways, try the following. Remember, however, that wherever you say “no,” you must also provide a “yes” (3). If the only climbing/scratching/perching surface in the living room is the Christmas tree, there may be no amount of deterrence that will keep your cat from trying to get into it. The Christmas tree is usually in a socially significant area of the house, so your cat will want to hang out in that area with you (3). Therefore, make sure that you have a tall, quality cat tree in the room with the Christmas tree as an appropriate alternative to the tree itself (3). Just don’t put it too close to the tree, or your cat will be tempted to jump between the two (3)!

Started from the Bottom

If your cat is climbing the Christmas tree from the base, there are several ways you can discourage them from this point of entry. Wrap the bottom of the tree trunk with aluminum foil (2, 4, 5). Cats usually don’t like the sensation or sound of foil. A circle of foil under the tree skirt may also work (4, 7).

The Christmas Tree Defender – Photo from company website

A more heavy-duty solution for the problem is the Christmas Tree Defender, a circular grate made of green plastic that clips around your tree. It can also be used for potted plants year-round. It is treated with a flame retardant, though, so it may not be suitable if you have a cat that likes to chew hard plastics.

Trees Are Not for Eating

Speaking of chewing, Christmas trees and their strings of lights can be tempting targets for chewers. Cats are known for investigating new and interesting things with their mouths, but when it comes to Christmas decorations, this is not just destructive but very dangerous. Pine needles are sharp and toxic to cats (3, 4, 6). Artificial needles can be dangerous if eaten, too, as plastic doesn’t really digest (1). Then there’s the lights. Some cats just can’t resist chewing on cords, but if they reach live wires within, burns on their mouths are a best-case scenario.

What to do? For the lights, apply a pet-safe bitter spray or cream to them before you string them on the tree (2, 3, 5, 6). If using a spray, it’s best to spray a cloth and then wipe the cords with the cloth (5). Make sure to wear gloves! If you have a pre-lit tree, this will obviously be a rather difficult endeavor. Just do your best and tuck away any dangling wires once you’ve coated them. You can also spray the whole tree with bitter spray, which works for cats that want to chew the branches (6).

Unplug the lights when not in use to minimize the chances that the wires will be live if the cat bites into them. It’s also a good idea to use a cord cover on the unlighted length between tree and wall socket so that the cat is unlikely to chew through to the wires at all (1, 3-6, 8).

Prevention is Scent-sational

There are certain smells that cats do not like. There are exceptions to almost every rule, but most likely your cat won’t be a fan of citrus, citronella, menthol, and apple cider vinegar (1, 3-5, 8). You can buy cat repellant, usually citrus-based sprays to spritz the Christmas tree with (1, 5), or you can use a variety of homemade solutions.

Cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy suggests putting citrus zest, whatever kind strikes your fancy, into plastic bags, poking a few holes in the top, twisting them up, and hanging them inside the tree (3). He says that from a distance nobody will think anything of it (3). I trust Jackson Galaxy to the moon and back when it comes to cats, but I do wonder about his aesthetic sensibilities. You could maybe do the same with cheap plastic Christmas balls with holes poked in the top, but I haven’t tried it. I might, though, so watch this space. Other possibilities include:

  • Placing lemon or orange peels around the base of the tree (4, 8)
  • Including orange slices or strips of orange peel in the tree decorations (5)
  • Spray pinecones with apple cider vinegar and place them at the base of the tree (8); if using pinecones from outside, bake them in the oven at at low heat to kill any bugs first
  • Mix a little citronella oil into a spray bottle of water and spritz the tree with it (8)

Not-So-Holy Water

One of the big problems with cats and live trees is that cats want to drink the tree water. This isn’t just weird. It’s unsafe. The water may contain pine sap, fire retardants, pesticides, and fertilizers, all of which are toxic to your cat (1, 2, 5, 6, 8). Not adding anything to the water yourself, i.e. Aspirin, can prevent further toxicity, but it’s best to keep the cat out of it any way you can. Some tree stands include a cover for the water bowl, so if you can find a sturdy stand with a cat-proof cover, you’re in luck (1, 6)! But if not, aluminum foil or plastic wrap can be your friend here just like on the tree trunk (1, 2, 8). Netting or Sticky Paws for Plants, a kind of double-sided tape for deterring cats, are other good choices (6).

Creative cat-proof Christmas trees with Cole and Marmalade

Works Cited

  1. Jordan, E. (2019, October 17). How to cat-proof your Christmas tree (or at least try to). Pet Central. https://petcentral.chewy.com/holiday-safety-tips-pet-proofing-christmas-tree/
  2. Lee, J.A. (n.d.). Help! How do I keep my cat out of the Christmas tree? Pet Health Network. https://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-behavior/help-how-do-i-keep-my-cat-out-christmas-tree
  3. Galaxy, J. (n.d.). The ugly truth about cats and Christmas trees. JacksonGalaxy.com. https://www.jacksongalaxy.com/blog/the-ugly-truth-about-cats-and-christmas-trees/
  4. PETA Living. (n.d.). How to cat-proof your Christmas tree. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. https://www.peta.org/living/animal-companions/how-to-cat-proof-your-christmas-tree/
  5. Nicholas, J. (2017, November 7). How to keep your cat out of the Christmas tree. Preventive Vet. https://www.preventivevet.com/cats/how-to-keep-your-cat-out-of-the-christmas-tree
  6. Johnson-Bennett, P. (n.d.). How to keep your cat away from the Christmas tree. Cat Behavior Associates. https://catbehaviorassociates.com/how-to-keep-your-cat-away-from-the-christmas-tree/
  7. Becker, M. (2012, December 17). How do I keep my cat out of the Christmas tree? VetStreet. http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/how-do-i-keep-my-cat-out-of-the-christmas-tree
  8. Kostelny, L. (2020, November 5). How to keep your cat out of your Christmas tree. Country Living. Retrieved from https://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/g28916373/how-to-keep-cats-out-of-christmas-tree/#

Published November 29, 2020

Behavior

Why do cats bring home “gifts” of dead animals?

mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

Gray tabby cat holding mouse
“You know who would love this? My human!” – Image by Kurt Bouda from Pixabay

One summer morning when I was in high school, I opened the front door of my parents’ house to go get the mail. Fortunately, I’m in the habit of looking down when I walk, so I managed to avoid planting my bare foot directly into the present that our outdoor cat, Rosenberg, or Rosie, had left on the doormat for us. It was a baby rabbit, or most of one, that is. She had eaten a hole in the side of the head and consumed the brain, but left the rest for us to enjoy. We still call Rosie a zombie cat.

This was not the only time Rosie left us a gift. She’s never brought anything more indoors than the garage, but many people are not so lucky. Sometimes, cats bring gifts that are not so decidedly deceased, either, and cat owners may find themselves chasing rather lively birds, rodents, or reptiles around their homes. We humans generally regard this behavior as disgusting, but our cats seem to think we appreciate it. Why? Just, why?

Humans and cats are obviously very different animals, and we think differently. Cats are hard-wired to hunt, and a lot of their emotional lives revolve around hunting. It’s what they would spend most of their waking hours doing in the wild. Cats simply enjoy hunting. If prey is available, cats will hunt even if they are well-fed. A study found that cats would stop eating in order to kill a rat that was presented to them, only to set the rat beside their food bowl and keep eating what they had been eating before (1).

Cats may have evolved this high prey drive because prey can be scarce and difficult to catch, so stopping whatever they’re doing to hunt available prey, even when not hungry, would have boosted their chances of survival (1). The feline drive to hunt is why cats with access to the outdoors will inevitably at least attempt to. There are a few theories as to why they want to bring some of their prey to their people, however.

One school of thought is that they simply want to bring their prey back to a safe place to consume it, their den as it were, the way they would in the wild (2). But their den is your home or front stoop. Some experts believe that cats may want to show off their good work, but veterinarian Dr. Stephanie Liff points out that pride for their catch may be too human a motivation to ascribe to cats (3).

Tabby kitten playing with plush toy
Kittens have to practice hunting – Image by Ivo Zahradníček from Pixabay

Although cats are usually thought of as solitary and independent animals, they are actually fairly social and often live in colonies or with family members (4). As such, feral cats may bring prey back to the group to ensure the survival of everyone (5, 6). Cats also hunt cooperatively with members of their social group–Elizabeth Marshall Thomas suggests in her book The Tribe of Tiger that a possible explanation for bringing home live prey, at least for some cats, might be the joy of joining in a group hunt with the humans as they frantically chase down the injured animal (4). Domestic cats may be thinking in these terms when they bring prey to us, their family members of another species. Or, they may be thinking of us as family in a filial sense.

Perhaps the greatest consensus for why cats bring their humans prey is that they are treating us like their kittens. Mother cats bring prey to the den to feed their offspring. They also bring home dead, dying, or wounded prey to teach their kittens how to hunt. So our cats may be trying to feed us or teach us, or both. Really, who could blame them? In their world, hunting is everything. But we are clumsy, ungainly things that clearly cannot hunt for ourselves. Who knows where they think we get our food from, but I imagine they pity us sometimes. So perhaps they want to do what they can to help.

Elizabeth Marshall Thomas shares a story about how she and her husband had a she-cat that began to bring home dead mice all the time after she had a kitten (4). She would bring mice for the kitten, even after the kitten became an adult, but she would also bring them to Thomas, her husband, and their dog, the most appreciative of the bunch (4). It was as though motherhood made her suddenly feel responsible for all of these terrible hunters with whom she shared her home. However, even sterilized cats and toms can show this behavior. Maybe they all feel sorry for us.

Even indoor-only cats will bring gifts. They may manage to catch prey that sneaks indoors to present to you, but more often their gifts are inedible. The prey caught by indoor cats is mostly their toys, or whatever other objects they use as a toy, and these are the things they are likely to leave as gifts (5). Joon does this occasionally at night. I’ll wake up in the morning and find one of her toys, most often her beloved plush, pink-and-white sock, lying right beside me on the bed. If I wanted to have someone teach me how to hunt, it wouldn’t be Joon. I think her lifetime achievements are a spider and some flies. But I appreciate the sentiment.

Gray and white cat holding toy mouse
Not all mice are created equal – Image by isaikina13 from Pixabay

If your cat is leaving gifts more like Rosie’s than Joon’s, and you wish they wouldn’t, there are a couple things you can do, but keep in mind that you may not be able to stop this behavior completely. Cats will always find something to hunt, and there’s always a chance that if they catch something, they will bring it to you.

That being said, one thing you can do is engage your cat in interactive play to satisfy their prey drive and diminish some of that need to hunt live animals. The live prey drive will never go away, but you can redirect some of it. Another tactic is to make sure that any cats with access to the outdoors wear a breakaway collar with a bell, so that their hunts are less likely to be successful. That’s good for the local ecosystem and you’ll get much fewer unwanted gifts.

When your cat does bring you a present you didn’t ask for, you may want to scold them, but don’t. They won’t understand. Whatever the reason your cat is doing this, they see it as at least a neutral and probably a beneficial thing that they are doing for you. How would you feel if you did something really nice for somebody, and they yelled at you and called you a bad person for your good deed? It’s usually recommended that you actually praise your cat and then discreetly dispose of their gift, assuming it isn’t still very much alive and you have other things to worry about at the moment. Your cat is, after all, only doing what is natural to them.

By the way, if you have a cat with access to the outdoors, and they don’t bring you gifts, don’t feel insulted or worried. Not all cats have the same prey drive. Yours may just not feel as compelled to hunt when provided with sufficient food. Or they may not be very good at it. (7) Rest assured, they are still finding ways to be a cat, as cats always do.

Works Cited

  1. Adamec, R.E. (1976). The interaction of hunger and preying in the domestic cat (Felis catus): An adaptive hierarchy? Behavioral Biology, 18(2), 263-272. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0091-6773(76)92166-0
  2. Cutolo, M. (2020, March 26). Why do cats bring home dead animals? Reader’s Digest. https://www.rd.com/article/why-do-cats-bring-home-dead-animals/
  3. Puiu, T. (2017, May 5). Why do cats bring dead animals home to you: You should actually be honored. ZME Science. https://www.zmescience.com/ecology/animals-ecology/why-cats-dead-animals-home/
  4. Thomas, E.M. (1994). The tribe of tiger: Cats and their culture. Simon & Schuster.
  5. Shojai, A. (2019, November 19). Why do cats bring ‘gifts’ of dead animals? The Spruce Pets. https://www.thesprucepets.com/cat-hunting-gifts-553946
  6. Primm, K. (n.d.). Ask a vet: Why does my cat bring me dead mice? I Heart Cats. https://iheartcats.com/ask-a-vet-why-does-my-cat-bring-me-dead-mice/
  7. Argos Pet Insurance. (2014, September 10). Why do cats bring their owners dead animals? https://www.argospetinsurance.co.uk/we-talk-pet/are-cats-really-bringing-their-owners-presents-when-they-bring-mice-home/

Published July 19th, 2020

Updated November 10th, 2020

Behavior

Why do cats knock things over?

mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

My Joon-bug is fondest of pens, pencils, plushies, and paper cups. Any small object will do, however. Anyone with a cat is surely familiar with the behavior: a few pokes with the paw at first, and then a firm swipe to knock the object to the floor. Sometimes they skip the first step if they’re really into it. It’s kind of funny, but it’s also really annoying. It may even be dangerous depending upon what kitty decides to send plummeting to the ground. Why do they do this? Why must all of our pens forever be under the sofa? How did Joon even get a tissue box under there?

Let us commiserate with our fellow cat lovers, and also laugh at them.

No one will ever know what happened to that poor tissue box, but it is possible to understand why our cats drive us crazy by knocking all of our stuff onto the floor. No, it’s not because they’re assholes. There are several factors that may play into the behavior. As is the case with almost every feline action, their hunting instincts are likely involved. Cats in the wild would spent most of their time hunting, and they are exquisitely designed in mind and body for this vital task. They know that their toys, or the other things they choose to make into toys, aren’t actually prey. That doesn’t stop them from treating the objects as such.

Cats are known to toy with their prey, and they exhibit the same behavior when nudging a small object. Dr. H. Ellen Whiteley explains, “Your cat’s instincts tell her that paperweight or knickknack could turn out to be a mouse. Her poking paw would send it scurrying, giving her a good game (and possibly a good lunch)” (1). And in fact, it sort of does if they knock it off the edge of a surface. The object falls to the ground, giving them something to watch and maybe something to chase if it rolls. As hunters, cats are fascinated by movement, so the satisfaction of watching the thing fall may be reason enough to push things over.

Cats are clearly excellent at finding ways to entertain themselves, if they can turn a paperweight on your desk into a game. This is often cited as a key to why cats are doing so in the first place. There is a lack of other fun things to do, so they make something up. A bored cat quickly becomes a troublesome cat. Jackson Galaxy, cat behaviorist and all-around cool guy, said, “Think about a toddler who has been given crayons, but no paper. Hello, bedroom wall mural! Ask yourself, ‘Do we have enough cat toys?’ If the answer is yes, would he still rather bat a cup off the table? If so, it’s time to get new toys!” (2).

Along the same lines, we know that cats are good at training their people. The first time or two that your cat knocked something off your desk or bookshelf, maybe it was just for fun. But then you immediately came running to see what fell, and your cat had a brilliant realization. Cats quickly figure out what actions get our attention, and they don’t always care if the attention is good or bad. Knocking something over gets your attention quickly, and that reinforces the behavior because it’s working as intended. Of course, if you hear a glass object fall and shatter, you can’t just ignore that, so what can you do if this is a problem with your cat?

Solutions

Ideally, remove all things that a cat might knock over from a surface that they could push it off of. For most of us, that is never going to happen, so at least move anything fragile away from the reach of your cat. If you have a lot of fragile collectibles, it’s probably worth it to invest in a glass-front case. If it’s just a few knickknacks, you may just need to get creative in finding somewhere your cat can’t go. I know, there aren’t many of those places. Small, inexpensive, wall-mounted display shelves (like these https://www.amazon.com//dp/B06ZYH411W) might be an option if you put them in just the right place. I’ve used them before with success. Items may be secured in their current location with museum putty if there is nowhere you can move them to.

Fragile items pose a danger to your cat, as the debris from breakage could hurt a cat who steps on it. We also tend to put more value on our fragile items. Make sure to secure any medicine containers as well, so there is no risk of any pills falling out of one that is knocked over.

Gray cat on kitchen counter
Recipe for disaster – Photo by Phuong Tran on Unsplash

Once any risk to your cat or your breakables has been eliminated, there is the matter of trying to curb the behavior. As Jackson Galaxy suggested, more toys, new toys, or different kinds of toys may help. Individual cats prefer different kinds of play, so even if your cat has lots of toys and you’ve just bought new ones, they may not be the kind of toy that appeals to your cat. Frustrating, I know, but on the bright side you can always donate any toys your cat doesn’t like to an animal shelter or similar organization. Additionally, playing with your cat yourself is more stimulating than leaving your cat to make their own fun and can help prevent all kinds of problem behaviors.

Sometimes cats try to get our attention because they want something specific–more water, food, a litter box cleaning. If you check these things whenever your cat starts knocking things over and making a fuss, you might find that they are trying to tell you something. Of course, some cats will beg for food at any and all times of day, so this may not be a feasible fix.

There are ways to prevent cats from jumping on certain surfaces altogether, if you prefer that approach. Double-sided tape and aluminum foil are textures that most cats don’t like. Affixing either of those to the table, desk, etc. might discourage your cat from going up there. If you have a cat like Joon who will eat tape and aluminum foil, there are also devices you can purchase which are motion sensitive and release a puff of air when the cat jumps or walks into its range of view. They will puff at you, too, so be prepared to spook yourself several times before you get the hang of it.

While you try to deter your cat, be sure to always provide an alternative that they should engage in. For example, if you choose not to allow your cat on the desk, put a cat tree nearby. If you see your cat fixating on an object like they might be about to send it flying, don’t yell. Break out the wand toy and distract your cat with something positive and more fun. If you have tried everything, provided plenty of stimulation, and your cat is still knocking things over, they are probably just doing it for attention. All you can do is ignore the behavior so they learn that they won’t receive that attention anymore. It may take a while, but they will get the message.

Works Cited

  1. Whiteley, H.E. (2006). How to solve cat behavior problems. HowStuffWorks.com. https://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/how-to-solve-cat-behavior-problems.htm
  2. Nguygen, V. (2014, May 11). Why do cats knock things over?! My Cat From Hell’s Jackson Galaxy answers 10 feline questions. Parade. https://parade.com/288613/viannguyen/why-do-cats-knock-things-over-my-cat-from-hells-jackson-galaxy-answers-10-feline-questions/

Published April 3, 2020

Updated March 7, 2021

Behavior

Why do cats knead?

mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

Encyclopaedia Felidae now has a Patreon! Go to www.patreon.com/EncyclopaediaFelidae if you want to help support this content!

This behavior goes by many names: kneading, making biscuits, making cookies, paddling, or smurgling. Most people know what kneading is, but allow me to overexplain so we’re all on the same page. Kneading is when a cat snuggles up on or next to a beloved human (or object, or other animal) and begins massaging the target of their affection with alternating forepaws. They may also begin to purr, salivate, or suckle on fabric or other available material, depending on the cat. That suckling habit is sometimes called wool-chewing or wool-sucking. Some people find kneading to be super cute while others find it annoying. It can certainly be unpleasant if your cat decides to make biscuits on your bare legs. But whatever your opinions on being kneaded, you’ve probably wondered, “why does my cat do this?”

Ginger and white kitten suckling
Image by Antonios Ntoumas from Pixabay

As is so often the case with feline behavior, the reason for kneading is not known for certain. The most well-known theory is that it is a carry-over from kittenhood. Kittens begin to knead almost immediately. They place their paws on their mother’s abdomen as they suckle and knead her to stimulate the flow of milk. Kneading is believed to release endorphins to encourage bonding between kittens and mother. That neurological process, as well as the comforting memories, remain into adulthood. Cats may knead their favorite human in a similar bonding process, a show of affection and contentment. They may also knead to soothe themselves if they feel anxious, trying to take themselves back to a happier state of mind.

Taking our cats even further back in time, we can find a reason for kneading in the evolution of their wild ancestors. Domestic cats will often knead beds, blankets, pillows, etc. before settling down on them to sleep. It’s thought that ancestral wild cats kneaded down grass or other vegetation in the same manner to make a soft place to sleep or give birth. In the arid environments where they lived, soft sleeping spots could be scarce unless you made one yourself.

Another possibility is that kneading, at least in adult cats, has to do with those special little kitty paws. There are scent glands on cats’ paws, so whenever they knead something, they mark it with their scent. Maybe your cat just wants everyone to know that this blanket is theirs, and that pillow, and their bed, and your bed…

There may not be only one reason why cats knead. They are complex and mysterious creatures, after all. What does seem clear is that when a cat kneads their owner, it can be taken as a compliment. It’s also certain that kneading is a hard-wired and instinctive behavior. If you don’t like being kneaded, you cannot stop your cat from kneading entirely, but you may be able to stop them from kneading you, or at least make the process easier on yourself.

Cat behaviourist Jackson Galaxy explains smurgling

If your cat kneads with their claws out, there are two simple solutions. One is to keep their claws trimmed, which will protect both you and anything else they knead. Or, put a blanket or towel over your lap whenever they want to snuggle so they don’t sink their claws into you. If you just do not want them kneading you at all, you can try distracting them by petting them or giving them a toy. You can gently pick them up and move them whenever they start to knead on you. Picking a designated blanket, pillow, or cat bed to move them to can teach them to make their biscuits there. The most important thing is to NOT PUNISH a cat for kneading. They will not understand.

I often feel that I don’t deserve the little goddess that is my cat. But when she cuddles up to me and starts purring and paddling those paws, I know that she loves me despite the fact that I am a mere human bumbling about in her apartment. Maybe she does value me for something other than slinging food in her bowl.

Published January 23, 2020

Updated June 1, 2021

Behavior

Why Do Cats Love Boxes?

mehshadoweye

Meredith Hemphill

mehshadoweye

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You finish opening that new package from Amazon and plop the box on the floor. Immediately, your cat appears as if summoned by the presence of cardboard in its domain. She delicately sniffs the box, prowls all around it to examine every inch, and then springs over the edge and lands inside. An hour later you walk by and can just see her eyes and ears peeking over the top at you. Claw marks on the outside edges indicate that she’s been hard at work showing that box who’s boss. You chuckle and wonder for the millionth time why your silly cat is so enamored of the simple cardboard box.

Sound familiar? Who has a giant cat that insists on squeezing into shoeboxes or has bought their cat a super-deluxe-mega-awesome cat tree only for kitty to spend the next week in the box it came in? Most humans lose interest in playing with cardboard boxes after about the age of eight, but cats seem to have an undying fascination with the things–sleeping in them, jumping in and out of them, ripping them to pieces. Why is that? Why do cats love boxes?

No One Will Find Me Here…

Tabby cat in cardboard box
“If I fits, I sits.” Photo by Brent Jones on Unsplash

As is often the case with cats, there isn’t a simple answer, but it largely has to do with boxes being a confined space. Cats are both ambush predators and prey for larger animals, so they are very keen on hiding places from which to pounce on their prey and avoid being hunted themselves. Anyone who has been swatted at or pounced upon by a cat hiding in a box knows that boxes serve the purpose well. Cats may also want to hide from their problems. Cats are only somewhat social and as such don’t have instinctive conflict-resolution skills. They mostly just hide and hope the conflict goes away. #Relatable

Some cats like to hide more than others, but as a rule cats need hiding places to make them feel safe and relieve anxiety. Studies with shelter cats have found that providing hiding boxes decreases their stress levels [1, 2]. Even in a low-stress environment, everybody needs somewhere to decompress now and again. For a cat, that might be a good box.

The Wonders of Cardboard

There are other reasons cats love boxes, particularly of the cardboard variety. One you may have noticed yourself is that cardboard has a texture many cats enjoy sinking their claws into. Some enjoy chewing and generally mauling it as well. My cat Joon is quite fond of eating it. She’s not allowed to play in cardboard boxes anymore. For most cats it’s a very safe pastime, however. Just make sure there aren’t any staples or other things on the box they shouldn’t get in their mouths!

Tabby cat in cauldron
Joon in a “box” she’s allowed to play with.

Cardboard is also a great insulator, and small spaces are great places for cats to curl up and be warm and cozy. A National Research Council study from 2006 found that the thermoneutral zone for cats, the range of temperatures in which they are comfortable and don’t need to expend energy to warm or cool themselves, is 86 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit (30 to 36 degrees Celsius) [3]. Most of us don’t keep our houses that warm, so housecats seek out warmth wherever they can. Cardboard boxes hold in their body heat when they snuggle down in them, so they make great places to play and sleep. You know, the things cats do best.

If you’re frustrated that your cat doesn’t like all the fancy toys you’ve bought them as much as they like shoving their entire body in an empty tissue box, keep in mind that it’s really the fault of the boxes for making such a perfect kitty cave. And you might be able to save a lot of money on cat accessories if you embrace your cat’s love of boxes.

Works Cited

  1. Kry, K & Casey, R. (2007). The effect of hiding enrichment on stress levels and behaviour of domestic cats (Felis sylvestris catus) in a shelter setting and the implications for adoption potential. Animal Welfare, 16(3), 375-383.
  2. Vinke, CM, Godijn, LM, & van der Leij, WJR. (2014). Will a hiding box provide stress reduction for shelter cats? Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 160, 86-93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2014.09.002
  3. National Research Council. (2006). Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academy Press.

Published December 23, 2019

Updated June 20, 2022