Behaviour & Training

It's not pleasant if you have a cat that always seems to bite you. Learn more about the reasons why cats bite and the best ways to stop it with our guide and tips. It’s not uncommon for cats to bite. There are many reasons as to why a cat might suddenly start biting, seemingly unprovoked. It’s important to understand that cat biting isn’t always done out of aggression. Cats are natural born predators, and as such seemingly aggressive actions such as biting, pouncing and clawing make up a large part of their play. Allowing and encouraging this natural instinct is important for felines, but there is a fine line between engaging in stimulating play and allowing aggressive behaviour. Learn more about the reasons behind why cats bite in order to help to stop any unnecessary biting. Why do cats bite? There are many reasons as why cats bite and it’s important to understand what your cat is trying to communicate by biting. They may be trying to send a message or want you to stop doing something. Figuring out why cats bite can be confusing as many owners complain that cats will bite unprovoked, and out of nowhere. One moment they can be enjoying a stroke, the next moment, the teeth are out! Most often, when cats bite they are trying to tell you that they aren’t enjoying the contact that they are currently receiving. For felines, there is a very fine line between enjoyable handling and irritating petting, so while an owner may think a bite has come from nowhere, for a cat the action is entirely justified. Sudden cat biting when petting One of the most common complaints from cat owners is the sudden change in attitude that can occur during petting: one second a cat may be loving the attention, the next they’re snapping at your fingers! It’s hard to tell when a cat has had enough of stroking, but learning to read your cat’s body language will help you to know when a bite might be coming. Your cat is sending a message in this situation: they’ve had enough. You decrease the likelihood that they will bite again be respecting this, and letting your cat do their own thing, rather than insisting on further affection. Cat biting when playing Cats often bite during play because they are expressing their natural hunting instinct.

As the craziest of years begins to draw to a close, people’s thoughts turn to Christmas - and while this year it might look a bit different, there is comfort to be found in traditions and making the festive season as special as possible for the whole family. If you’re a cat owner, Christmastime can be a stressful and dangerous time. Luckily, there’s lots of things you can do to make sure your cat’s happy and safe this festive season, keep reading to find out more. Christmas is such an exciting time of year, but unfortunately all the twinkling lights and merriment can be hazardous for your cat. From climbing the Christmas tree to the stress of visiting family members and hazardous treats that may turn out to be harmful, cats and Christmas can sometimes be a real recipe for disaster. But it doesn’t need to be! When managed with a bit of extra care, the holidays can be a time of fun and happiness for both you and your four-legged friend. Cats and Christmas trees As a cat owner, you’ll know that your kitty is a huge fan of climbing everything in sight. So, it should come as no surprise that often, cats see Christmas trees as just another challenge to get to the top of. But this may well result in your ambitious cat pulling the tree to the ground. You’ll need to ensure that you have a heavy base – you can either buy one of these or attach weights to the bottom. Alternatively, you can tether your tree to the wall or ceiling to make sure it’s not budging, no matter how much your cat tries to replace your angel or star at the top. Hazardous Christmas decorations Another element to cats and Christmas trees is that dangling, sparkly decorations often prove a temptation too great to resist. This can be particularly dangerous if you have glass baubles as if they swat these off your tree they may shatter and hurt your cat. Additionally, tinsel and angel hair can cause blockages if ingested. To make sure you have a cat-friendly Christmas tree in your home, stay away from glass baubles and any that are made with toxic materials, ditch the tinsel and angel hair and securely attach all decorations to the tree, ensuring none are too close to the bottom, with reach of a swatting cat paw. Be wary of mains powered Christmas tree lights Cats and Christmas tree lights can also be a bad combination as the wires resemble fun toys for your kitty. Any wires will need to be covered to stop them being chewed and when you’re not home, switch the lights off at the mains. If you’re a fan of leaving your lights on all the time, battery-powered options are much safer.

As humans we love music, but do our cats feel the same? Find out how your furry friend feels about music and the research behind it with Purina. We all like to make our pets happy, and we’ve all seen those adorable You Tube videos of our favourite superstar kitties rocking out on the piano! Listening to music can provide mental stimulation, a sense of contentment, or even just a relaxing background vibe—for humans! So it makes sense that we would want to share one our favourite pastimes with our pets—but do cats like music? And are they getting anything out of listening to it? Do cats like music? Have you ever tried to play your favourite song for your cat? You might have noticed that, no matter how hard the beat drops, your cat shows little to no interest in the music that you are playing to them. In rare circumstances, some cats have found specific music to be calming. Occasionally, cat shelters will choose to play classic music to their residents, believing that it creates a soothing atmosphere. Although cats don’t run away from music (unless you turn it up very loud!), there isn’t a lot of evidence to show that this is the case. If the cats listening to classical music are lying around having a snooze, it’s probably more likely that they were ready for a catnap, rather than lulled to sleep by the likes of Mozart!

Dogs and cats can live together in perfect harmony, but sometimes there can be a little tension. Dogs are pack animals who love company, while cats are lone hunters who prefer independence. Dogs often play with other pups by chasing them, which cats may perceive as a threat. Stopping this behaviour the moment it occurs is very important, as it can lead to a very unhappy cat if left unchecked, even if your dog is well-meaning. Moreover, your cat will interpret it as predatory behaviour and will want to hide in order to feel safe. But fear not – this behaviour can be controlled. In this article we’ll explore why do dogs chase cats, how to stop dogs chasing your cats, and what to do if they do not stop. Why do dogs chase cats? When a dog chases a cat, it is usually because they are following their instincts – particularly if your dog is a breed originally used for chasing or herding. Other times, when a dog chases cats, they might just want to play, and they will chase a cat a little like they will chase a ball that has been thrown for them. Dogs chase cats because they have a strong chase instinct and that movement can trigger this instinct. However, there are instances of dogs living with cats for years without chasing them before suddenly developing this instinct. It is important to stop dogs chasing cats as soon as you see this behaviour in your own pets. Dogs should see cats as their companions, and not as toys.

It can be extremely distressing to see your cat get into a fight, whether that is with their playmates at home or with other cats outside of the house. But there are ways to stop cats fighting, both in the short term and in the long term. In this article, we’ll explore why cats fight, how to stop cats from fighting and what long-term solutions you can look towards if it keeps happening. Why do cats fight? Territory: Cats are territorial animals and they will often fight to defend what they believe is their territory. This is most common with cat fights that happen outside the house, where your cat believes another cat has encroached on their land. Alternately, a feral cat could believe your cat should not be here. But such fighting is also common among cats who live together. Cats mark their territories with scent, and your house is no exception. If you have more than one cat living at home, they will often fight about this issue. Aggression: Some cats can be aggressive by nature. Male cats are especially aggressive and these cats keep fighting. Sometimes, they also dominate female cats. Your cat may need to act out their aggression by picking fights with their brothers and sisters or by causing a fight with a strange cat. Rough play: Sometimes cats can be playing and it can get rough. Cats are rough when they play – this may look like aggression and fighting, but it is not. Still, such play could escalate into a fight or cause harm to both or one of the cats. In such cases, it is best to separate your cats if you can do so safely. Cats are not pack animals, and they don’t generally enjoy living in groups, small or large. There are ways to make space sharing less stressful including: providing separate feeding areas for each cat, providing numerous water stations, and creating lots of quiet, private hiding areas for ‘me time’. Using cat-appeasing pheromone products (either sprays to use on furniture around the home or plug into diffusers) can help to reduce feeling s of stress and therefore reduce aggressive behaviour. These techniques will help with the introduction of a new cat or to reduce any signs of aggression in household that already has multiple cats. What do you do if your cats are fighting? Watching your cats fighting can be heart-breaking; here are two animals that you adore and they are hurting each other! While your first instinct might be to jump in and separate them, do be careful. Cats can be aggressive they are worked up like this, and you may get a lot of scratches for your efforts. We suggest trying to gently separate them, as long as you are sure you are not in harm’s way. Distract them: Cats can get very engrossed with fighting, but you can try and distract them. Find something you know the love, like a toy, and make a noise with it. This might get their attention and stop the fight. The most important thing to remember when stepping in to halt the fighting is: don’t get hurt and don’t make you cat(s) more stressed/scared with the techniques used. So don’t be aggressive towards your cat, and don’t use heavy-handed techniques. What do you do if another cat is fighting yours? Sometimes, when your cat is wandering outside, they could be attacked by another cat. These attacks can be systematic: owners have stories of a single cat that keeps fighting their cat every time they go outside. This is especially worrying if your cat is mild-mannered and gentle, and is unlikely to fight back. The injuries from these fights can require several trips to the vet and can be worrying. The best solution for how to stop cats from fighting in this situation is to keep your cat indoors. Letting them out after dark can be especially dangerous. If you cannot keep your cat indoors, you can try and find out if the other cat belongs to someone and if that cat can be controlled. Alternately, when you hear your cat is in distress, go outside to help. Most strange cats will run at the sight of a human, so you may not have to do much to stop the fight except turn up. Long-term solutions If your cat keeps fighting, whether with other cats in your house or with strange cats from the neighbourhood, you may need a more permanent solution. A cat that always gets into fights may be suffering from excess aggression or they may simply have poor socialisation skills. Here are some leads on how to help your cat for the long term. Vets: Cats often fight because they have excess aggression. This aggression can be a symptom of an illness that you are not aware of. Take them to the vet and get them checked out. Your vet will be able to advise you on how to proceed. Animal behaviourists: If your cat is not ill but still has a large amount of unresolved aggression, you can take them to an animal behaviourist. These cat specialists are good at resolving issues for cats who keep fighting, and they can train your cat to manage their aggression better. Socialisation: One of the main reasons that cats fight is poor socialisation. These cats simply do not know how to share or get along with other cats. You may need to re-socialise these cats so that they know how to act around others. You can take them to cat training school to try and improve their behaviour. Alternately, there are books and You Tube tutorials on how to help your cat get along better with other cats. Watching your cats fight can be distressing, but it can be solved. Simply follow the guidelines in this article to try and separate your cats when the fight occurs. Moreover, try one of the long-term leads above if it seems like they may need a more permanent solution. Remember, these fights can be solved and do not have to be an enduring problem.

Sometimes holidays just aren’t right unless the whole family is there, and for some people that includes their pets. Holidays with your cat can be an extremely fun way to bond with your pet, but it's important to make sure you're prepared with a cat travel checklist! You can usually take your cat on holiday, whether you’re staying at home or going abroad. After all, family holidays wouldn’t be the same without your pet! However, there are a few things that you’ll need to organise in advance, especially if you’re leaving the country. It’s perfectly possible to go on holiday with your cat as long as you are ready in advance. Taking cats on holiday might mean a little extra organisation; as long as everything is sorted in good time, and you know your cat can cope with the journey, you should be fine. It’s true that cats like their own territory, which is why many owners decide it's best to leave them with a trusted carer – you’ll know what’s best for your own pet. On the other hand, modern pet carriers, pet passports and vaccinations have made it far easier for people to go away with their cats. If you are planning to go on holiday with your cat, check out our tips for preparation – and get packing! Vet check-ups before taking your cat on holiday In most cases your cat won’t require special medication before going on holiday; but if you’re unsure, ask your vet for peace of mind. In any case, it’s a good idea to consult with your vet about your cat’s suitability for a long journey, as every pet is different and there may be things that you haven’t considered. When you’re talking to your vet, consider your cat’s general health and any history of anxiety during confinement. If your cat has been unhappy about travelling in the past, you might want to consider whether taking them along on holiday is the best thing you can do. After all, your cat can’t communicate their feelings like you do, so you have to work hard to find out how they feel! You might also want to think about some of the practical aspects of taking your cat on holiday with you. If your cat takes medication, make sure you have a big enough supply to last the whole trip. If your vet suggests a sedative for their journey to keep them nice and calm, be aware the effects could last longer than the journey; if this is the case, your cat will need somewhere warm and secure to rest until they’ve recovered! If your vet prescribes your cat medication for the trip, it may be helpful to ask about trialling it in advance, particularly if you are planning to travel long distances. If you know how the medication affects your cat in advance, there is less room for last minute mishaps, which all travellers can do without! Planning holidays with cats

Cat kneading, also known as 'making biscuits' is an adorable behaviour, usually seen when they're having a good fuss! You may be wondering why they do this and want to discover the reasoning behind the behaviour, which is why we've put together this handy guide to tell you everything you need to know. Cat kneading is a common cat behaviour, often displayed as the rhythmic pushing of their paws in and out at alternating times. Many people think that it looks like they’re kneading dough, which is why it’s also adorably known as ‘making biscuits’. Cats love to do this on soft surfaces like cosy blankets, squishy cushions, or most commonly your lap when they’re having a good fuss! If you have a cat that does this, you may be wondering why do cats knead? Which is why we’ve put together this article so you can find out the truth behind your feline friend’s baking habits. What is cat kneading? Most cats will knead, but not all will do it in the same way. Where the motion of their paws usually remains the same, the accompanying actions may differ. Some will purr really loudly, where others may do it quietly, others may do it with just their front paws, whereas some will put their all into it and use all four. Most cats will at least display the classic making biscuits action. Additionally, whilst cats knead it’s not unusual for them to appear to be in a trance-like state and look almost glazed over. This just means that they’re completely relaxed.

Over the years, cats have baffled just about everyone – from owners to behaviourists and even scientists. Because of their mysterious nature, there are numerous cat myths and rumours that are commonly believed, but just how true are they? Cats are enigmatic creatures that many people struggle to understand. Over the years, this has seen our furry friends shrouded in a variety of myths, including some outlandish rumours that even reported that they were in league with the devil! The majority of cat myths have since been debunked thanks to science and lashings of common sense. Keep reading to find out the truth behind the butter on cats’ paws rumour, if black cats are bad luck and more. 1. The truth behind the black cat myth The black cat myth is perhaps one of the most common tales out there and chances are you’ve heard someone telling this story. In the UK, Europe and most of America if a black cat crosses your path, people claim it means bad luck is coming your way. In Germany, however, it’s direction specific and if a black cat crosses from right to left it means bad luck, but if the cat moves left to right it’s actually considered good luck. Additionally, in Japan it’s actually thought to be very lucky, especially for single women as a black cat promises good suitors are on the way. Debunked: The black cat myth is, of course, untrue and likely came about due to the fact that black cats were thought to be the pets of witches in medieval times. Unfortunately, this rumour is still quite widely believed today and black cats frequently find their way to rescue centres or have difficulty finding new homes. 2. Saved by a cat’s whisker A cat’s whiskers almost seem to give them super powers, so it’s only natural that people came to assume that these were good luck charms. So much so in fact, there’s a popular cat myth that if you put a whisker in a white bag and place it in your car it will help to prevent accidents, theft and breakdowns – some people even claim it can help you avoid speeding and parking tickets! Debunked: While we really wanted to believe this one, the cat whisker myth is not true and probably came about because cats so rarely lose their whiskers. 3. Cats were responsible for the plague Yep, you heard that right. In the middle ages people thought that cats were responsible for spreading the plague. This was due to the fact that they thought cats were in league with witches, warlocks and ultimately, the devil. Many people in the middle ages believed that the devil was to blame for all the horror of the black death and they began destroying ‘his loyal servants’ – cats. Debunked: It was actually a type of flea that lived on rats that spread the plague. Funnily enough, the destruction of cats meant that the rat population thrived, and the Black Death spread faster than ever.

Choosing a cat bed can be difficult. And, of course, finding the right cat bed is important. You want your kitten to be cosy, warm and happy when they are sleeping—and you want the cat bed to be a space that they can call their own. All owners must make this decision at some point: the trick is to watch your cat’s habits and choose a bed accordingly. We’ve put together a guide to choosing the best cat bed for your cat so that they feel happy, pampered and can sleep like the royalty they are. Types of cat beds Because cats love to curl up and sleep wherever they can, there are many different kinds of cat beds available in the market. Do not worry about which one is the best – there is no the ‘best’ cat bed. Instead, choose one that would suit your cat’s preferences and daily habits. Below are a few options for the types of cat beds you can find. Pads/Cushions This type of cat bed is a cushion filled with soft and comfortable down. There are various fillings for this kind of cat bed – such as fleece or high-fibre polyester – but as long as it is plush and comfortable, it does not really matter! Pods This new style of cat bed is gaining popularity. Cats seem to like curling up with these egg-shaped pods, which are usually made of plastic or hard fabric and lined with something soft and cosy. Window perches If your cat’s favourite place is the window and they like to fall asleep in whatever sunlight they can find or you find them dozing in front of the view, then a window perch cat bed is the best cat bed. These cat beds attach as perches on the window and allow your cat to sleep in her favourite spot.

Everyone's heard the saying 'cats always land on their feet', but is there any truth in it? Keep reading to find out how they manage to do it and the amazing science behind it. Everyone has heard the saying ‘cats always land on their feet’ and that this ability means they can survive falls from incredible heights. Some people think it’s due to cats’ incredible balance, and others secretly think it’s magic. It’s a phenomenon that has certainly puzzled scientists for centuries! But is it true, or simply an urban myth? Keep reading to find out if cats always land on their feet and how they do it. Do cats always land on their feet? Cats have an inbuilt balancing system called the “righting reflex” that allows them to orient themselves and land on their feet. But while cats are often able to land the right way up, it’s not the case that they always land on their feet. The height of the fall can affect their ability to land safely. For a long time, cats’ ability to seemingly always land on their feet has had scientists baffled since the early 19th century. Initially, it was thought that when cats were dropped they somehow managed to ‘push off’ the person’s hand. However, a French scientist called Etienne-Jules Marey in 1894 discovered this was not the case. Using a chronophotographic camera, he managed to capture 60 frames a second of a cat’s fall, then he was able to watch in slow-motion and see how cats land on their feet. How do cats always land on their feet? The way cats manage to land on their feet is called the righting reflex.

A cat flap can be a confusing addition to a home. If your cat is used to you opening the door for them when they meow or simply jumping in (or out) of the house through a window, the cat flap will be strange to them at first. It may take some time to get used to and they can even be hesitant to use it! The good news is that you can teach your cat to take full advantage of the cat flap. This article will explore how to train a cat to use a cat flap and overcome some of the usual problems you face during the initial stages. Familiarising your cat with the cat flap For your cat to be comfortable using the cat flap, they have to be comfortable with the device itself. Here are some ways to introduce your cat to the flap: 1. Show them how it works, before installation Introduce your cat to the flap before you install it. They can get used to the shape and size, as well as explore the flap from all angles. Show them how the door moves both ways and, if they are willing, let them climb through. This may go a long way training your cat to use a cat flap. 2. Prop the cat flap open If the cat flap is already installed, prop it open for the first few weeks. This is an easy way to show your cat that it is a door to the outside world. They will be far less hesitant to use it if they can see the garden or the house interior when coming in. 3. Rub their scent on it Some cats dislike cat flaps because they see it as a foreign object. You can help them become more familiar with the flap by rubbing their scent on it. This will make them more comfortable with the device. How to train your cat to use a cat flap An easy way to teach your cat to use a cat flap is to lure them through it using treats. The trick is for the cat to move in and out of the cat flap with ease. For this, you need to show them that this movement is easily achieved. • Keep a number of your cat’s treats to hand. Your cat should be on one side of the cat flap (indoors) and you on the other. Keep the flap open so that your cat can see you. • Show your cat the treat you’re holding and encourage them to come get it. • If they don’t move, extend your hand through the cat flap (still keep the flap open) until they can smell the treat. Once your cat moves to get their reward, pull your hand slowly back so that they have to come through the flap to get the treat. • Praise them when this happens and give them more treats. This is an important step in training your cat to use a cat flap, as it reinforces the desirable behaviour. • Do the same process with the treat but from the other side, enticing the cat back into the house. • Once your cat is happy jumping in and out of an open cat flap, repeat this process with the cat flap half-closed and only your hand poking through. This will teach the cat to push the cat flap open by themselves.

Most cats are home lovers, so travelling anywhere else with them can make them stressed. Some journeys are unavoidable, so when travelling with cats it’s important to know how you can make your feline friend feel comfortable. Most cats are home lovers, so travelling anywhere else with them can make them stressed. When travelling with cats it’s important to know how you can make your feline friend feel comfortable. We’ve put together some cat travel tips to help everything run smoothly. Cat car travel Knowing how to travel with cats in the car is the most useful place to start. If you’re confident and in control, and you understand how to keep your cat calm, the journey can be relatively stress-free for both of you.