Behaviour & Training

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.

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.

Cats make wonderful pets, and whilst most of their behaviour makes us laugh and smile, some of their actions can seem confusing and sometimes even a little anti-social! For example, cats spray urine, which can seem unpleasant if it happens inside your home. If this is an issue, the best way to tackle this issue is to understand your cat’s behaviour, then address the cause. Cat Marking

It’s no secret that cats love to scratch. This is a natural urge, and should not be discouraged. Yet many new cat owners can be at a loss when it comes to how to prevent their cats from scratching the furniture or tearing cushions with their claws. The answer is, of course, a scratching post – a post dedicated to your cat’s scratching habits that she can make her very own. In this article, we will offer you a guide on how to choose the best scratching post for your cat. What is a scratching post? A scratching post is usually a vertical wooden post covered with different kinds of material. This material offers resistance to your cat’s claws, which makes the process of scratching satisfying for them. Scratching posts come in different shapes and sizes. Some scratching posts are simple vertical pillars on solid wooden bases. Others can be shaped as cactuses or castles – anything you can think of, in fact. They can also have horizontal platforms attached to them at varying levels for your cat to climb and rest. Today, scratching posts do not actually have to be posts. There are wooden frames with your cat’s favourite scratching material in their centre. These can be attached to the wall at a height your cat can reach, allowing her to scratch away to her heart’s content.

Playing games and spending time with your cat is an important part of being a cat owner. Playing with them is not only a fun form of exercise for both of you, but it also helps to keep your cat stimulated. Take a look at our five fungames for catstoget ideas for keeping both you and your furry friend entertained for hours. 1. Games for catswith bubbles Bubbles aren’t just for kids; they make for a great game for cats too! Bubbles come number one on our list because they are so much fun for both you and your cat. Remember that you should buy bubbles that are pet-friendly. Not all bubble fluid is safe for pets, somake sure you’re buying products that are designed for cats. Most cats try to pounce on the bubbles once they land; this is because their unpredictable movement can appeal to a cat’s natural hunting instinct. Some cats even jump in the air and try to catch the bubbles before they land! 2. Chasinggames for cats A love of chasing things is ahunting behaviourthat your feline friend loves to live up to. That’s one of the reasons a mousetoyis so much fun for them to play with. There are lots of types of toys you can use like the‘mouse on a string’ toy, or make your own with anything that dangles. To kick things offwavethe mouse in front of your cat. This should gain their attention and get them ready to take part. Once they are interested, start dragging the mouse slowly on the floor - your cat should either start chasing the mouse or begin to try and pounce on it. Lastly, move around the room while pulling the mouse along the floor, as this will get your cat moving and encourage them to exercise. You could also try dimming the lights when you play; after all, cats naturally prefer to hunt at night. 3. Using a cardboard box As many owners know, cats love to hide either under (or inside) a whole range of household objects. Boxes are no exception, and they can provide your car or kitten with hours of fun. All you have to do is place your box on the floor and watch as your cat investigates. Most cats will try and go inside the box; once inside, why not run a toy along the floor in front of the opening to the box? This will encourage your cat to pounce out of the box and try and catch the toy. If you are going to play this game make sure you use a toy on a string, so your feline friend won’t accidently scratch you when trying to grab the toy. Find outwhy cats love boxesso much with our fun article.

Cats have captivated the hearts of humans for many years, we’re obsessed with these fluffy critters and this kitty love has seen many famous cats crop up. From Grumpy Cat – the living oxymoron, to Lil Bub the perma-kitten, find out who made our list of the top 10 most famous cats. There’s just something about cats, isn’t there? Their magical toe beans and saucer-like eyes have captivated humans across the globe throughout history and we just can’t get enough of them. Cute cats fill our screens and this, combined with our obsession with their adorable fluffy faces, has seen the rise of famous cats. From Instagram influencers that have us tapping the like button to famous cats in movies that are more worthy of an Oscar than most celebs, these kitties are the star of every show.

Sprinkle some catnip near to your kitten and you’ll notice a sudden change in behaviour. Find out more about this plant and why it’s got such an effect on your fluffy feline. Here is all you need to know about cats and catnip. Catnip seems to be adored across the feline kingdom with both big and small cats falling head over heels for this plant’s allure. But what is catnip and why do cats like it so much? Does it have any effect on us humans? And is it safe or not? We’re unravelling all the catnip mysteries below.

If you have a cat that won't stop scratching your furniture, you're probably wondering how to convince them to stop it, which is why we've put together this handy guide to help you prevent your cat from shredding your sofa! There’s nothing worse than getting a new sofa and coming home to find that your cat, or kitten has ripped it into ribbons, or finding deep scratches in your freshly painted door frames. Cats scratching furniture can be a real problem, especially if you’re house-proud! Sometimes it may seem that your cat’s out to cause trouble, but it’s important to know that your cat scratching at the carpet and furniture is a deeply ingrained natural instinct and has numerous benefits to both their health and wellbeing. Keep reading to find out how to prevent cats from scratching furniture and to discover why they always seem to target your favourite spots.

Whether you enjoy a soothing meow every now and then or you’re growing impatient with all your cat’s attempts to make conversation, the reasons why cats meow are just as fascinating as the kittens themselves. Find out more here. As a proud cat owner, you are by now probably used to the daily soundtrack of meows and purrs your cat shares with you. But did you know that the way cats communicate with other cats is mainly via scent, and cat meowing is a language reserved for humans only? That’s to say, cats don’t meow at each other, only at humans, and meowing is a learned behaviour. Different meows tend to mean different things too and a subtle difference in one meow to another can indicate your cat is talking to you for a very different reason! Why would cats, who are better known for their “can’t be bothered” attitude, go to all the trouble to communicate with us? They must have something important to say. So if your cat won’t stop meowing and you need help deciphering what this means, here are the top reasons why cats meow. Why do cats meow? 1. To greet you If you’re used to a short meowing burst just as you close the door after returning home, congratulations – your cat actually noticed you were missing. These quick meows are your cat’s way of saying “hi” and “where have you been all this time”. A bit of affectionate petting and a few warm words are expected in return before your feline friend goes back to the usual preoccupations. Ah, the joys of being a cat owner! 2. To get your attention One reason why cats meow is to they can get your attention for play, petting or some nice treats. So if your cat keeps brushing up against you while belting out her signature meows, chances are you’re needed for some good old spoiling time. So if you’re wondering why does my cat keep meowing, that’s your cue to get the bag of treats out. If you need some inspiration, here are some cool cat games ideas to try. Have fun! 3. To get food If your cat won’t stop meowing at certain times, it’s always a good idea to check the food bowl. If it’s empty, you know why your cat is meowing! However, don’t fill up the bowl straight away – a good trick is to wait until your cat stops meowing before getting the food out. Otherwise your cat will learn that they can meow and get fed, so they’ll do it more. 4. To tell you they’re unwell Unfortunately, the reason why cats meow is not always easy to address, especially if the pitch and the frequency of your cat’s vocalisations are unusual. If your cat is meowing at night, they might be trying to tell you there is something wrong. In fact, many illnesses from kidney disease to urinary tract problems or arthritis can have your kitty meowing for help. If you notice anything unusual about the sounds your cat is making, it’s always better to visit the local vet to rule out a possible illness. However, be aware that it can be very difficult to read a cat’s body language and they often hide signs of pain, so just because they are not meowing doesn’t mean they are necessarily comfortable! If your cat is not a youngster anymore, watch out for a common culprit showing up in older cats – Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. Some of the symptoms include confusion and meowing at night, so make sure you discuss this possibility too with your vet. 5. To indicate stress If you notice extra cat meowing on top of the usual chat you’re expecting from your feline friend, think about any possible disturbances or changes in your cat’s environment. A new house, a new pet or a new baby can set off alarm bells in the mind of your furry companion. So be mindful of any changes and try to put your cat at ease by offering them more attention and some nice quiet time.

Curling up with your cat as she purrs is a comfort to all pet owners. It’s a sign she’s happy, content and feeling settled on your lap, enjoying lots of fuss and attention – or is it? We all know that cats express their feelings by purring, in the same way that when we’re happy we smile and dogs wag their tails. Purring cats aren’t always happy cats though, and there’s lots of mystery around why they purr and how they make this mystical sound. Previous scientific research has shown that cats don’t just purr when they’re happy but also when they’re distressed or afraid. Purring is a defence mechanism and a way to keep calm in stressful situations. You’ll often hear your cat purring at the vets as she’s being examined, but be careful not to mistake this as a happy sound! It’s more likely that your cat will be purring to calm herself down rather than enjoying the examination.

All cats are special to their owners, but there are certain felines that have that extra charm in the form of extra toes. These are the polydactyl cats – beloved the world over, making amazing entries in the book of World Records, protected as historic treasure and, according to legend, bringing luck to their happy owners. In this article we’re exploring the amazing world of polydactyl cats and their origins, while offering essential information to owners that have welcomed cats with extra toes into their family. 

Is your cat drooling more than usual? Find out when it’s totally normal and when you need to book a visit to the vet. Read our easy guide to discover the top reasons why cats start dribbling. Drooling might be more associated with our canine companions, but cats are known to have the occasional dribble as well. In most cases there is nothing to worry about, but in a few special instances, drooling could be a sign of a more serious issue that needs your vet’s attention. So, if you’re asking yourself ‘why do cats dribble?’ and wondering whether you should worry, here is what you need to know.