Behaviour & Training

We often think that our cats lead lives of total luxury with their every whim catered for, so it can come as a surprise to realise that such a life of leisure can lead to feline boredom. Much like dogs, cats can develop serious behaviour problems if they become bored and they can express that boredom in rather destructive ways. So, carry on reading to find out more about cat boredom and whether you are the owner of a bored cat.

You’ve probably heard the rustling of a plastic bag when you’ve returned from the weekly shop, just to see your cat biting and shredding it with great enthusiasm. But why do cats gnaw or eat plastic? We’ve got it all explained below – including when it’s a cause for concern. Read on to find out all you need to know.

Whether you’re looking for help with training or to entertain your feline friend, cat apps are the perfect solution for this. But it can be hard to know which cat apps are suited for your dear feline, which is why we have a list for you. Check it out below!

Cats are the masters of the internet, and it probably very often happens that you come across different photos of them displaying very human-like facial expressions. Grumpy cats, happy cats, sad cats – they’re just like us, you might think. But are their facial expressions really the same as ours - can cats smile, or laugh, or look sad? If you’re the proud owner of a feline, you know that there’s more to the way they show their feelings and communicate with you but even though they might have facial expressions that seem to resemble smiling or laughing, these expressions are not necessarily connected with the way they feel.

Realising that you can no longer keep your cat and making the decision to rehome them is difficult. You’ve probably already spent time with your feline friend and grown to love them. However, in some situations, giving up a cat for adoption is the best thing you can do for both of you. If you’re finding yourself making the often-heart-breaking decision to rehome your cat, we put together this article on how to best deal with this tough choice. We’ll explore the challenges pet families face when deciding to give up their cat and offer advice and resources to help make the process as smooth as possible. Read on to learn how to make sure your feline friend finds the new home they need and deserve.

As your cat ages, their sleep patterns might change. Older cats may sleep more, with their energy levels simply decreasing with age. Other times, senior cats might sleep more during the day, saving their energy for evenings and nighttime explorations. While you might find this a little disruptive, it's a natural shift in their sleep cycle. Learn how to understand these sleeping patterns and create a cosy sleep haven to ensure they get the rest they need. Common Changes in Older Cats' Sleep Patterns How Many Hours Do Cats Sleep Ever wondered how long cats sleep for? It's a question many cat owners ponder, especially as their feline companions seem to spend a lot of time napping. Cats do manage to fit in a lot of quality catnaps, but this can be especially noticeable as cats age. Older cats can sleep anywhere from 16 to 20 hours a day, compared to the 12-15 hours of adult cats. This increased need for sleep is attributed to decreased energy levels and a more relaxed lifestyle. Some maintain their nighttime activity levels but sleep most of the day to conserve that nocturnal energy. So, if your senior cat seems to be sleeping more than usual, or their sleep patterns change, it's likely nothing to worry about. However, if you're ever concerned about a sudden change in your cat's sleep patterns, especially if you see other symptoms, it's always best to consult your vet. Senior Cat Sleep-Wake Cycles Another common change is a shift in sleep-wake cycles. While cats are crepuscular, in other words more active at dawn and dusk, older cats may become more active at night and sleep more during the day. This can sometimes be disruptive for owners, especially in the case of indoor cats, but it's important to remember it's a natural shift and rarely a cause for concern. If you have a cat who has constant access to the great outdoors, you might not notice that they are more active at night, just noticing that they are sleeping more during the day. If you think this is the case, you could monitor the cat flap with a webcam to get an idea of their nighttime wanderings. Factors Affecting Sleep in Older Cats Several factors can influence your older cat's sleep quality: Environmental Factors and Comfort No matter what the age of your cat, environmental factors like loud noises, constant disruption, uncomfortable bedding, or a lack of appropriate sleeping areas can affect sleep quality. Senior cat care: Health Issues Impacting Sleep Underlying health conditions, such as arthritis, hyperthyroidism, or cognitive dysfunction, can disrupt sleep patterns. Pain from arthritis can make it difficult for your cat to get comfortable, and hyperthyroidism can cause restlessness. Health Concerns Related to Sleep Disturbances While increased sleep is normal for older cats, significant and/or sudden changes in sleep patterns can sometimes indicate underlying health issues. Signs to watch for include excessive vocalisation at night, restlessness, pacing, difficulty settling, or changes in litter box habits or loss of toilet training. If you notice any concerning changes in your cat's sleep patterns, consult your veterinarian to rule out any medical conditions. Tips for Promoting Healthy Sleep in Older Cats Ideal Sleeping Areas and Bedding for Older Cats Provide multiple, easily accessible sleeping areas throughout the house in places where your cat won’t be disturbed. These should be at a variety of heights and places your cat enjoys hanging out (such as a sunny window ledge) but you need to ensure easy access (so consider using ramps etc). Sometimes if a cat is feeling stiff or a bit sore, they will sleep in a less-favoured spot that they can access easily and without pain, but this might be somewhere uncomfortable or somewhere they can’t relax and get good quality sleep. Choose soft, supportive bedding that allows for easy stretching and accommodates any stiffness. Explore other top tips for choosing the right cat bed with Purina. Sometimes if a cat is feeling stiff or a bit sore, they will sleep in a less-favoured spot that they can access easily and without pain, but this might be somewhere uncomfortable or somewhere they can’t relax and get good quality sleep. Choose soft, supportive bedding that allows for easy stretching and accommodates any stiffness. Explore other top tips for choosing the right cat bed with Purina. Managing Noise and Disturbances Minimise disruptions by keeping loud activities to a minimum. Make sure you give your cat quiet places to sleep so they can access peace and quiet. Establishing a Routine While understanding that it is natural for cats to be active in the evenings and the early part of the night, you can help encourage a nighttime sleep schedule with regular feeding times and playtime before bed. Creating a consistent routine can be helpful for promoting healthy sleep in older cats. Here are things you can think about to help with routine: Set regular feeding times Feed your cat at consistent times throughout the day, using the most suitable senior cat food for your companion, with the last meal being close to bedtime. This helps regulate their digestive system and toileting needs, and helps prepare them for a night of sleep. Schedule playtime Engage your cat in gentle playtime before bedtime. This helps burn off some energy and promotes relaxation. Keep play sessions short and focused on low-impact activities they can manage, like feather wand toys or puzzle feeders. Maintain a consistent sleep environment If you have an indoor cat, keep their sleeping areas quiet and undisturbed throughout the night. Minimise disruptions Consistency is key, so try to maintain a predictable nighttime routine that allows your cat to settle comfortably for sleep. If you know you are likely to need to get up in the middle of the night, try to not disturb your cat. By implementing these tips and establishing a consistent routine, you can help encourage your older cat to keep to their regular routine as they age, and promote restful sleep for a happier and healthier cat. Conclusion By understanding the changes in your ageing cat's sleep habits and creating a comfortable sleep environment, you can ensure your senior cat gets the rest they need to live a happy and healthy life. Remember, any significant changes in sleep patterns warrant a visit to the veterinarian to ensure your cat's wellbeing.

Your cat probably has lots of quirky habits, which is one of the many reasons they’re so much fun to be with. But sometimes their behaviour can surprise you – maybe yours has been scratching and clawing things you don’t want them to, for example, or shredding an innocent pair of curtains. We often associate chewed-up furnishings and general mayhem with mischievous or anxious dogs, but a destructive pet with cat behaviour problems can do their fair share of damage too. As cats have evolved to be top-of-the-food-chain predators, aggression is an integral part of their behaviour. Cats use aggression for lots of reasons, such as catching and killing prey, defending themselves and their territory, and warding off competitors. Hopefully your cat shouldn’t show aggression towards you at home, but if they do there are certain things you can do to understand and resolve any issues. Why is my cat aggressive? If your cat is being aggressive, you need to ask why. Are they fearful or anxious about something? Are they in pain? Are they defending their territory? Are they simply playing too boisterously and not keeping their teeth and claws in check? Or does it seem that they’re pursuing you as if you’re their prey? There are many reasons why cats demonstrate aggressive behaviour, and most of them are normal, if not inappropriate for a home environment.

The rivalry between cats and dogs is world renowned and many believe that the two species can't get along because they're just too different. Keep reading to discover the reasoning behind why they generally dislike each other and find out if it's possible for them to be friends with Purina. The rivalry between cats and dogs is one that’s known around the world. It’s depicted time after time in cartoons and films and you’ve probably heard of the saying ‘they fight like cats and dogs.’ Many believe that the two species can’t get along and that it’s just a simple case of them being too different from one another, as dogs are exuberant and full of energy, while cats are solitary creatures that prefer peace and quiet. But what’s the actual reason behind the clash and most importantly, can they ever get along? Keep reading to find out about the possibility of cat and dog friends and discover the reasoning behind why their personalities usually clash.

Cats are notorious night owls, so we've long thought that they have excellent night vision, but is this actually true? Find out everything you need to know about your cat's night vision with our guide. Cats seem to do all of their best hunting at night. Many cat owners are familiar with being woken up with little gifts – such as a mouse or possibly even a sock – or the hyperactive run around the house many cats have in the middle of the night. These night-time antics pose the question: can cats see in the dark? Many people believe that felines are nocturnal and so can see in the dark perfectly, but it may surprise you to learn that cats are actually crepuscular. This means that generally they’re more active around dawn and dusk. So, if they’re not actually nocturnal, how good is cat’s night vision really? Keep reading to discover the secrets behind your four-legged friend’s intelligent eyes. Can cats see in the dark? The short answer is not exactly. Where it’s been widely thought that cat’s have their own built-in set of night vision goggles, they actually require at least some level of light to see. However, they only need one-sixth of the amount of light that humans do and can see in very low light. Cats won’t be able to see in the dark, in the rare event that absolutely all light is blocked out, but their sight is much more advanced than that of humans for all of their night time adventures. Their eyes are intelligently designed According to Catster, the reason cats’ night vision is so excellent is because of the intelligent design of their eyes. They possess a curved cornea and large lens, and in low light their pupils can dilate to full circles to allow in maximum light.

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.

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.

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!