Behaviour & Training

If you have a cat that won't stop scratching your furniture, you're probably wondering how to make them stop it, which is why we've put together this handy guide to help you prevent your cat from shredding your sofa! Keep reading to find out more. 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 these scratching behaviours are deeply ingrained instincts and they have numerous benefits to both their health and wellbeing. Keep reading to find out how to stop cats from scratching furniture and to discover why they always seem to target your favourite spots. Why do cats scratch furniture? While it may seem that your cat just likes to destroy things, they actually scratch for a number of reasons. Firstly, scratching provides a full body workout for your cat and stretches out their muscles and tendons from their claws all the way down their back. Cats scratching furniture also helps to maintain their claws and keep them sharp by shedding their claw sheaths which keeps them in tip-top condition. Additionally, cats’ paws contain scent glands and when they scratch objects, they release a visible and chemical scent marker that identifies their territory in the home. They’re most likely to target prominent and frequently used areas such as sofas or your favourite armchair. This is because scratching these areas will make them feel more secure and relieve stress by putting their scent on things, making it feel more like their home. Sometimes cats may do it because they’re bored which is especially common with house cats who aren’t getting enough mental stimulation. So now you know what causes them to do it, how can you actually stop cats from scratching furniture?

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.

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! How to take cats on holiday If you’re taking your cat on a holiday in the UK, things couldn’t be easier. If your accommodation is pet-friendly, your cat is microchipped, and you think they’ll happily adapt to their temporary surroundings, you’re ready to go. Cats can travel freely in Europe as long as they are vaccinated against rabies, have been microchipped, and have a valid ‘pet passport’. Most vets will be able to issue pet passports; they contain up-to-date details of your cat’s treatment, so you can prove that they are healthy. If your vet doesn’t issue these, they should be able to recommended one who does. You may also be interested in the Pet Travel Scheme, which can make holidays with cats even easier. Read about this scheme below. Your airline carrier will need to be alerted that you are bringing at cat with you long in advance; they can tell you what else you need to do in order to get your cat through the airport. Whether you’re staying in the country or going abroad, you should familiarise yourself with travelling with your cat by plane or car. 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

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.

Your cat doesn’t just need the right food and exercise for their age and body condition; emotional nourishment and cat care is also one of the most important parts of keeping a happy cat. Your cat’s emotional needs are based on their personality, age and lifestyle. If your cat spends the majority or all of their time indoors, for example, they may rely more heavily on you to provide cat care for their emotional wellbeing. Keeping such an intelligent and emotionally sophisticated pet happy can require a little effort and imagination, especially if your cat isn't using their natural instincts to survive on their own outdoors. A brief history of the cat Today's domestic cats are descended from wild cats who began to take advantage of the abundance of mice around corn stores in early Middle Eastern and North African civilisations, about 4,000 years ago. Today, pet cats are more often born indoors than in the wild, and spend their whole lives being fed and loved as part of our families - a far cry from the solitary hunter lifestyle of their ancestors! There are over 50 breeds of pedigree cats around the world, although by far the most prevalent is the ordinary ‘moggy’ with their wonderful variety of coats and colours.

Discover the meaning behind why your cat makes hissing or purring sounds with our handy guide, and before you know it you'll be able to translate what your kitty is trying to tell you like a pro! When cats make noises, they’re trying to communicate a feeling or desire. Whether they are purring whilst being groomed, or hissing at another animal, cat sounds can all be roughly translated into human language. So, you can roughly understand what your cat is trying to communicate! The types of cat sounds are specific to your pet. Some cats are more vocal than others and your pet may have a very particular way of expressing themselves through sound. Cat noise meanings can be split into five different categories, which all have their own specific purpose. While all cats are individuals, some breeds are known to be noisier than others. Similarly, the age of your cat also impacts on how vocally communicative they are likely to be. Kittens are notoriously vocal, with their adorable mewling and meowing, whilst more senior cats tend to be quieter. Different types of cat sounds The most commonly heard cat noise is the classic ‘meow’. Generally, this sound is used to demand attention. Kittens meow almost constantly, always in search of their mother’s love, milk, or attention. In older animals, it is less often used to communicate with other animals and will more frequently be heard in the presence of humans. Not all meows sound the same, or mean the same thing. Although your cat will have their own distinctive way of meowing, it is possible to generally categorise some of the types of meowing that are most commonly heard. The standard meow You will recognise this kind of cat sound easily, as it will be the one that you hear the most! In general, these kinds of meows are mid-length in duration and mid-pitch in tone. When you hear it, it’s because your cat is asking for something. It’s then down to the context to try and decipher exactly what that want. The ‘mewl’ This shorter meow is used as a kind of greeting for owners. It may be accompanied by rubbing against your legs. The long, drawn-out meow This kind of cat sound means that your pet is demanding something specific. It may be that they’re reminding you that it’s dinnertime, or that they want to be let outside. Some owners will complain that this kind of meow wakes them up at night, or early in the morning when they’re ready for breakfast. Repeated meows A standard sounding meow that is repeated over and over again is a sign that your cat is excited. High-pitched meow This kind of meow can often sound more like a yelp due to the high pitch—and that is often what it means! Your cat will make a high-pitched meow sound when they are suddenly startled or hurt. Low-pitched meow This type of meow can be translated into a complaint or long-term grumble. It’s less a demand for attention and more an on-going grievance! You may hear this when it’s way past dinnertime and the food bowl is still empty.

If your much-loved pet goes missing, it’s every cat owner’s worst nightmare. Not only is it upsetting and stressful for you when you can’t find your cat or kitten, but then you also worry that your pet may be scared or hurt. The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do to maximise your chance of finding a lost cat. Look for your missing cat at home Cats love their homes, so there’s every chance that your cat could be closer than you think. Make sure you check every cupboard, even those you hardly use.

If you’re a cat owner, you may have noticed that they can be quite partial to a munch of grass sometimes. This may seem unusual as cats are obligate carnivores, but grass can actually have numerous benefits for them. Find out why do cats eat grass with Purina. All cat owners know that their kitty enjoys the odd nibble of grass – which is too often followed by their cat vomiting up their breakfast. Because of this reaction, it’s common for pet parents to think that grass is actually toxic to their felines and many will reprimand them for munching on the green stuff. It may surprise you to learn that when cats eat grass it can actually have numerous health benefits for them, including everything from relieving constipation and acting as natural stress relief. Find out all the reasons why cats eat grass with Purina. Why does my cat eat grass? The compulsion for cats eating grass is certainly a strange one, especially since they’re obligate carnivores and don’t require vegetation to survive. As it stands, researchers haven’t agreed on one definitive reason why your cat enjoys a munch of your lawn, but there are many theories why they may do this. The top three ones are as follows:

Cats and water don’t mix, or at least that’s how the old saying goes. But what is it about this banal liquid that makes them lose their mind as captured by so many “cats vs bathtubs” videos on the Internet? And do all cats hate water? Find out here. Our feline friends have mysterious ways that keep us guessing about plenty of things, but one of the most enduring conundrums has to do with a pretty basic element: water. Why do cats hate water? And how come they love the water dripping from a tap, but will fight teeth and claws if they come close to a bathtub full of water? We’ll probably never know for sure, but experts have a few ideas that can help baffled cat owners understand their pet’s behaviour a bit better. Why do cats hate water? Cats are fine with water to drink, but if it gets near their fur water can instantly turn a happy cat into a miniature lion. Here are some of the causes that help explain why.

Whiskers do a lot more than making your kitty look cute, they also serve many important purposes! From working as a built-in measuring tape to helping with their close up vision, your cat's whiskers are truly amazing! Your cat’s whiskers are an iconic part of their anatomy. Not only do they look incredibly cute and tickle us during the night, but they also have an important purpose. Serving as the ultimate sensory tool, their whiskers are nothing like hairs (although they might look like it) and are actually highly sensitive. You may be wondering why do cats have whiskers and want to find out more about your fuzzy friend’s built-in radar system. Keep reading to discover everything about whiskers, from how they work to how they help cats navigate in the dark! Why do cats have whiskers? Your cat’s whiskers are truly multifunctional, but their most important purpose is as a sensory tool. The official title for them is vibrissae, which comes from Latin ‘vibrio’ and means ‘to vibrate’. The hair follicle of your cat’s whiskers is loaded with nerves, and the whisker tip features a sensory organ known as a proprioceptor. Together, this makes them incredibly sensitive to vibrations and changes in their environment, so cats use them like an additional sense to understand the world. Additionally, whiskers are also much more deeply embedded in their body than normal fur hair, as they’re connected to the muscular and nervous system. This enables whiskers to send sensory messages to the brain about your cat’s surroundings, which is what makes them such savvy explorers! We think cat’s whiskers are, well, the cat’s whiskers. Which is why we’ve put together our top 10 facts to tell you everything you need to know about your clever cat’s face fuzz:

Cat hissing is a common behaviour which sort of resembles the sound a snake makes. We’ve come to associate this with them being extremely annoyed, but did you know there are numerous reasons why cats hiss? We’ve all seen our cats hiss, whether it’s at an intruder in the garden or when we’ve tried to pick them up when they’re not in the mood. As humans, we’ve learned to identify this as a sign that our cats are truly ticked off and not in the mood to be messed with, but there are other reasons why your kitty may be hissing. If you have a cat who keeps making these snake-like noises, you may be wondering why do cats hiss and what can you do about it? We’ve put together this guide to help you discover all the secrets behind cat hissing. How do cats hiss? When a cat feels threatened, they’ll release a burst of air through their mouth, and it’s this burst of air that makes a hissing sound. This sound will usually be paired with other cat body language signs such as bared teeth, flattened ears, an arched back and their fur will also stand on end (also known as piloerection). Why do cats hiss? When considering why cats hiss, it’s important to understand that hissing is a completely normal behaviour which helps your cat express themselves. Where humans can use speech to communicate, cats must rely on their body language to tell both us and other animals how they’re feeling. A few of the most common reasons behind cat hissing are as follows: 1. Warning shots First and foremost, cat hissing is usually a warning to another person or animal. It’s their way of telling them to back off or they’ll be forced to attack – cats characteristically want to avoid confrontation at all costs, so think of this as a warning shot. You may see them do this when there’s another cat on your cat’s turf, if a mother cat has kittens to protect or if the vet’s trying to handle them. According to Pets MD, this type of cat hissing is most common with un-neutered cats when they’re searching for a potential mate.

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.