Cats are full of quirks, from sudden sprints across the living room to long, mysterious staring sessions at empty walls. While some of these habits might leave owners scratching their heads, many are completely natural and even essential for feline well-being.
However, not every behaviour is harmless. Certain changes in your cat’s routine or personality can hint at stress, discomfort, or underlying health issues that deserve a closer look. Knowing which habits to accept and which to monitor can make all the difference in keeping your cat healthy and content.
The information in this article is collected from online sources. It is intended for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional advice from a qualified veterinarian.
Common Cat Behaviours You Shouldn’t Try To Change
Cats have plenty of strange little traits that might puzzle their humans, but many of these habits are completely normal and even beneficial. Instead of trying to train them away, it helps to understand why your cat does them, because in most cases, these behaviours keep them healthy, happy, and mentally stimulated.
1. Scratching Furniture
Your favourite armchair might look like a battle zone, but scratching serves multiple purposes for cats. Cats stretch their muscles, mark territory with scent glands in their paws, and maintain healthy claws through this behaviour.
Instead of trying to stop it entirely, redirect the instinct by providing sturdy scratching posts covered in sisal or cardboard. Place them near their favourite spots.
Reward your cat when they use the posts, and consider using deterrent sprays on furniture temporarily. This natural behaviour keeps cats physically and mentally satisfied.
2. Knocking Things Over
That innocent look after your cat sends your phone crashing to the floor isn’t guilt. Cats test how objects move and fall as part of their play and hunting instincts, exploring their environment through touch and motion.
This behaviour mimics how they’d interact with prey in the wild. Keep breakables out of reach and offer interactive toys instead to satisfy their curiosity.
Puzzle feeders and balls they can bat around provide safer outlets. Rather than scolding, accept this as normal feline exploration and adjust your environment accordingly.
3. Chattering At Birds Or Insects
When cats make that strange chattering sound at the window, they’re simulating the killing bite they’d use in the wild. This rapid jaw movement mimics how they’d quickly dispatch prey by biting the neck.
Some experts believe it’s a reflexive response when cats spot prey they can’t reach. Others think it might be frustration mixed with excitement about the potential hunt.
Either way, it’s completely natural and shows their prey drive remains strong even in domestic settings. Let them chatter away without worry or interruption.
4. Hiding In Boxes Or Tight Spaces
Cramming into small spaces helps cats feel secure and reduces anxiety, offering them a safe retreat from household activity. Enclosed areas provide warmth and protection, mimicking how wild cats hide from predators.
This self-soothing behaviour becomes especially important during loud noises, household changes, or when guests visit. Cats regulate stress by controlling their environment this way.
Let them keep their hiding spots as safe zones where they won’t be disturbed. Provide multiple options like boxes, cat tunnels, or covered beds throughout your home for their comfort.
5. Bringing You Gifts
Whether it’s a toy or, unfortunately, a caught insect, your cat’s offering is an act of trust and affection. Cats share their hunting success with family members they consider part of their social group.
Mother cats teach kittens to hunt by bringing them prey, and your cat may see you as family who needs providing for. It’s their way of bonding and showing they value you.
Accept the gesture graciously, even if it’s unpleasant. Thank your cat gently and dispose of the gift discreetly to maintain the positive social connection.
6. Head-Butting And Rubbing
That gentle nudge or cheek rub means your cat is marking you with scent glands as part of their social bonding. Cats have glands on their cheeks, forehead, and chin that release pheromones only other cats can detect.
When they rub against you, they’re claiming you as part of their territory and trusted circle. This behaviour, called bunting, is one of the sweetest compliments a cat can give.
Return the affection by gently petting them or offering a slow blink. Never discourage this behaviour as it strengthens your bond considerably.
Problematic Behaviours That May Need Attention
Now that we’ve looked at the habits that make perfect sense from a feline point of view, it’s time to switch focus. Some cat behaviours, while common, can hint at stress, illness, or discomfort. Recognising the difference is key to ensuring your cat stays content and well cared for.
1. Excessive Grooming Or Hair Pulling
A bit of grooming is normal, but obsessive licking can indicate stress, allergies, or skin irritation that needs addressing. Cats may groom excessively when anxious or to soothe themselves from physical discomfort.
Persistent bald spots, scabs, or raw skin warrant a vet visit to rule out medical causes like parasites, infections, or hormonal imbalances. Environmental stressors can also trigger this behaviour.
Your vet may recommend allergy testing, environmental changes, or anxiety-reducing strategies. Early intervention prevents the habit from becoming compulsive and causing further skin damage or infection.
2. Avoiding The Litter Box
If your cat suddenly stops using the litter box, it may signal a medical issue such as a urinary tract infection, kidney problems, or anxiety. Cats associate the box with pain if they’re uncomfortable while eliminating.
Never punish them for accidents, as this increases stress and worsens the problem. Instead, investigate possible causes with your vet immediately to address underlying health concerns.
Keep the box clean, try different litter types, and ensure you have one box per cat plus one extra. Location, cleanliness, and box size all affect whether cats will use them consistently.
3. Sudden Aggression
Unexpected biting, swatting, or growling can be linked to pain, fear, or overstimulation that your cat can’t otherwise communicate. Cats experiencing discomfort may lash out when touched in sensitive areas.
Observe the triggers carefully and note when aggression occurs. Contact a professional to rule out medical causes like arthritis, dental pain, or neurological issues before addressing behavioural factors.
Overstimulation during petting, redirected aggression from outdoor cats, or fear responses also cause sudden attacks. Understanding the root cause helps you respond appropriately and keep everyone safe while addressing the issue.
4. Constant Meowing
Some vocal cats simply like to talk, but excessive meowing, especially if new or urgent, can point to pain, thyroid issues, or sensory decline in older cats. Cats meow primarily to communicate with humans, not other cats.
Changes in meowing patterns deserve attention, particularly if accompanied by other symptoms like weight loss or behaviour changes. Senior cats may meow more due to confusion or hearing loss.
Track when the meowing occurs and what might trigger it. Share these observations with your vet to determine if medical intervention or environmental adjustments are needed for your cat’s wellbeing.
5. Loss Of Appetite Or Sudden Weight Changes
A healthy cat’s eating habits are steady and predictable. Skipping meals, overeating, or rapid weight change can indicate illness ranging from dental problems to serious organ dysfunction that requires prompt evaluation.
Cats can develop fatty liver disease quickly if they stop eating, making appetite changes particularly urgent. Weight gain might signal thyroid issues or diabetes, while loss could mean cancer or kidney disease.
Monitor food intake daily and weigh your cat regularly. Contact your vet if you notice changes lasting more than a day or two, as early intervention improves outcomes significantly.
6. Hiding All The Time
Cats love quiet spots, but constant hiding can mean they’re anxious, unwell, or in pain that they’re trying to manage alone. Wild cats hide when vulnerable to avoid predators, and domestic cats retain this instinct.
If your cat avoids contact for long periods or suddenly changes their social patterns, it’s best to consult a vet. Illness, injury, or severe stress often cause cats to withdraw completely from family interaction.
Rule out medical issues first, then consider environmental stressors like new pets, moving, or household tension. Gradual reintroduction to family life with patience helps once underlying problems are addressed properly.
