Common cat behaviours explained

If your cat is a little fussy, occasionally destructive and sometimes unpredictable, don’t worry. Our handy guide will help you understand what your cat’s behaviour means and how to deal with it – whether it’s discouraging bad behaviour in kittens or persuading older cats to respect your house rules.

Cats love to hunt - some outdoor cats may even bring home small birds or rodents as ‘presents’ for you. Animal lovers might find this a bit distressing but don’t get annoyed or angry at your cat – they are simply following their natural instincts.

To put a stop to those unwanted gifts, give them a collar with a small bell attached. This will help scare off prey. Also try keeping them indoors at dawn and dusk, when wildlife is most active.

Another little help: Some cats like to hunt more than others. Have a look at our pet breeds guide to see if you’ve got a natural hunter on your hands.

Sometimes cats will decide they don’t want to use their litter tray and a fresh round of toilet training is needed. Common reasons for toilet troubles include a dislike of the litter tray or cat litter being used, discomfort about the tray’s placement or conflict with other cats in the house. If your cat has stopped using their litter tray you should try:

Cats can also suddenly stop using their litter tray if they are unwell with illnesses such as urinary tract infections or kidney problems. If none of solutions listed above help, be sure to pay your vet a visit.

Although frustrating for owners, spraying is a normal and natural cat behaviour. Cats spray to leave a ‘scent message’ and mark their territory.

Neutering your cat can help reduce spraying but it’s also worth considering whether there are any underlying reasons for this behaviour. Lots of cats spray excessively when they’re stressed out or in competition with other cats. If you have more than one cat you should ensure each cat has their own bed and a private space where they feel safe.

Some meowing is perfectly normal – it’s your cat’s way of communicating with you.

Over time you will get a feel for your cat’s personality, and learn to interpret what their meowing means. If they meow ahead of dinner time, it could mean they’re getting impatient for food, or if they meow near a door, they might want you to open it.

If you feel your cat’s meowing is becoming excessive or is a sign of distress, you should pay your vet a visit to rule out any underlying health issues.

Like humans, cats don’t always get on with their neighbours. Territorial disputes or a fight over a mate can result in aggressive behaviour. Neutering can help reduce fighting and aggressive behaviour in cats.

If you have more than one cat at home and find they fight a lot, give them separate food and water bowls, litter trays and beds. You should also reward them when they get along.

If your cat gets into fights regularly, your vet costs could soon mount up. Find out more about the kind of treatments pet insurance might cover on our website.

It can be easy to get annoyed with your cat when they claw or scratch your furniture and carpets - but your cat is only doing what comes naturally. Scratching is a way for cats to mark their territory, strengthen their muscles and sharpen their claws. To save your furniture, set up a sturdy scratching post that’s tall enough for your cat to stretch out fully, and reward them when they use it.

If your cat starts biting and scratching all of a sudden it could be a sign they’re unwell or in pain. Make an appointment to see a vet if you notice a change in your cat’s behaviour. Cats who are regularly aggressive don’t always understand that their behaviour isn’t acceptable.

The best way to get the message across, is to withdraw attention if they swipe or bite. Reward calm behaviour with treats and avoid shouting at them – this could just make the problem worse.

Another little help: Cats can sometimes lash out when anxious. When new people come round, encourage them to let your cat get used to them before they try to pet them or play with them.

Knowing why your cat is behaving a certain way makes finding solutions much easier and we hope this guide has helped you understand your favourite feline better.