FAQ

No, cats are very clean. They bathe themselves. You can brush them, especially if they have long hair. Bathing is only necessary in special cases (parasites, mud, etc.).

At least once a year for a checkup and vaccination boosters. If you notice any strange behavior, take your cat to the vet sooner.

Male cats are often thought to be more affectionate and social than females, while female cats are sometimes seen as more independent or aloof. However, this perception mostly comes from personal experiences rather than hard facts.

The truth is, every cat has its own unique personality, regardless of gender. Choosing a cuddly, loving cat isn’t as simple as picking a male—there are plenty of affectionate females and more reserved males out there.

In the end, a cat’s temperament depends more on the individual cat than whether it’s male or female.

Domestic cats are descended from wild cats that lived in arid, desert regions, where their prey consisted mostly of land-dwelling animals like birds and rodents. Because of this, they didn’t evolve with a need to interact with water regularly.

Additionally, cats don’t have water-repellent fur like some other animals. When their coat gets wet, it becomes heavy, uncomfortable, and takes a long time to dry. In colder environments, this can even lead to hypothermia, which adds to their instinctive dislike of water.

Just like people, our pets can gain excess weight. When that weight gain becomes severe enough to negatively impact their quality of life, it is classified as obesity.

Some animals, such as neutered cats, may be more likely to become obese. However, the primary cause is typically an imbalance between calorie intake and energy expenditure through daily activities and exercise.

As with humans, managing obesity in pets involves making sure they don’t consume more calories than they burn through physical activity and normal routines.

Unfortunately, obesity does more than just limit an animal’s mobility or prevent them from performing natural behaviors like grooming and playing. It is also linked to a number of serious health issues, like heart disease, breathing difficulties, joint and bone problems, diabetes, skin conditions, high blood pressure and certain types of cancer.

No, indoor cats do not need to go outside. In fact, many veterinarians and animal welfare experts strongly advise keeping cats indoors to protect their health, safety, and the environment. Indoor cats tend to live much longer than those allowed outdoors, as they are shielded from hazards such as traffic, infectious diseases, and predators. Additionally, keeping cats inside helps preserve local wildlife, as outdoor cats are known to hunt birds and small animals.

To ensure indoor cats remain happy and mentally stimulated, it’s important to create a rich environment filled with toys, climbing areas, scratching posts, and regular interactive play that satisfies their natural instincts.

If you want to protect certain parts of your home from feline interference consider the following updated strategies:

• Install Physical Barriers: Use tall pet gates or secure doors to restrict access. Make sure the gate is high enough to prevent jumping, especially with agile cats.
• Keep Temptation Out of Sight: Don’t leave food or interesting objects (like string, plants, or plastic bags) in accessible areas. Reducing temptation reduces interest.
• Use Scent Deterrents: Cats dislike certain smells such as citrus, vinegar, or commercial deterrent sprays. Use these near doorways or areas you want them to avoid.
• Designate a Cat Zone: Create a cozy, enriched space just for your cat with toys, scratching posts, and comfy beds. When they have their own area, they’re less likely to roam.
• Train with Positive Reinforcement: Reward your cat with treats or affection when they stay in their allowed zones. Consistent training can go a long way.
• Use Technology: Consider motion sensor alarms, automatic pet deterrent sprays, or indoor pet cameras to monitor and prevent breaches into restricted zones.

Cats are typically considered seniors by the time they reach around 11 years old, although some sources may define the beginning of the senior stage as early as 10 years of age. As they grow older, cats often need more regular veterinary visits and may benefit from changes in their diet and daily care to support their evolving health requirements.

While senior cats may slow down, it’s still essential to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Here are some effective and enjoyable ways to keep your older cat entertained indoors:

• Puzzle Toys: Get creative with toys that challenge your cat to think—hide treats inside for added motivation and fun.
• Active Play: Gentle play sessions with feather wands, balls, or laser pointers help maintain physical activity and strengthen your bond.
• Basic Training: Teach simple tricks or commands and reward your cat with treats and praise to encourage participation.
• Stimulating Environment: Provide scratching posts, climbing shelves, and cozy spots for rest and exploration.
• Window Views: Set up a cat tree or a secure window perch so your cat can watch birds, people, or the world outside.
• Toy Rotation: Switch out toys every so often to keep things fresh and interesting, preventing boredom.
• Scent-Based Games: Hide small portions of food or treats around the house for your cat to find using their sense of smell.

Even if your senior cat isn’t as playful as they once were, engaging them regularly in these activities can significantly enhance their quality of life and keep them active and alert.

Yes, cats are able to see colors! While their range of color perception is limited compared to humans, their vision isn’t strictly black and white as once thought. They just don’t experience the full spectrum of hues and shades that we do.

People believed that cats can distinguish blues and yellows, but reds and greens appear more like shades of grey.  The structure of their eyes explains this. Cats have two types of cells in their retina: rods, for peripheral and night vision, and cones, for day vision and color detection. However, cats have fewer cone cells than humans, and only two types compared to our three. Humans also have ten times more cones than cats, which limits their color perception. On the other hand, cats’ higher rod cell count helps them see better in low light.

It was once believed that when cats brought home presents, it was a sign of affection, it’s now understood that cats simply prefer to bring their prey back to their main territory, where it feels safer to consume or store it for later. In this case, their “core territory” is the home, often the very space they share with you.

While this behavior may be unpleasant, it’s important to remember that it’s perfectly normal for cats. If your cat has outdoor access, it’s nearly impossible to prevent this behavior entirely, though it can be reduced.

Cats have a natural balancing mechanism known as the “righting reflex,” which helps them orient their bodies and land on their feet. However, although cats frequently manage to land upright, they don’t always succeed in doing so. The height from which they fall can influence how safely they are able to land.

The maximum amount of time you should leave a cat alone is 24 hours. Although most cats can handle being alone overnight, it’s best not to make this a frequent occurrence. If you can, have someone stop by to check on your cat while you’re away, even if it’s just for a short visit.

Cats may become more aggressive if they are:

• kept indoors without enough stimulation, access to basic resources, or a way to express their hunting instincts
• young
• misunderstood by their owners
• not neutered

Hiding is a natural behavior for cats, whether they’re looking for a safe spot to rest, waiting patiently to pounce on a toy, or simply feeling more secure when out of sight.

However, if your cat starts hiding more than usual, it might be a sign of stress, anxiety, or illness. In such cases, it’s a good idea to have them checked by a vet to rule out any health issues.

Playing with adult cats offers many benefits. Learn why playtime is important and the best ways to engage with your cat by watching our video.

If your cat scratches indoors to maintain their claws, try these tips:

• Protect furniture with slippery plastic sheeting to deter scratching.
• Place a sturdy scratching post near the usual scratching spots. It should be tall enough for full stretching and stable to avoid tipping.
• Provide a horizontal scratching pad if your cat prefers scratching flat surfaces like carpets.
• Once your cat uses the post, gradually move it to a better spot and remove the plastic. Position posts near their sleeping areas since cats often scratch after waking.

Some posts have catnip, or you can rub catnip or place treats on them to encourage use. Regular playtime can also help redirect scratching behavior.

If your cat is scratching to mark territory, it might be a sign they feel stressed or threatened by another cat nearby or inside your home.

Along with the tips mentioned earlier, it’s important to identify and address the source of your cat’s anxiety to effectively stop the scratching.

Simply adding another scratching surface won’t solve the problem unless your cat feels more secure and less anxious. In some cases, consulting a qualified behaviorist can help uncover and resolve the root cause of their stress.

Timid behavior in cats can be caused by:

• Genetics: Some cats are naturally more cautious than others.
• Lack of socialization: Cats that haven’t been properly socialized with humans during their first eight weeks may feel stressed or fearful around people.
• Negative experiences: Past trauma or frightening encounters can make a cat more wary of human interaction.

Hiding is a common way for shy cats to manage fear or anxiety. If your cat retreats to a cupboard or under the bed when strangers come in, it’s best to give them space and ask friends and family not to try to pull them out.

Cats also often prefer hiding in high places, where they can observe their surroundings safely. This helps them feel more secure when they’re feeling nervous.

Playful cats often chase, bite, and wrestle, which can look like fighting, but there are key differences:

• Play is usually quiet, with breaks and no signs of stress.
• Biting is gentle, and claws are kept in.
• They take turns, switching roles during the play.
• Afterwards, they’re calm and show no tension.

If you notice hissing, growling, flattened ears, or tense body language, it could be a real fight. Watch their behavior closely to tell the difference.

• Start slow with secure barriers to prevent early contact.
• Tire out the kitten before interactions to reduce overwhelming energy.
• Maintain your adult cat’s routine with consistent attention.
• Provide escape spaces for your adult cat to retreat if needed.
• Use separate resources (food bowls, beds, litter trays) for each cat, plus one extra.
• Feed them apart to avoid food stealing and ensure proper diets.

Introduce them gradually and monitor their interactions to build a peaceful relationship over time.

• Ears are upright and facing forward
• Eyes are wide with narrow pupils
• Whiskers are angled forward

These are typical signs of curiosity and focus in cats.

• Ears are relaxed, facing forward, and slightly rounded
• Eyes are half-closed or gently shut with small pupils
• Whiskers are relaxed and held close to the face

Cats spend a large part of the day sleeping or resting, often choosing warm, comfortable, elevated, and safe spots to do so.

One of the main reasons they sleep so much is to conserve energy. When awake, cats need to be alert and ready to hunt or protect themselves. Without enough rest, they wouldn’t have the energy to stay active and vigilant.

Even though domestic cats don’t need to hunt for their food, they still have this natural instinct to sleep a lot. Plus, playing and exploring throughout the day uses up a lot of energy, making plenty of rest essential.

Cats that have access to the outdoors often engage in hunting behaviors or play with things like fallen leaves or blowing grass when prey isn’t available. This hunting drive isn’t about hunger; it’s because activities like stalking, pouncing, and “killing” release feel-good hormones called endorphins.

Play is essential for cats, especially kittens, as it helps them develop important life skills and learn about their environment. It’s also a great way for cats to burn off energy, stay fit, and keep their minds sharp. The best play involves activities that let cats stalk, pounce, chase, and bat at objects safely.

Cats often develop play aggression based on how they were played with as kittens. Using your fingers or toes as toys may seem fun at first but can lead to painful biting as they grow older.

To prevent this, avoid using your hands or feet during play. Instead, use toys like fishing rod-style wand toys or balls that keep the play away from your body. Toys that encourage pouncing, catching, and “bunny kicking” (like larger Kickeroo-style toys) are great options.

Regular play sessions are important, especially for indoor cats, to help them burn energy and reduce aggressive behavior.

For more tips, check out our guide on telling the difference between cats playing and fighting.

Cats normally groom to stay clean, but excessive grooming can cause hair loss and skin sores. Signs include bald patches, chewing fur, or irritated skin.

To understand the cause, observe when and how your cat overgrooms, and note what happens before and after. Recording videos to show your vet can be helpful.

After ruling out medical issues, overgrooming is often linked to stress, changes in the environment, or other pets. In these cases, consulting a qualified behaviorist can help identify triggers and make your cat more comfortable.

The frequency of grooming depends on your cat’s fur length and individual needs. Short-haired cats usually require brushing once a week, while long-haired cats, especially those that go outdoors, benefit from daily brushing.

Even short-haired cats may need extra brushing, about twice a week, during shedding seasons like spring and autumn.

Having the right grooming tools makes all the difference. Most cats just need regular brushing.

The choice of tool often depends on your cat’s fur type and personal preference. For example, long-haired cats usually do well with a comb, while short-haired cats might prefer a soft brush.

Here are some common options you can find at pet stores or supermarkets:

• Comb – perfect for detangling and grooming long-haired cats
• Brush – great for giving short-haired cats a weekly grooming session
• Grooming mitt – feels like gentle stroking and is often preferred by short-haired cats

Choose the tool your cat enjoys most to make grooming a positive experience.

Scratching is a natural and instinctive behavior for cats with two main purposes:

• To keep their claws healthy and sharp
• To communicate with other cats and mark their territory

When cats scratch, scent glands located between their paw pads release a unique smell onto the surface. This scent, along with the visible scratch marks and shed claw sheaths, sends a message both to the cat itself and to other cats nearby.

Whether your cat stays indoors or goes outside, all cats need a place to scratch to keep their claws healthy. If they have limited outdoor access, they’ll naturally scratch inside your home.

If your cat scratches multiple spots, especially around windows and doors, it’s often a way to communicate and mark territory, usually because they feel insecure in those areas. Similar to spraying, the presence of another cat is a common reason for indoor scratching.

Keep in mind that the reasons behind your cat’s scratching may change over time.

• Protect furniture with thick, shiny plastic sheeting, which cats dislike scratching.
• Place a sturdy scratching post near the spots your cat likes to scratch.
• Choose a tall scratching post with a heavy base and vertical texture for full-stretch scratching.
• Provide a scratching pad if your cat prefers scratching flat surfaces like carpets or stairs.
• Once your cat uses the post or mat regularly, gradually move it to a better location and remove the plastic.
• Position scratching posts near your cat’s sleeping area, as they often scratch and stretch upon waking.
• Give each cat their own scratching post in different locations to prevent conflicts.
• Use catnip on posts or place treats on them to encourage use.
• Regular play sessions can help redirect your cat’s energy and reduce scratching behavior.

Urine spraying is a natural behavior cats use to mark their territory with scent. Cats create a “scent map” of their environment using different smells.

They usually rub their cheeks in the core areas where they feel safe and comfortable. However, they use urine spraying to mark spots where they feel threatened or uneasy. This acts as a warning for themselves to be cautious in that part of their territory. When the scent fades, they spray again to refresh the mark.

If your cat starts spraying inside, first check with your vet to rule out any medical issues.

Next, identify what might be making your cat feel threatened and try to remove or reduce that stress. Since multiple factors can be involved, consulting a qualified animal behaviorist is often helpful.

Spraying is commonly triggered by changes in the cat’s environment, such as the arrival of a new cat.

Where your cat sprays can give clues about what they see as a threat. For example, spraying near doorways or hallways may indicate encounters with other cats. To ease tension, provide extra litter trays, food bowls, and resting or play areas to reduce competition and help your cat feel more secure.

Pheromones are chemical scents that cats use to communicate with each other. Different types of pheromones serve different purposes:

• Facial pheromones – Released when a cat rubs its face on objects (or people), marking them as safe and familiar. This helps your cat feel secure.
• Urine pheromones – Found in sprayed urine, especially in males. These mark territory and signal presence to other cats.
• Paw pheromones – Released from glands near the paws when cats scratch. Like urine pheromones, these help mark territory.

Understanding pheromones can help explain behaviors like rubbing, spraying, or scratching.

Pheromone therapy is often used by cat owners to help reduce stress-related behaviours. While it can be helpful, it’s important to first identify what’s causing your cat’s stress. If there’s a sudden change in behaviour, a visit to the vet is always recommended.

There are a few ways to use pheromone therapy:

• Using your cat’s natural pheromones: Gently rub a clean cotton cloth on your cat’s cheeks to collect their facial pheromones, then wipe it on furniture at cat height (like table legs or sofa edges) to spread their familiar scent and help them feel secure. Repeat a couple of times a day.
• Pheromone diffusers: Plug-in devices release synthetic pheromones that mimic those cats naturally produce. These are odourless to humans but can help your cat feel more at ease in their environment.
• Pheromone sprays: Ideal for applying to bedding, blankets, or inside cat carriers—especially useful during travel or vet visits to help calm your cat.
• Pheromone wipes: Useful for wiping down objects your cat interacts with, such as carriers or crates, to reduce anxiety in unfamiliar situations.

Pheromone therapy can support a calm, stress-free environment when combined with other behavioural support.

Whiskers are highly sensitive touch sensors that help cats understand their surroundings. They allow your cat to judge space, distance, and movement—especially in the dark or low-light conditions.

Whiskers also give clues about how your cat is feeling. If your cat is nervous or scared, their whiskers may pull back toward the face.

In addition, cats have scent glands in the skin around their whiskers, which is why they often rub their cheeks on walls, furniture, and even people—to mark their territory with scent.

Because whiskers are such important sensory tools, you should never trim, pluck, or cut them. Doing so can disorient and stress your cat.

• Hiding or becoming withdrawn
• Appearing to sleep more (sometimes pretending to sleep while staying alert)
• Becoming less tolerant of handling or social interaction
• Avoiding usual spots like the sofa, litter tray, or cat flap
• Hunched body posture, squinting eyes, or recoiling when approached
• Playing less or showing reduced interest in interacting
• Overeating or loss of appetite
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Restlessness, pacing, or circling
• Messy, unkempt coat
• Toileting outside the litter tray
• Over-grooming
• Heightened fear or anxiety

By identifying both the signs and causes of stress, you can take steps to create a calmer and more secure environment for your cat. If you’re unsure or the behaviour continues, it’s best to consult your vet or a feline behaviourist.

If you suspect your cats are fighting rather than playing, here are some clear signs to watch for:

• Flailing paws – If both cats are upright on their hind legs and rapidly swiping at each other, it’s usually a sign of aggression, not play.
• Hostile body language or sounds – Look out for flattened ears, stiff or tense posture, a swishing tail, and vocalisations like growling, hissing, or loud screeching.

If a fight breaks out, it’s important to safely separate the cats to prevent injuries. Avoid physically intervening with your hands, as you could get scratched or bitten in the heat of the moment.

Instead, try to:

• Distract them by clapping, making a loud noise, or tossing a soft object nearby.
• Use a toy to redirect their attention away from each other.
• Let them cool off before attempting to pet or pick them up.

Give both cats space and time to calm down. If the aggression continues, consider speaking with your vet or a feline behaviourist.

Outdoor cat fights can lead to injuries, so keeping your cat safe is important. Here are some tips to help reduce fights outside:

• Neuter your cat: Unneutered males are more aggressive and tend to roam further. Neutering can lower aggression and keep your cat closer to home.
• Stick to a routine: Try to control when your cat goes outside. Coordinate with neighbors to avoid your cats being outdoors at the same time, which can reduce conflicts.
• Keep your cat indoors at night: Nighttime increases risks from other cats and traffic, so it’s safer to keep your cat inside after dark.
• Be proactive: If you hear your cat in distress, go outside quickly. Often, the presence of a human will scare off unfamiliar cats and stop a fight.

Cats usually avoid conflict and only fight as a last resort. If your cats who once lived peacefully are now fighting, several factors could be causing this change:

• Time away from home: Cats in the same social group share a communal scent that helps them recognize each other. After a trip outside, your cat might smell unfamiliar and be seen as a stranger.
• Redirected aggression: Sometimes a cat reacts aggressively because of frustration or fear triggered by something outside, like a strange cat, fireworks, or loud noises. This stress can cause them to lash out at their housemate.
• Changes at home: Cats thrive on routine. New furniture, visitors, or changes in their environment can make them feel threatened and increase tension.

Indoor cats fighting can be especially challenging since they can’t easily escape each other. To help, ensure there are plenty of resources—like food bowls, litter trays, and resting spots—and provide multiple safe hiding places where each cat can retreat and relax.

Giving them space and time to cool off is key to restoring harmony.

If your cat has been acting out of character, like hiding more than usual or playing less, you might be considering whether it’s time to consult a cat behaviorist. However, it’s always best to visit your vet first. Sometimes, a change in behavior can be linked to an injury or medical issue. Your vet can help rule out any health problems before recommending a behaviorist.

Even if your cat appears healthy, it’s important to remember that cats are experts at hiding pain, illness, and stress. A behaviorist can assist with a wide range of issues like inappropriate toileting, aggression, overgrooming, or furniture scratching. The goal is to uncover the root cause of the behavior and address the emotions behind it, which is exactly what behaviorists specialize in.