'My cat has a scratching post, so why are they still clawing at my wallpaper?'
Scratching like this can be very frustrating for owners, but it’s a normal part of cat behaviour, and they’re not doing it to wind you up!
The main reason cats scratch is to keep their nails sharp and in tiptop condition, but it’s also a signal to other cats. Scratching leaves a clear mark that we all can see, but did you know it also leaves a smell individual to your cat from scent glands located between the toes? So scratching tells other cats whose territory it is and not to come on another cat’s patch!
Some cats can also scratch if they’re stressed, which is why getting cross with them rarely works. If you upset your cat by telling them off for scratching, they may scratch more to relieve the stress!
If your cat is scratching something you don’t want them to, like wallpaper, you might try placing a new scratching post in that area. Cats need a solid and stable scratching post that’s the right height for them. They need a pillar that is just above them when they fully stretch upwards. They won’t use a scratch post that is too short or moves when they pull against it and could topple over.
To encourage your cat to scratch, you may also need to try different textures, such as the underside of the carpet rather than the fluffy, soft side or even textured wallpaper. Once you have the perfect scratching post in the ideal spot, you and your cat will both be happy! Cats who are horizontal scratchers might like the feel of the carpet. To save your living room floor, look for cat towers with covered larger bases to give your cat the pull they’re after whilst staying solid and sturdy. Some cats may appreciate a sturdy cardboard box to scratch.
'Why does my cat rub their face on my legs?'
Cats have lots of scent glands on their face, which release a substance called pheromones. When you smell strange – like when you’ve come back from the supermarket – they’ll rub these glands against you, so the pheromones make you smell familiar again. They’re probably really pleased to see you, but this isn’t just their special way of saying hello. They’re actually marking you with their scent and welcoming you back into their social group.
You may find that when they come home from their latest expedition, they’ll do the same to you or the furniture to make their home smell familiar and tell everyone that this is their home and so is everything in it!
'Why does my cat roll over for a tummy tickle and then bite me?'
When cats roll over and stretch out their tummy, we naturally feel the urge to stroke all that fluff! It can be quite a shock if they don’t react as expected. Why do they do it? It’s actually just your cat showing they trust you and not because they are asking for a tummy tickle!
Cats may even feel that you’ve betrayed their trust if you do tickle them and then bite you as a result.
Cats learn boundaries through their mother, who will bite her kittens to teach them when they’ve overstepped the mark, so we shouldn’t be surprised if our cats use these warning signals on us too. Learning cat body language can help you understand what your cat is telling you and avoid bites.
'Why does my cat wake me up early in the morning?'
Cats are often wide awake and full of energy early in the morning and again at dusk - sadly for those of us who prefer a lie-in, it’s totally normal behaviour for them. Lots of fun activities in the day and evening may help lessen their enthusiasm for ‘zoomies’ around your bedroom at 5am.
We also have to be careful that we don’t reinforce their behaviour when they’re disturbing us in the early hours - getting up to feed them or giving them a 6am chin scratch will mean they expect this every day.
Prepare your home so that your cat has plenty to occupy them when they’re feeling bright and active. Try a puzzle feeder to keep them mentally stimulated or hide some biscuits around the house for a good game of hide and seek - their amazing sense of smell will hunt them out. Remember, cats are clever and if they know that their loud meow will have results, your alarm will become a thing of the past.
‘Why does my cat always sit on my laptop when I’m trying to work?’
Cats love warm places, so they probably find your laptop cosy. They’re also really inquisitive and always up for playing - the moving images on your laptop can look like something fun to chase. Most likely, your cat wants your attention. Take a break and play a cat-friendly game or two!
Make sure they have lots of toys to play with so they don’t need to use you for entertainment.
‘Why does my cat eat grass?’
This is still a bit of a mystery, and there are many different theories. Eating grass is a common and normal behaviour for many cats, but the big question is why? Some people think cats eat grass to make themselves sick, and others think they like the taste. Another theory is that it helps with digestion and prevents hairballs. Or it could be related to trace elements found in grass but not in other sources of a cat’s diet, though there is no real evidence for this.
If your cat likes to eat grass, a safe option is to buy ‘cat grass’, which can be grown inside or outside and you know is free from pesticides and other nasty chemicals. But if you’re worried about your cat eating grass or they seem to be being sick a lot, it’s always safest to speak to your vet.
‘Why does my cat hide on top of the fridge?’
Cats feel at their safest when they’re high up. They often search out a high place to rest and the top of the fridge is the perfect place. They can also survey their environment from higher up and feel as though they are looking out for potential prey – most likely their little toy mouse that’s hidden.
If you want to encourage them to sit somewhere else, like a secure shelf or on top of a cupboard, try making it comfy and inviting with blankets and easy, safe ways to get up and down.