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Cat Behavior

Gray cat biting a person's hand

Is it a big deal if your cat bites you? When you should be freaking out

Here's when to worry if you get a cat bite from your feline friend.
Brown shorthair cat in a yard eating a patch of grass

Why do cats eat grass? The mystery is solved

A green-eyed tabby cat gets a bath in a tub.

Why do cats hate water? The reason may surprise you

A woman lies in bed petting her cat

Why do cats like being pet? (and where you should pet them)

A light-colored cat tail against a dark, carapeted floor

Decoding cat tail language: Why cats shake their tails

A woman and cat lying on a bed

Why do cats like earwax? This curious habit explained

Gray and white cat eating catnip out of a plastic bottle

Do cats really get ‘high’ on catnip or are they just being goofy?

A long-haired cat rolls around on a brown carpet

8 reasons why your cat won’t stop rolling around

Tabby cat arching their back

Why cats arch their backs (it’s not always aggression)

A cat stares into the camera

Can cats see in the dark? We separate fact from fiction

Cat sitting inside of a cardboard box

Why do cats like boxes so much? It’s not just because they’re weird

A close-up of a peach and gray calico cat with amber eyes.

8 essential things you should be doing now to promote cat health

A white cat walks on a series of logs outside

Why do cats scream when mating? Here’s what to know

A mating encounter between cats can leave you feeling very different about feline parenthood. But it's all a normal part of the circle of life.
A brown and white cat licking a person's hand

Why does your cat lick you? The reasons are actually sweet

Cats love to lick us even when the sensation isn't pleasant for our skin, but why? Here are the reasons your cat is licking you.
A gray striped cat

Why you shouldn’t punish your cat for pooping outside the litter box

Wondering how to punish a cat for pooping outside the litter box? Your best bet is not to. Here's why and what to do instead.
A white cat rubs their face on the corner of a wall

Why do cats rub their face on things? You might be surprised

Cats seem to love rubbing their faces on walls, objects, and even people! There are a few theories about why they do this.
An orange and white cat meows in front of gray background

Why do cats chatter? Decoding your pet’s noises

Cat chattering is a sound that's sure to turn heads. It's such a unique noise, but not many people know the difference between feline chirping and chattering.
Close-up of a cat lying on a couch, kneading the cushion

Why do cats knead, and is this behavior normal?

This is why cats knead with their paws and what the behavior means.
A long-haired cat in a woven laundry basket

This is why cats pee on clothes (and how you can save your wardrobe in the future)

Why does my cat my on my clothes? Good question, and finding the answer is important. When cats urinate outside the litter box, something is usually off.
A cat snuggling on a person's chest

Why do cats’ eyes dilate? What your pet’s extra big peepers mean

We all have eyes that dilate with diminished light but sometimes cats get particularly huge orbs for different reasons.
Senior cat sleeping on a cat tree perch

These useful tips can help you support your senior cat’s health

Older cats require different care and special attention. This is how to best support your senior cat as she ages to keep her healthy.
A tabby cat with yellow eyes stalks low to the ground

Cats chirping at birds is totally normal (and here’s why you should encourage it)

There are several reasons why cats chatter at birds and small animals, and they're all completely natural. Here's what's behind this hunting behavior.
A close-up of gray striped cat hissing

Why do cats fight? They’re not just being jerks

Why do cats fight? While it's tempting to chalk up cat fights to "cats being cats," there's a reason behind this behavior.
Small cat sleeping on her back

Why do cats twitch in their sleep? The real reasons behind this curious behavior

Cats are well known for twitching in their sleep. Here's what this peculiar behavior means, why it's important, and when to be concerned.
Orange cat near water

Why do cats roll in dirt? 10 reasons for their dust bath

Why do cats roll in dirt? Here's the dirty truth about what your kitty is trying to tell you with this (kind of gross) habit.
A white cat sleeps with a paw in front of their face

Why do cats cover their face when they sleep? This adorable behavior, explained

If sleeping with their paws covering their face is all your feline friend is doing, all you need to do is keep an eye on them. You'll be able to help your cat.
Cat in a basket with plastic bag

Why do cats eat plastic (and when you should be concerned)?

Why does my cat eat plastic? Good question. Here's why you'll want to know the answer ASAP.
A cat licking his paw while lying in front of a blue background

Why do cats lick themselves? It goes beyond just cat grooming

Everyone knows that cats lick themselves to groom, but there could be many other reasons why your cat is excessively licking.
A white and tabby cat with their mouth open

Why do cats open their mouths when they smell? It’s for a really cool reason

There are several reasons why a cat may leave their mouth open, but mouth-open smelling is one of the most common reasons. But why do cats do it?
Black and white cat lying on a cat bed on a sofa

What does it mean when cats purr? It’s more scientific than them just being happy

Here are the various reasons why cats purr and what it means.
Calico cat lying on a white comforter

Why you should feel honored if your cat sleeps at your feet

Why do cats sleep at your feet? There are many reasons behind this sweet behavior, so you'll have to keep an eye on your cat to figure out why.
Cat yawns while sitting in a window

4 reasons why cats wag their tails while lying down

Dogs wag their tails when happy, but why do cats do it? We cover the four most common reasons your feline will wag their tail while lying down.
Two people holding a tiny gray and white kitten whose eyes haven't opened yet

When do kittens open their eyes? This is what happens if they do it too early

When do kittens open their eyes? Here's when you can expect your kitten to show off her baby blues and what to do if it's too early.
A white cat's tail hangs from the wooden bookshelf

Why do cats have tails? Science explains

Feline tails serve many purposes besides being cute. From communication to warmth and everything in between, this is why cats have tails.
A black cat loafs on a blue blanket

Do you have a loaf cat? Why cats curl up into adorable little buns

No one denies that cats look adorable when they lie in this position, but loafing has puzzled cat owners for years. Here's what this odd sitting position means.
A cat snuggling on a person's chest

What does it mean when a cat lies on your chest?

What does it mean when a cat lies on your chest? Good question. Chances are, it's a positive sign. Here are top reasons and when to be concerned.
A white Domestic Shorthair cat meows

Why does my cat meow at night? The answer may shock you

If you wonder, "Why does my cat meow at night?" you're not alone. Many cats meow at night for different reasons — most of which aren't cause for concern.
Cat squeezes her eyes shut

Can cats cry? Everything you’ve ever wanted to know

Can your cat cry real tears? Their eyes may water but it's not with emotion. Instead, you'll have to listen to their noises to determine their feelings.
Cat stands with a blue toy in her mouth

Cat zoomies: Why they do it, and what it means

What do the cat zoomies really mean? Most likely, they're just living their best life (and need a little extra playtime).
Cat sitting in a cat bed looking out a window

How long can you leave a cat alone? Not as long as you think

It's OK to leave a cat by themselves for a little while. Here's how long they can entertain themselves safely.
Cat licks his paw on the bed

Why do cats lick each other? It’s not always a bathing ritual

Cats lick each other, themselves, and us, but why? We explore the causes of this behavior and also look at when you should intervene.
Close up of a cat sticking out her tongue

Cat panting: 5 reasons behind this behavior and what you should do about it

We don't think about cats panting but it does happen. If you notice your animal with her tongue out, you might have to take a trip to the vet.
A fluffy cat in a cardboard box

Why do cats spray? This obnoxious behavior, explained

Why do cats spray? It's essential to understand why (and whether your cat is really spraying at all). Plus, tips to help you curb the cat spraying.
Two kittens on wooden shelves

8 essential tips for disciplining cats

Cats may seem indifferent, but you can still train them. Our guide shows you how to discipline a cat with eight easy and effective tips.
an orange and white cat lounging on wood plank

Why do cats throw up? (Plus, the one thing you should always do)

Why is my cat throwing up? The question is a common one, but the answer is highly individual. Here's what to know and why to calla vet.
A one-eyed cat sleeps with the other open

Cats sleep with their eyes open — it’s creepy, but here’s why they do it

Ever seen a cat sleeping with its eyes open? It's weird! Here's why they do it and when you need to step in and take kitty to the vet.
Kitten sleeping in a bed with purple cover

How long do kittens sleep? How to encourage yours to sleep through the night

Is there anything cuter than a kitten sleeping? Kitties are incredibly active, but you can train them to sleep through the night. Here's how.
Cat near its litter box

Is there blood in your cat’s stool? Don’t panic — here’s what it means and what to do

If your cat has bloody stools, don't panic — you might just have to wait it out. Reach for this guide before calling the vet.
Striped orange cat meowing

Why do cats meow excessively? 6 possible causes – and solutions that can help you both

Talkative cats are cute, but excessive meowing can be annoying. Here are some possible causes and solutions that can help both of you.
Cat with empty bowl looking up

Loss of weight in cats can be a symptom of many things – Here’s what you need to know and when to call the vet

Loss of weight in cats is a serious issue. Here's why you need to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.