The answers to frequently asked questions about cats!

Owning a cat can certainly be a learning curve as you work out what they are trying to tell you with their various meows, purrs and quirky behaviours.

When they can’t tell you exactly what they’re thinking, it’s a challenge to translate their subtle, and not-so-subtle, signs into something you can understand.

The trick is to look at things from your cat’s point of view, but to do that you need to know how they think and why they do the things they do.

To answer some of the most common questions from worried cat owners, we’ve produced some handy video guides on cat behaviours starring our lovely cartoon cat Beryl.

Why does my cat keep hiding? 

Hiding is a natural behaviour for cats as it helps them to feel safe, especially if they’re in a stressful situation.

Sudden noises, unfamiliar people or even the presence of other cats can all make your cat want to find a safe place to hide away so it’s important to give them the opportunity to do so.

To find out what to do if your cat is hiding more than usual, watch our video guide. It’s important to remember that if your cat is hiding for long periods of time, it’s best to speak to your vet to rule out any medical problems.

Why does my cat scratch the furniture? 

When your cat starts digging their claws into your sofa or carpet, it is understandably very frustrating. However, getting angry and punishing the cat will only make the problem worse.

The best thing to do is to give your cat another outlet for their natural scratching behaviour, such as a scratch post.

For more tips on preventing your cat from damaging your furniture, watch our video.

Why does my cat wake me up at night?

Many cat owners will be familiar with their cats waking them up in the early hours of the morning, whether it’s a paw in the face, an urgent meow or knocking something off the side.

Quite often we will indulge their cry for attention by getting up to feed them, but this will only encourage them to do it more.

If you would like a lie in, watch our video to discover some tricks for switching off your cat alarm clock.

Why does my cat toilet outside the litter tray?

It’s never nice to have to clean up after your cat when they’ve made a mess on the floor, but the reason behind their little accident could be quite simple.

For example, it may be that their current toilet isn’t suitable for them, so take a look at our video below to find out how to create the perfect cat loo.

Why does my cat attack me? 

Playing with your cat is a great way to bond with them, but sometimes the play can be painful when they choose to pounce on your hands and feet.

To keep your fingers and toes safe, there are some simple things you can do, including a clever distraction technique and feeding games. Watch our video to find out more.

Get more help and advice for dealing with your cat’s problem behaviours.