Cats are animals of habit, so much so that It can make them feel bad enough that their routine changes to the point of feeling very depressed. They dedicate every moment of their lives to doing a certain thing, and if for whatever reason changes arise, the first thing we have to do is help them feel good, calm. Furthermore, although they are very territorial and manage their lives around spaces and resources, many can be sociable with other cats and with people when their environment is well organized.
But What are the habits of cats? Although each of them is unique and unrepeatable, there are a number of things that all, or practically all, have in common.
Drink water, important to live and to feel good
And let's start with the basics: water. All living beings need to drink the precious liquid to stay alive; otherwise, we would end up dehydrated and sick. But in the case of cats, it is much more important if possible, since these cats are originally from hot deserts, where it hardly rains. In their genes they have written that, if they find water, They must seize the opportunity and drink their fill.
But those of us at home know that their drinking trough is always full, so their needs to find it dissipate; not so their interest in it being clean. Indeed: as necessary as ensuring that you have water freely available is that it is perfectly clean, since otherwise they will not drink.
As felines of desert origin, they tend to concentrate urine and sip. Many prefer the moving water (taps or fountains) and that the drinking fountain is away from the feeder and tray. The material can also influence: bowls made of stainless steel or ceramic They tend to generate less rejection than plastic ones. If you suspect “whisker fatigue,” try containers wide and shallow to prevent the whiskers from rubbing against the edges.
Location is key: place multiple water points in areas calm, away from hallways and noisy appliances. In multi-cat households, multiply drinking fountains to avoid access conflicts.
Eating, as necessary as drinking… but only if the food is clean
If water is necessary to keep us alive, food is essential for all our organs to function properly. In fact, it is known that a person can live up to 10 days without eating, not more than 5 days without drinking. In the case of cats, that number is further reduced: if they go 3 days or more without drinking or eating, their systems begin to fail.
But, as with water, the food must also be clean; that is, as clean as it can be. This means that their feeders only have to have feed or natural food, and no dirt or hair. Also, their litter boxes have to be in a room as far away as possible from where they eat.
And by the way, if they ever cover their food, don't worry too much: with this gesture what they are trying to do is hide it for later, just as dogs do.
The cats are strict carnivores and, if they have food freely available, they usually do between 8 and 16 small meals a day of just a few minutes. Their digestive system is adapted to diets with high animal protein and fat, with less tolerance to starches. Avoid sudden changes in diet (better transitions of several days) and offer food fortification (interactive feeders, hide-and-seek) to respect their foraging instinct. Milk after weaning often doesn't agree with them; don't offer it except for specific formulas.
Place the feeder in a location silent, without step and with a view of their surroundings; some cats refuse to eat if they feel watched or if the bowl brushes their whiskers. In multi-cat households, plan multiple points of food to reduce tension.
The sandbox is very clean
Nobody likes going to a bathroom that is dirty or smells bad; cats, less if possible. Therefore it is very necessary that let's remove the stools daily, more than once a day if we have two or more furry ones, so that in this way they feel comfortable every time they are going to use their private toilet.
Also, it is highly recommended to use litters for cats that do not release a lot of dust, like silica sand, or clumping litter. Both leave litter boxes and cats' paws quite clean.
In addition, it respects the rule of one litter box per cat + 1 and place them in different areas so they always have alternatives. The ideal litter box is wide (1,5 times the length of the cat), with depth 5-7 cm sand and easy access for senior cats. Many do not like the tapas main course due to the accumulation of odors. Avoid highly perfumed litter and maintain a weekly deep cleaning from the container with hot water and neutral soap.
If your cat takes out litter, it may be because of its need to dig; providing a larger litter box with raised edges or litter-catching mats is preferable to scolding. Changes in litter box use (frequent visits, vocalizations, urinating outside) may indicate stress or urinary problems; consult your veterinarian.
Personal hygiene, the importance of being well groomed
Cats seem to have an obsession with personal hygiene. They wash after eating, after sleeping, after being petted, after… doing anything. They want to be always very clean, without a single speck of dust between her precious, well-groomed hairs.
However, we must brush them daily to remove their dead hair, since if we did not do it, the risk of them forming hairballs It is very high.
Grooming takes up to one third of waking time. In addition to maintaining the skin and coat, it helps them to regulate the temperature and relax thanks to cutaneous sensory receptors. At home, brushing prevents tangles, reduces hair ingestion, and strengthens the bond. If a cat stops grooming itself, it may be a sign of pain, stress or illness. Among cats with a good relationship it is common mutual grooming (social reinforcement).
Play to perfect your hunting techniques
We cannot forget that cats are predators. Lions, tigers or cheetahs are very close relatives of the furry ones we have at home and, like them, they need to exercise their muscles and mind to perfect their hunting techniques, even if they will never need them.
Thus, it is convenient that let's play with them from the first day they arrive home, using any cat toy such as a feather duster, a stuffed animal or a ball. Surely they do not take long to choose their favorite, which they will take with them to any corner of the house, and can even sleep with it.
Respect the hunting sequence (stalk → chase → capture → “kill”) with rod-type toys and ends with a edible reward to avoid frustration. Two or three 5-10 minute sessions a day help control weight, reduce stress, and improve behavior. Avoid rough hand play, and if you use laser therapy, offer a physical toy to “catch”.
If they go outside once, they will want to go out more
Cats, like humans, they like to go out from time to time for a walk to see others of his kind. Obviously, in cities or towns where many people live, the dangers far outweigh the benefits. On the contrary, if you live in a quiet neighborhood or in the countryside, my advice is that you let them go out by putting on a necklace with an identification plate with, at least, your phone number.
If you finally decide to give them permission, you will see that they will want to leave at certain times and will always return to the same. To give you an idea, I'll tell you the schedule of my cats (Keisha -7 years old-, Benji -3 years old- and Susty -10 years old-. Little Sasha was born recently and until she is spayed, in five or six months, she won't be out):
In the morning
- Exit: at the same time, around 8.30 Spanish time.
- Return: Benji at 9.00:9.30, Keisha at XNUMX:XNUMX, and Susty doesn't come back until the afternoon.
At noon
- Exit: at the same time, around 13pm or 14pm.
- Return: around 15pm.
In the afternoon
- Exit: around 16pm.
- Return: before 18pm.
At night
Susty returns on the 20 or 21 p.m., but she leaves again around 22 p.m. She's very streetwise.
Rate the harness walk, microchips, and secure closing of terraces/windows (nets). Cats are twilight, that's why they adjust their departures to dawn and dusk.
Sleep, a treat
And what do cats do most of the day? Indeed, sleep. Adults can spend up to 16 hours sleeping, and the little ones from 18pm to 20pm. Luckily they are not followed. In fact, they take several short naps, getting up for a while to drink, eat, play, and relieve themselves.
But yes, sleeping at certain times is part of their routines. They They tend to get more rest in the morning to stay active at night. Why? Because they are nocturnal animals, since their natural prey leave their dens when the sun goes down. Fortunately for us, we can change their sleeping habits, playing with them in the moments they are awake so that, by nightfall, they are tired and prefer to sleep rather than hunt.
During the break they alternate light and REM sleep. Offers beds in high places and boxes to make them feel safe. If they have nighttime "craziness," increase the evening play and give them a small portion of food before sleeping.
Nonverbal and vocal communication
La tail It is a clear indicator: relaxed when they are calm; bristling and rigid when they are afraid; sudden lateral movement as a sign of agitation. The ears upright and oriented denote alertness; to the sides, discomfort; completely back, fear. The Pupils Dilated ones usually indicate fear/activation; very contracted ones, possible tension. The slow flashing It is a sign of trust.
Vocally, the purr It is usually accompanied by well-being, although it can also appear in the presence of pain. self-regulate. The chirp or trill It is a friendly greeting; snorts and grunts They point out conflict. The chatter Teeth grinding at the sight of birds or insects reflects high arousal and jaw preparation. Panting in cats is uncommon; if it occurs outside of a clear episode of stress or heat, consult the vet.
More body keys that is worth knowing: the cabeza slightly forward is usually a friendly invitation; low, it can reflect insecurity. whiskers relaxed they fall to the sides; projected forward they indicate interest or excitement; stuck to the cheeks, fear or discomfort. The mouth An open hiss communicates defense; a yawn can act as a signal of does not threaten. There is also the silent meow, a small gesture that many cats use as a gentle request for attention.
As for the tail, in addition to the previous states, a high tail with curved tip indicates sociability and friendly interest; movements like lashes quick ones reflect irritation; a straight, stiff tail with slight vibration may appear in very emotionalDirect and sustained eye contact can be threatening For them, a shared slow blink helps build trust.
Marking, pheromones and territorial behavior
Cats are more territorial than gregarious. They organize their space into areas of rest, activity (eating, playing, grooming) and transit. As long as these "maps" don't change, they tend to remain calm. Sudden changes can generate Stress. Marking with facial pheromones when rubbing and the scratching They leave chemical and visual signs; provide them with scratching posts vertical and horizontal, made of sisal or soft wood, near doors, sofas and passageways.
If there is marking with urine, sterilization helps and, above all, environmental management: more resources, less competition, and predictable routines. The “open mouth” gesture when smelling (a reflex flehmen) indicates that they use the vomeronasal organ to analyze pheromones.
Destructive behaviors: why they appear and how to redirect them
When a cat scratches furniture or bites objects, it usually does so for marking, nail maintenance or anxiety. Provides clear alternatives: scrapers tall and stable, cardboard horizontally and poles vertically. You can temporarily cover delicate areas with flexible plastic sheets while learning to use the scratcher, and reinforce with Awards each correct use. For nibbling of cables or wires, keep them out of reach and offers safe chew toys.
Aggression: types, causes and management
Aggression is often linked to fear, defense of resources or redirect of the stimulus (e.g., seeing another cat through the window and attacking a cohabitant). Previous signs: ears flattened, dilated pupils, tail whipping, and body stiff. In these situations, don't bring your hands closer Do not try to calm him down by invading his space: reduce stimuli, separate the individuals and let them lower the activation.
It is crucial to rule out causes medical (pain, hyperthyroidism, neurological problems). With OK Health, a plan of behavior modification With environmental management, enrichment, synthetic pheromones, and positive reinforcement-based training, it usually improves within a few weeks. For conflicts between cats, apply gradual presentations and reinforces calm interactions.
Curious customs that you may not have understood
Knead with the paws is a remnant of the puppy stage that contributes comfort. Rubbing against you means acceptance and integration into their “group”. Drinking from the tap It is usually because they perceive water as more fresh. Cover the plate It may be an attempt to “save” food or a sign that he or she doesn’t like it.
Play with a dead mouse It is part of the hunting pattern; the “fun” doesn’t end with the catch. If bites or scratches In excess, it could be relieving itching or pain: observe the skin and go to the vet if it persists. Remove sand It's normal if the litter box is small or shallow; improve the equipment and environment before punishing. Playing with the toilet This may be due to the attraction of moving water or reflections; keep the lid closed.
Coexistence between cats: social or sociable
A cat can be sociable without belonging to a “social” species like dogs. Their hunting strategy individually explains that they do not depend on a group, although in homes or colonies they tolerate and even cooperate. In domestic groups they appear soft hierarchies based on character: more confident individuals, intermediate individuals, and some more timid individuals who may suffer. Identifying tensions early prevents chronic stress.
To improve coexistence, double resources (food, water, litter boxes, scratching posts), creates escape routes and heights, and performs gradual presentations between cats. If conflicts persist, a veterinarian or ethologist can prescribe environmental management and, if necessary, support with synthetic pheromones and behavior plans.
Stress: What Causes It and How to Help
Changes in housing, the relocation of resources, loud noises, frequent visits, lack of hiding places or the arrival of other animals/people are typical triggers. To reduce stress, offer high areas and caves, blankets and clothes with your scent, set Routines, distribute resources around the house and use, if appropriate, feline pheromone diffusersWhen moving, he takes objects with him odor (blanket, bed, some used litter) and start with a safe room.
Stages of activity and play according to age
Energy varies with development. In the development stage little cat you will see intense exploration and social play; in the phase junior Curiosity still abounds, but greater self-control appears; as young adult the level of play stabilizes; with maturity and stage senior it is advisable to encourage soft play and mental stimulation. Adjust the length of the sessions (10-15 minutes) and vary the toys and its location to keep your interest.
Feline agility, reflexes and safety
His skeleton flexible and “floating” clavicle allow for incredible twists and poses; they can jump several times their height. righting reflex helps them land on their feet, but they are not always spared from injuries in falls from medium heights. Secure windows and balconies with networks.
Smells and plants
They have a highly developed sense of smell; citrus fruits, vinegar or onion find them intense or unpleasant. You can use them as deterrent gentle on sensitive areas, always without bothering the cat. Many seek and chew grass to facilitate transit; provide secure pots (e.g., catnip non-toxic) and avoid dangerous plants.
Early socialization and fear management
The kittens they receive positive experiences with people, noises and gentle handling in their first few weeks tend to be more payments as adults. When faced with intense fear, their body language is clear: ears withdrawn, body glued to the ground, immobility or flight. Avoid sudden movements, eliminates the stimulus if possible and offer shelter. If the fear recurs, consult with your veterinarian to design a desensitization plan.
Emotions and motivation
Their behavior is guided by basic emotional systems: the search promotes exploring and hunting; the fear prioritizes avoiding risks; the game facilitates learning and bonding; care sustain social relationships. Emotions can be pleasant or aversive, and move in intensity: from interest to enthusiasm, or from frustration to anger. A predictable environment with suitable challenges (play, scratching posts, heights) balances these dynamics.
Some myths and a responsible invitation
There are misconceptions about colors, “bad luck,” or the idea that they “can manage on their own.” A domestic cat can sufrir on the street and does not always know how to provide for himself. He values the sterilization and, if you decide to expand the family, opt for the adoptionIn colonies, ethical management (capture, sterilization, and return) is essential for their well-being and that of the community.
Cats are magnificent, aren't they? What are your furry friend's habits? Knowing their the language, respect their territorio and adjust the home to your needs needs turns living together into a more peaceful and happy relationship for everyone.