Cart

My Account

July 17, 2024

How Well Do You Know Your Cat?

If you’re a seasoned cat parent or new to having a feline friend, certain cat behaviours can leave you, well, chasing your tail.

I’ve had cats all my life and I like to think I know enough about cats and their quirks. However, after speaking with The Cat Consultant, my mind was blown! With so many different shapes, sizes and ‘breeds’ sometimes it takes an expert to help you when your cat starts behaving badly.

We’ve all seen and heard of dog trainers, but have you heard of cat behaviourist? I caught up with the amazing Lorey, the owner of The Cat Consultant, and you’ll want to know what she had to say!

What’s your favourite thing about cats?

Their complexity and individuality. Each cat has its own unique personality and quirks, which makes working with them both challenging and fascinating. I also love the ability to form deep, meaningful bonds with their humans – when they’re not plotting world domination from their cat trees. As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat, they own you!

What made you become a cat behaviourist?

I was inspired to become a cat behaviourist due to my love for cats and a desire to help improve the human-feline relationship. My love affair with cats started early – I’ve had at least one cat by my side since childhood and currently. My household is expertly managed by my six-member feline support staff.

As The Cat Consultant, my primary mission is to address the growing issue of abandoned cats in the UAE. I firmly believe that educating owners about cat behaviour is the key to reducing these heart-wrenching situations. By understanding our feline friends better and learning how to encourage their desired behaviours, we can foster strong, loving relationships that last a lifetime. Cats are extraordinary creatures, and there’s nothing more rewarding than earning the love and companionship of a cat in your family. For me, this work is not just a job, it’s a calling that I wholeheartedly adore!

What is the most common behavioural issues you see in cats?

The most common behavioural issues I see in cats include aggression between cats in a household, inappropriate elimination ( urinating or defecating outside of their litter box ), excessive vocalisation, destructive scratching and anxiety-related behaviour. This could be a cat over grooming and even developing a taste for non-food items ( Pica ). These problems often stem from stress, lack of environmental enrichment, medical issues or improper socialisation.

How can you tell if a cat is stressed?

Signs of stress in a cat can include hiding, decreased appetite, over-grooming or under-grooming ( their personal hygiene routines gets a bit extreme ), increased vocalisation ( they sing the blues ), aggression ( towards other cats in the household or their humans ), changes in litter box habits, chewing and swallowing non-food items (Pica ) and excessive scratching. Subtle signs like flattened ears, a tucked tail and dilated pupils can indicate stress too.

How often should you play with your cat?

Cats should have interactive play sessions at least twice a day for about 10-15 minutes at a time. This helps to provide mental and physical stimulation, reduce stress and strengthen the bond between you and your cat. I cannot stress enough how important it is to play with your cat! It is generally the most effective way to decrease all problematic behaviours in cats. There are so many interactive and enrichment toys in the market which can help you make a huge impact on you and your cat’s lives. After all, happy cat, happy life!

How can you tell if a cat is sad?

A sad or depressed cat may show signs of decreased appetite, reduced interest in playing or interacting, increased sleeping ( they’re taking cat naps to the extreme ), changes in grooming habits ( they’re either a mess or obsessively tidy ) or, they may become more withdrawn and hide more than usual. The cause of depression in cats is almost always the same – lack of stimulation. Cats need entertainment, which is why playing with your cat is so important.

What question do you get asked the most?

Why does my cat suddenly act aggressive OR Why don’t my cats get along anymore. Many cat owners are puzzled by sudden changes in behaviour, and understanding the underlying causes – whether medical, environmental, or psychological – is crucial to addressing and resolving these issues.

Most commonly I’ve notice that the aggression in cats coincides with their age. Social maturity in cats typically occurs between the ages of two and four years. During this phase, cats often exhibit significant behavioural changes as they transition from playful juveniles to more confident and independent adults. Common behavioural changes include increased territorially ( they suddenly need their own space like a teenager ), where cats may become more defensive of their space and more prone to marking behaviours such as spraying.

Aggression towards other cats or even humans may also increase as they assert dominance and establish social hierarchies. Additionally, cats may show a decrease in playfulness and become more solitary or selective about their social interactions.

Understanding and accommodating these changes is crucial for maintaining a harmonious environment and addressing any behavioural issues that arise, because navigating the feline social scene can be as complex as decoding hieroglyphics.

If you have a misunderstood feline friend or a cat that’s acting out, The Cat Consultant is here to help you. You can find her on our app – Where My Paws At or visit www.the-catconsultant.com