Moving is stressful even under the best circumstances and cats can become especially anxious when moving house. Making the transition as stress-free as possible for your feline has major benefits, however, from decreased risk of aggression to lower chances of escape attempts, house soiling and excessive meowing or crying.   When considering moving your cat to a new household, it’s helpful to break planning down into three phases: pre-move preparations, the relocation itself and settling Kitty into his new home. Preparing your cat for the big day starts with helping him adjust to the changes that come before he ever steps foot in the new house. Start putting out moving boxes several weeks before packing, for example, to help him adjust to their presence. If your cat becomes nervous during packing, move him to a quieter room away from the action. Start introducing your pet to his cat carrier early, too, leaving it open on the floor for Kitty to explore at his own pace. Equipping the carrier with a soft bed and tasty treats will encourage your cat to enter, although placing his food dish by the carrier will also encourage exploration if your pet is reluctant to enter the carrier on his own. This will help your cat form positive associations with his carrier, making move-in day less traumatic.   Leading up to your move, keep Kitty’s daily routine as regular as possible by feeding him at the same time each day. When to big day day finally comes, feed your pet a smaller breakfast to reduce the chances he gets an upset stomach. Keep his carrier closed while in transit to avoid any escape attempts and keep an eye on your cat at both the old and new houses to be sure he doesn’t dash out the door.   Once in his new home, your cat will likely feel overwhelmed. To help settle his anxiety, introduce him to a quiet room equipped with food, water, a litter box and a bed. Plant treats around the room to help Kitty feel more at home and encourage him to explore his new room. Ideally, keep your cat confined to this one room for the first few days in his new home to allow him to adjust to new the sights and smells gradually. Spend time with your cat in the room and, when the chaos of unpacking is over, gradually give your pet access to the entire house. At this point, you can place a second litter box in the spot where you want to keep one permanently, only removing the original box after your pet has had time to adjust to the new location. Alternately, you can inch the original litter box slowly toward the desired location over several days.   Moving with a pet can be stressful, but with adequate planning and preparation, you can reduce your cat’s anxiety, leading to a smoother move-in day for both you can your feline friend.

Every cat owner is familiar with the sharp, sibilant sound of hissing— the noise cats make to express fear, aggression, displeasure or uncertainty. Because hissing is your cats way of saying something’s wrong, you should never punish him for the behavior, but rather seek to understand what’s upsetting him.   Cats hiss by forcing air out through their arched tongues, creating a burst of wind from their mouths. Other behaviors that accompany hissing include your cat pulling his lips back, flattening his ears to his head and arching his back in a threatening stance. The whole purpose of the disturbing display is to express a warning— that a stranger is too close, that your pet feels threatened or that something is hurting your cat. While he uses hissing to ward off potential opponents and avoid fights, it’s a warning sign that aggression will follow if the perceived threat doesn’t cease and you should take this threat seriously.   To avoid being bitten or scratched, you need to understand what is causing Kitty’s conniption fits. Cats hiss due to territorial aggression, for example, especially when a new pet is introduced to the home. Assess any recent changes to you pet’s environment, being sure to introduce newcomers slowly by confining the new pet for the first few days to allow the cats adjust to each other’s scents. If your cat is hissing at human strangers, give guests with advanced warning before they visit and gradually introduce your cat to trusted outsiders so he learns that company isn’t a always a threat. Cats also hiss when they feel scared. If this is the case, take steps to make your pet feel more comfortable in his home: Provide Kitty with plenty of hiding places, perches and other nooks, and consider using Feliway, a mood-enhancing synthetic pheromone that signals feelings of comfort for cats. If your cat is hissing due to aggression, however, the solution may be more play to expel pent-up energy and providing outlets such as scratching posts. Cats also hiss when they’re forced to do something they don’t want to do, such as get in the pet carrier, and the best solution for this type of fit is to remain calm and introduce the undesirable activity slowly so your pet has time to adjust. If all else fails and you must get your cat to do the undesirable, use thick gloves or oven mitts to avoid being scratched.   If none of the above sounds like your pet, he may be hissing due to pain, injury or discomfort. Consult your veterinarian to rule out any medical causes if your cat has started hissing or has ramped up the behavior recently and you can’t figure out why. Remember, hissing is a sign that something’s wrong and you should never punish your cat for the behavior. Instead, work to discover the underlying problem and address it so Kitty feels safe and secure in his home.

If you’re a cat owner, you’ve no doubt experienced your feline friend kneading away as he purrs on your lap. A soothing behaviour for cats and owners alike, kneading starts long before our pets are independent adults, when they relied on their mothers for both food and protection. Kneading describes the rhythmic motion cats make when they alternate pushing their paws in and out against a soft, pliable surface. Not all felines knead, and those that do don’t all knead in the same way. Some cats make the motion with their claws out, for example, while others never use nails during kneading. Some felines knead with all four paws, while others use just their front two feet. Regardless of your cat’s style, his kneading behaviour stems from his time as a kitten. Before they’re able to feed on their own, cats instinctually knead at their mother as a way to stimulate milk production. Though the behaviour doesn’t yield a tasty treat for adult cats, our pets forever associate the motion with the comforts of nursing. This helps explain why your cat makes a habit of kneading you when he’s feeling happy, content or displaying affection.   Cats don’t just stretch their paws when they’re at peace, however, and also use kneading as a way to limber up after a long nap. Kneading likely provided our felines’ ancestors with a way of bedding down, too, helping to work down tall grasses while scoping out the area out for snakes and other unwanted visitors. Kneading also served another role for feral felines, who used scent glands in their paws to mark their territory. In the same way wild cats use their scent to demarcate their property, then, so do our domestic pets knead to release their scent on surfaces that want to mark as their own— including their favourite humans. Female cats are also known to knead when going into heat as a way to signal to tomcats that they are ready and able to mate. Though kneading is a sign of affection, it can be quite painful when Kitty digs his claws into your leg. If this becomes an issue, simply place a soft barrier such as a thick blanket between your lap and his claws. You can also try trimming your cat’s nails or using nail guards to cover his claws. Never punish your cat for kneading, though— not only does he not realize it hurts, but digging his claws into your leg is your cat’s way of showing affection.

Safety from predators, oncoming traffic and disease are just a few of the well-documented benefits of keeping cats indoors. Unfortunately, our feline friends don’t always see their indoor lifestyles as the luxury it is. If your cat makes a mad dash every time you open the front door, he’s at risk of being hit by a car, attacked by another animal or getting lost— making door-darting behaviour a problem that should be addressed.   Many cat owners consider keeping their companions inside to be a restrictive lifestyle, but cats can have a stimulating life without venturing outdoors. Equip your feline friend with plenty of climbing spaces, hiding places, perches and even a bird feeder outside the window to keep him entertained. Engage him in several minutes of play each day with a laser toy or kitty “fishing pole” to help satisfy his hunting instincts. You may even want to consider giving your cat a companion, such as another cat or a dog, to provide an extra outlet for play, exercise and affection while you’re away from home.   Even after creating an indoor oasis, however, some owners have trouble with cats that make a mad dash every time they open the door. If your cat comes running, there are several techniques to try to remedy his bad habit. For starters, stop giving Kitty any attention at the door. While you may be tempted to lean down and greet him as soon as you get home, this gives your pet an easy opportunity to slide outside. Instead, set up an official “greeting area” further inside the room. You can accomplish this by calling your cat to the assigned post and rewarding him with a treat immediately until he forms an association with the spot.   If Kitty continues dashing for the door, however, you will need to take more serious measures. Try offering him a treat or toy just before leaving, which should distract him from the open entryway. Some cat owners attach a rolled newspaper to the door and bang it loudly whenever Kitty comes running to help scare him off. Others leave a squirt bottle of water just outside the door and peak in before entering, giving the cat a quick spritz if he is waiting right at the entrance. If you try this technique, be sure to shut the door immediately, though, as you don’t want your cat associating you with the squirt bottle. Remember, cats in heat and tomcats who catch a whiff of a fertile female are more likely to try to escape, so spaying or neutering your cat can also help when it comes to solving cats’ escape artist behaviour.

Every cat owner has come home to find a dead mouse, bird or other hunting prize strewn across the stoop, often with Kitty waiting proudly beside his bounty. While this type of gift giving is one of our feline friends’ more off-putting habits, it is simply your cat’s way of showing he is a worthwhile hunter and offering affection to his human family.   Cats are natural-born predators, as evidenced by data showing they kill billions of birds and small mammals every year in the United States alone. Their sharp claws and teeth make them well adapted to this carnivorous lifestyle, but unlike their big cat relatives, our domesticated pets do not need to hunt to survive. As lions drag prey back to their dens for a meal, then, our feline friends also bring their bounty home— but are more likely to share it with us, their beloved owners.   Experts have found that spayed female cats are the most likely culprits behind these “gifts,” offering further explanation for Kitty’s behavior: In the wild, mother cats teach their kittens how to hunt and eat their food by bringing dead or injured prey back to the den. Domesticated cats still have this instinct, but fixed females have no young to teach. By leaving dead critters on the back porch or in your bedroom doorway, then, your cat is simply fulfilling her natural role as caretaker and teacher. She is welcoming you as a member of her family and working to take care of you— especially given your lack of hunting skills.   Though dead mice may be less than appealing, it’s important to remember why your cat brings home these treasures. By offering prey, he is working to prove he is a worthwhile hunter and showing he cares about you as his family. It is important not to chastise your cat for gift giving, then, but instead, give him praise with words or a pet. Be sure to remain calm and keep your disgust to yourself, too, as cats can read body language. If Kitty isn’t keen to let you dispose of his gift, try distracting him with a toy or treat instead of hurting his feelings. If there are other people around, ask them to help distract your pet while you dispose of his hunting prize.   Because hunting is hardwired into cats’ brains, there is no way to prevent your pet from bringing home gifts. Indoor cats have less opportunity to track down prey, but will still find mice or small bugs to offer you. When all else fails, housecats will even offer their toys to their owners. Just remember that sharing is caring when it comes to your cat’s hunting prizes.

Nothing says “Hello!” like backing up butt-first into someone’s face— at least if you’re a cat. While this gesture may seem uncouth to his human counterparts, your pet’s presenting of his posterior is the ultimate sign of affection in cat-speak. Not only does it give you access to his scent glands — cats’ way of sharing information about themselves — but the butt-to-face greeting also puts your pet in a very vulnerable position, meaning it is reserved for only his closest companions.   Cats can say a lot with their tails, and a tail held high is a sign that your pet is relaxed and comfortable. Tail sniffing, then, is considered a normal greeting between two familiar felines. A tail-up welcome puts your cat in a very vulnerable position, however, so this salutation is reserved only for his closest friends. When two unfamiliar cats meet for the first time, they are more likely to sniff or rub each other’s faces or necks, which contain scent-producing glands. These scents help clue cats into their social settings and can calm feelings of aggression or fear when approaching a friendly feline. Once cats feel more comfortable with each other, they will perform a similar greeting along each other’s flanks, another scent-laden region. This can communicate information about a cat’s own scent, which cats he’s been rubbing up against, and which humans have been petting him. Only once felines have achieved best-friend status do they let their peers sniff beneath their raised tail— the center of your cat’s signature scent. This is the feline equivalent of a warm handshake or hug, and greeting you bottom-first shows trust between you and your pet. A bum to the face may also be your cat’s way of asking for affection, further reaffirming your bond.   While your cat does not expect a sniff in return, some people prefer not to be greeted by their cat’s nether regions. To head off a posterior-first welcome, try meeting your cat with a scratch under the chin instead. You can also pat your cat from his head to his shoulders, emulating the exchange of information between cats when they brush up against each other. All of these actions swap scents while showering your cat with affection—the primary goals of his butt-to-face greeting. With some practice, your pet should start meeting you head-on, but in the meantime, you can rest easy knowing your feline friend doesn’t expect you to return his rear-first greeting with the regular sniff he’d expect from another cat— a simple scratch or pat on the back will do.

When it comes to catnip, there are two schools of cats: Those that hyperactively roll in it, lick it, and go “crazy,” and those that couldn’t care less. While this split response seems strange, it all comes down to our individual cats’ genetics, and either reaction is considered normal and safe for our feline friends.   Though cats can respond to catnip like a drug, it’s actually an herb belonging to the mint family. Catnip’s curious effects on our cats comes from an oil it contains called nepetalactone, which triggers varied reactions in from cats. While some are happy to just sniff the mind-altering chemical, others will eat, lick or even roll in their catnip. Because the reaction is inherited, however, not all cats respond in any way at all. In fact, up to 50 percent of our feline friends experience no change from catnip and will simply sniff it and walk away. The trait doesn’t emerge until kittens are between three and six months old, and older cats are less likely to respond, too. Large cats such lions, tigers and leopards, however, have been shown to react to catnip in similar ways to our housecats.   Researchers suspect that catnip works by triggering feline pheromones, or “happy” receptors, in your cat’s nose or brain. Once he gets a whiff, Kitty may begin rolling, rubbing, drooling or otherwise becoming hyperactive, and can even turn aggressive. Cats who eat catnip, however, seem to have the opposite reaction, becoming more sedated with their herbaceous snack. Whatever his response, your cat’s reaction will only last around 10 minutes before he loses interest in his catnip and will need a break of 30 minutes to several hours before becoming susceptible to its effects again.   Catnip isn’t just a feline obsession, however. Humans have used it for centuries as a mild sedative brewed into herbal teas. It has also been used to treat headaches, relieve cramps and insomnia, and reduce swelling associated with arthritis. Nepetalactone acts as a powerful insect repellent, too, fighting mosquitos and other pests.   Because it’s not a drug, catnip is non-addictive and safe to give to your cat. Those who are apt to eat it can make themselves sick on rare occasion, though, so be sure to give Kitty his treat in moderation. Catnip can lose its potency over time, so it’s best to store it in an airtight container in the freezer to increase its shelf life— or start your own catnip garden for you and your pet

Dogs lavish us with kisses, but cats are often more subtle in their displays of affection. While a sandpapery tongue isn’t always the sign of love we’d imagined, grooming us is our cat’s way of showing a strong trust and bond.   Cats spend a great deal of time grooming. This is part of the social bonding between a mother and her kittens as well as between cats that aren’t related, but share a strong connection. Not only does social grooming help felines clean hard-to-reach places, such as the top of their heads, but it also allows cats to exchange scents— a key part of bonding and communication in the feline world. Mother cats mark their kittens in this way, and it is not unusual for your cat to “claim” you with a bath. When he licks you, then, Kitty is not only lavishing you with affection, but is also marking you with his scent. This may sound territorial, and it is, but this practice is just another way your cat shows you belong to his inner circle of friends.   While licking is most often a source of bonding between owners and their cats, compulsive bathing can be a sign that something’s wrong. Grooming is a soothing and comforting behavior for cats, so overly anxious felines may start bathing to relieve stress. Anything from introducing a new pet to the household to taking your cat to the vet can trigger anxiety, so if this seems to be the cause behind Kitty’s compulsive bathing, try to remedy the stressful situation and give him some extra attention. If, however, your cat suddenly starts grooming vigorously for seemingly no reason, he could be in pain. Everything from fleabites to skin infections can trigger this behavior, so keep an eye out for health problems and seek your veterinarian’s advice. Experts agree that cats that were weaned too early tend to rely on the comforting action of bathing and are more likely to lick, too.   While cats’ baths are usually a sign that your pet has accepted you into his closest circle of friends, you may not always want a sandpapery tongue greeting. To avoid your cat’s kisses, learn the signs that he is about to start bathing you and distract him with a toy or treat instead. Playing with your cat often helps you bond with him, too. Remember, if your cat is licking you, it is a sign that he feels safe and secure and is truly welcoming you as a member of his family.

As much as it may alarm you, all cats have a reason when they bite. Whether it’s a reaction to pain or a simple message to get lost, your cat is trying to communication with his biting behavior, and determining the underlying cause is key to solving Kitty’s chewing conundrum.   Kittens bite as part of rough play, which teaches them to hunt for food and protect themselves as adults. Encouraging your full-grown cat to continue this type of play, however, won’t do you any favors. Cats—especially housecats that are lonely or under-stimulated—may engage in roughhousing to alleviate their boredom and burn excess energy. Your cat may also nip at you to get your attention, so pay attention next time to see if he tries to lead you off in some direction or meows immediately after biting: He may be trying to tell you to feed him, let him outside or tidy up the litter box. If however, your cat nips without backing down or showing any playful or affectionate behavior afterwards, he is likely trying to assert his dominance. Other reasons for biting include overstimulation; fear or anxiety when dogs, children or other disturbances enter the household; or pain due to an ailment, such as arthritis or an infected tooth.   Once you’re sure your cat isn’t biting due to pain from an illness or injury, you can begin working to change his behavior. If your cat’s biting stems from play fighting, rule Number One is to never use your hand as a toy. Instead, offer your cat a mouse or bird tied to a string and engage him in playtime several times a day. This will help burn off excess energy and cure boredom. If your cat goes after your hands or feet during playtime, however, stop the game immediately and walk away. After a few attempts, he should get the memo that biting cuts play short. If your cat bites when you go to pet him, or is twitching his tail, flattening his ears or otherwise appears agitated, he is trying to tell you not to touch him at that time. Respect your pet’s boundaries by not petting your cat when he is clearly agitated. Likewise, if you know your cat becomes over-stimulated after five minutes of petting, stop at three to avoid a nipping debacle. If none of the above sounds like your pet, his biting may be due to anxiety. Cats can become fearful when new people, dogs or even noises enter their households. If the source of Kitty’s discontent isn’t temporary, such as a visit from the neighbor’s children, consider easing his tension with a pheromone diffuser such as Feliway, which releases feel-good chemicals to help Kitty feel more secure.   Remember, every cat is different, so it’s important to identify your pet’s own reasons for biting. If you’ve tried troubleshooting and still can’t find a reason for the behavior, speak to your veterinarian, who can rule out illnesses and offer suggestions for your feline friend.

If your cat is like most, you often find him perched atop the refrigerator, wardrobe or other lofty places. He may be fully domesticated, but your feline’s affinity for heights stems from his natural instincts. Climbing, prowling and even napping in high places gives your cat an advantage over his surroundings, providing him with a vantage point from which he can spot predators as well as prey.   Unlike humans, who like to keep our feet firmly planted on the ground, cats prefer viewing their surroundings from up high. This allows them to scan for predators— or rowdy children or dogs, as the case may be— and ensures they won’t be disturbed. Providing enough vertical spaces is important, then, to helping your cat feel safe and secure at home. In multi-cat households, having varying vertical spaces also allows your cats to display their social status without leading to feline frays. The cat occupying tallest space also holds the highest spot in the pecking order, meaning your pets don’t need to duke it out to display their rank. Another benefit to providing cats with vertical territory is that it may help remedy boredom that is common in housecats. Although indoor felines are safer than their outdoor peers, they are far more likely to become bored and get up to mischief. Vertical perches give your pet a place to explore, battling both boredom and weight-gain that are endemic in housecats. Finally, cats may simply prefer being up high because it puts them in some of the warmest spots in the house, making the top of the fridge an especially appealing spot for an afternoon nap. You can accommodate your cat’s acrobatic antics by providing vertical spaces such as a cat tree, but there’s no need to spend a load of cash satisfying Kitty’s need to climb. Household furniture such as the tops of refrigerators, bookshelves, and wardrobes can be made cat-accessible by keeping a few things in mind. Shelves should be large enough for your cat to stretch out and lounge on, for example, and need to have a non-slip surface. Make sure you provide enough surfaces at various vertical heights, especially if you have an elderly cat that struggles with agility. Perches with a good view out the window will prove especially enticing for your cat, as windows provide both entertainment and warmth. If you do own a cat tree and it seems unstable, secure it by attaching a large piece of plywood at the base to ensure your cat feels safe exploring the heights in your home.