Your feline friend has come a long way from their wild ancestors, but they still have many instinctive behaviors that need appropriate outlets. Without ample opportunities to be a cat, your pet can suffer from a multitude of health and behavioral issues ranging from obesity and urinary problems to boredom and stress. 

To help your cat live life to its fullest, read our Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital team’s guide on creating an enriching feline environment and lifestyle.

What natural feline behaviors are seen in house cats?

Cats exhibit a wide range of natural behaviors that are inherent to their species, regardless of how many thousands of years they have been domesticated. Some common natural feline behaviors include:

  • Hunting — Cats are natural hunters and have a strong predatory instinct. They will stalk, chase, and pounce on prey in the form of toys and treats, and may turn to legs and arms if they do not have appropriate hunting outlets.
  • Scratching — Cats need to scratch surfaces to mark territory, stretch their muscles, and care for their claws, and they will turn to any nearby surface to exercise their instinctive urge to do so.
  • Exploration — Cats are curious creatures and enjoy exploring their environment by investigating new objects, climbing to high places, and hiding in secluded areas.
  • Play — Play is an important behavior for cats, especially kittens, as it helps them develop coordination, hunting skills, and social bonds. Common play behaviors include chasing toys, wrestling with other cats, and batting at objects.
  • Grooming — Cats spend a significant amount of time grooming themselves to keep their fur clean and free from tangles and mats. 
  • Sleeping — Cats are crepuscular creatures, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. They typically sleep for long periods throughout the day, conserving energy for hunting and other activities, despite the ease of “catching” their meals as house pets.
  • Socialization — While cats are often seen as solitary creatures, they can form social bonds with other cats and their human family members. Social behaviors include rubbing against each other, grooming one another, and sharing sleeping areas.
  • Marking territory — Cats use scent to communicate with other cats and to mark their territory. They may spray urine, scratch surfaces, or rub against objects to leave their scent.

How can I give my house cat opportunities to express natural behaviors?

Allowing indoor cats to express their natural behaviors is essential for their physical and mental well-being. Here are some ways cat owners can help their indoor cats fulfill their natural instincts:

  • Provide environmental enrichment — Create a stimulating environment for your cat by offering a variety of toys, scratching posts, climbing structures, and hiding spots. Puzzle feeders and interactive toys can also provide mental stimulation.
  • Satisfy hunting instincts — Engage your cat in interactive play sessions using toys that mimic prey, such as feather wands or laser pointers. You can also hide treats around the house or use food puzzles to encourage hunting behavior.
  • Offer scratching surfaces — Provide multiple scratching posts or pads made of different materials, such as sisal, cardboard, or carpet, to satisfy your cat’s need to scratch and stretch.
  • Create vertical space — Cats enjoy climbing and perching in high places. Install cat trees, shelves, or window perches to give your cat opportunities to climb and observe their surroundings from above.
  • Allow exploration — Allow your cat to explore different areas of your home by providing access to rooms, closets, and furniture. Consider setting up a safe outdoor enclosure or “catio” for supervised time to allow your cat to explore and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors without the risks associated with roaming freely.
  • Encourage socialization — If you have multiple cats, provide opportunities for them to interact and play together. However, ensure that each cat has their own resources, such as food, water, litter boxes, and resting areas, to prevent conflicts.
  • Schedule playtime — Set aside dedicated playtime each day to engage with your cat. Use toys that encourage natural behaviors like chasing, pouncing, and batting.
  • Groom often — Brush your cat regularly to help remove loose fur and prevent matting. 
  • Maintain a routine — Cats thrive on routine, so try to maintain consistent feeding times, play sessions, and quiet periods for rest and relaxation.

By incorporating these strategies into your indoor cat’s daily routine, you can help ensure they remain happy, healthy, and fulfilled while expressing their natural behaviors. 

If your feline friend develops troublesome behaviors, they may not have enough opportunities to be a cat, or they may have an underlying health issue. Whatever the case may be, our Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital team can identify the cause. Give us a call to schedule an appointment.