Cat Behaviour

If there’s one thing that makes your cat special, it’s their independent spirit. But are cats actually more sociable than we think?

Grooming

Independent as they are, cats will sometimes develop relationships with one another. Mutual grooming seems to play a part in this. So if you see your cat grooming the cat from next door, remember it isn’t just about getting clean. They're making friends too – or maybe even making up after a recent fight.

Rubbing

As well as grooming each other, cats also like to rub together their foreheads, cheeks, flanks and sometimes tails. Rubbing is a great way for them to mix their scents and respond to each other’s touch – and some experts think it’s also associated with cat hierarchy. As well as satisfying your cat’s natural instincts, rubbing also gives you the pleasure of seeing your feline friend getting along with their neighbours!

Aggressive behaviour

However good-natured they might be, your cat might sometimes act aggressively. For instance, territorial behaviour might make them try to stop you going into certain parts of the house – they might even try to attack you.

It’s important to remember that this is just part of your cat’s natural behaviour. Perhaps they hasve lots of pent-up energy from being stuck in the house. Perhaps they spotted a bird through the window and got frustrated because they couldn’t chase it. Or perhaps you happened to walk by while they were staring down their prey, and your presence switched them instantly into hunter mode.

It’s easy to relieve the tension associated with aggressive behaviour. Try giving your cat some toys to play with or objects to climb on. You can also play hunting games with your cat – they'll especially love any kind of toy that’s attached to a piece of string!
You’ll find more details in our article on reducing cat aggression.