Although indoor cats enjoy the safety of their sheltered lives, they often lose the ability to express natural cat behaviors and become bored or stressed. However, encouraging these instinctive activities safely can support your cat’s overall health and well-being and prevent stress-related issues. By creating an environment and lifestyle that indulges your cat’s instincts and embraces their wild side, you can ensure they lead a truly fulfilling life.

Here are five natural cat behaviors and tips on incorporating them into your cat’s daily routine from the Palisades Veterinary Hospital team.

1. Scratching and cats

Cats innately need to scratch to help keep their claws sharp, mark their territory, and stretch their spine. However, scratching behavior must be expressed in the appropriate places to prevent property damage—and owner frustration. Support healthy scratching by providing multiple scratching posts, pads, and ramps around your home. Include various textures, including sisal rope, cardboard, and carpet, to pique your cat’s interest. Also, place the items near your cat’s favorite areas to encourage regular use. If needed, use a cat attractant product (e.g., Feliscratch) to train your kitten or cat to use appropriate scratching areas.

2. Climbing and cats   

Climbing is a natural cat behavior that allows them to survey their territory from a high vantage point, where they feel safe and have a superior view of threats or potential prey. Satisfy your cat’s love of heights by creating vertical spaces with cat trees or wall-mounted shelves, or go to the next level with a multi-level climbing structure for endless exploration, entertainment, and exercise. Position your cat’s vertical spaces near windows where they can observe the great outdoors or in quiet areas where they’ll feel safe and secure.

3. Hunting behavior and cats

Indoor cats may appear tame, but these domesticated darlings retain strong hunting instincts, including the predatory sequence of stalking, pouncing, and capturing prey. Simulate hunting with interactive toys such as feather wands, laser pointers, foraging toys, or treat-dispensing balls. Engage your cat in short, active play sessions several times daily to stimulate their hunting drive, ensuring that they sometimes catch the toy to feel successful and satisfied. Rotate toys regularly to keep the experience fresh and prevent boredom.

4. Hiding and cats

Cats feel safe and protected when they hide in small enclosed spaces where they are concealed from perceived threats. Accommodate this instinct and help your cat enjoy healthy rest by providing cozy hideaways, such as cat beds, tunnels, and covered cat houses. Place these items in quiet, low-traffic areas of your home to mimic the privacy your pet would seek in the wild. If your cat is shy or nervous, create pathways in your home that allow them to move around unnoticed. You can rearrange furniture, floor plants, or other large decor items with your cat’s comfort and movements in mind.

5. Social interactions and cats

Cats are misperceived as aloof or solitary creatures, but generally, they are social animals with varying degrees of sociability. While some are independent and others thrive on human interaction, all cats need and deserve regular attention according to their individual preferences. Fulfill your cat’s natural need for social interactions by spending quality time playing, petting, or simply hanging out with or near your cat. Always respect your cat’s nonverbal cues and let them approach and engage with you on their terms. 

Your cat’s natural behaviors aren’t mere glimpses of their wild ancestry—they are key for their modern-day health. Promote your cat’s instincts and support their well-being by creating a safe and fun environment where they can be their natural selves. 

Is your cat’s behavior a mystery? Unusual or sudden personality or behavior changes can signal an underlying health problem. Let the AAHA-accredited Palisades Veterinary Hospital team solve the riddle of your cat’s peculiar behavior. Contact us to schedule an appointment.