Reading the Clues Your Cat Leaves Behind (Part 1 of 2)

Did you know your cat leaves evidence all over your house? What kind of evidence, you might be wondering. Well, all sorts! You can almost retrace their steps throughout the day based on some of the clues they leave behind.

For example: a toy mysteriously appears in the bathtub, or a perfectly good bed is abandoned in favour of an Amazon box. The scratching post sits untouched while the corner of your couch looks like it has been attacked with a tiny chainsaw. And somehow, every morning, they are sitting in exactly the same spot, staring at you as though you are late for an appointment you didn't know you had.

Today, we are going to take a look at some of the clues they leave behind, and try to interpret them as best as possible.

Exhibit A: The Favourite Sleeping Spot

Your cat likely has a few spots they enjoy sleeping in, and naturally, many of them are not in the places you would expect. While some cats like cat beds, others prefer thick blankets, a favourite recliner, or even the middle of the hallway. Cats can be remarkably particular about where they settle down, and those choices can tell us something about what they find comfortable or secure.

Cats often seek places that provide warmth, privacy, a good vantage point or a sense of security. A high shelf can give a cat an excellent view of the household while a covered bed or quiet corner can provide a peaceful retreat.

If your cat suddenly develops a new favourite sleeping location, it's worth paying attention to. It can help you create new spots they might find attractive by looking at what they like and choose on their own.

It's also important to remember that substantial changes in behaviour can occasionally be a clue that something is bothering them. If a cat begins hiding or sleeping in unusual places, particularly alongside other changes in behaviour, appetite or litter-box habits, it's worth discussing with a veterinarian.

Exhibit B: The Scratching

Scratching is completely normal feline behaviour. Cats scratch to help maintain their claws, stretch their bodies and communicate with other cats through both visual marks and scent from glands in their paws.

In fact, scratching is a behaviour us cat owners need to lean into, not fight. A cat that does not scratch their nails will eventually see them grow and curl back towards their paws. Not fun!

Scratching can also provide us with some useful clues we can use to lessen its negative effects. If your cat repeatedly scratches the side of the couch, for example, they may simply prefer that particular texture or location. Rather than assuming your cat has declared war on your furniture, consider placing an appropriate scratching post or pad nearby.

Again, lean into it. Experiment with different materials, orientations and locations until you discover what your cat prefers. Some companies offer scratch pads that slide beside your couch, wedging underneath them to hold firm. The cats love them and can't physically touch your couch anymore!

Exhibit C: The Abandoned Toy

Cats are natural hunters, and play often taps into behaviours associated with stalking, chasing, pouncing and capturing prey. Different cats will find different types of movement and toys interesting.

Just because you bought your cat a toy and they didn't play with it in the first 15 minutes doesn't mean they don't like it. Certain toys provide different experiences for cats.

A toy that moves unpredictably may be more exciting to one cat, while another may prefer something they can bat around on the floor. A moving toy might provide immediate stimulation for 10 minutes, and one that doesn't move might provide months of stimulation when you aren't looking!

Lots of cats enjoy playing at night. If you place toys around the house in baskets they can get into, you will likely start finding them around the house the next day.

Pay attention to which toys your cat repeatedly returns to. Do they enjoy chasing? Pouncing? Batting objects underneath furniture? Carrying toys around the house? Do you only seem to find their toys in random places the next day?

Those preferences can give you clues about how to make playtime more engaging. They also will let you know what kind of play your cat is into, and what type of toys are going to be interesting to them.

Another hot tip: rotate some of their toys in and out of storage. Old toys can become exciting again if they disappear and reappear periodically. Just try to keep some toys out for them at all times.

---

Stay tuned for part 2 in this series, where we cover:

·      Exhibit D: The Midnight Crime Scene

·      Exhibit E: The Food Bowl

·      Exhibit F: The Litter Box

·      Exhibit G: The Tail