Cat behaviour

Scratching is an innate part of a cat’s behaviour.

Cats are enigmatic creatures, each with their unique personalities and behaviours. From their independent nature to their insatiable curiosity, understanding cats' behaviours is the key to providing them with the best care. At Omlet, we make products that cater to every cat’s unique instincts, ensuring a harmonious blend of comfort and stimulation for our feline friends. Keep reading as we explore the many and varied cat behaviours and what they mean.

Cat spraying: communication central

One perplexing behaviour among cats is spraying. It’s messy and smelly and often mistaken for a litter box issue. But did you know that cat spraying is actually a form of communication? Cats mark their territory (or communicate their feelings) through scent glands in their urine. While not pleasant for us pet parents who have to clean it up, it is your cat’s way of sending messages.

So how can you help honour this cat behaviour in a way that doesn’t cause so much mess and smell? Omlet's spacious outdoor Catio enclosures, or cat runs, offer a sense of territorial ownership that acts as the perfect solution. With more time outside in a protected environment, your cat will potentially reduce this behaviour as they’ll have ample space to claim as their own.

Cat sleeping: the art of napping

The term “cat nap” was created for a reason. Felines are experts in the art of relaxation, spending an average of 12-16 hours a day sleeping. But the way cats sleep is what makes this a unique behaviour. Cats are polyphasic sleepers, which means in any given 24-hour period, they sleep approximately 79 minutes of every 104 minutes. In comparison to humans who sleep hours in duration, cats have more frequent sleep-to-wake cycles throughout the day and night.

So how can you complement this unique behavior? By giving your cat a comfortable and cosy cat bed of course. The Maya Donut Elevated Cat Bed designed by Omlet is a perfect choice to cater to this behaviour, providing a warm and secure haven for their slumber, mimicking the comfort of a secluded spot in the wild.

Friend in high places: the love of climbing

Cats have a natural inclination to climb. It's an instinctive behaviour that serves both as a means of exercise as well as a vantage point for surveying their surroundings. In the wild, cats use their ability to climb to not only avoid possible predators, but also as a way to see their world around them. And just because they’re domesticated doesn’t mean this innate behaviour goes away.

So to help your cat feel the freedom to express this essential behaviour, consider adding cat trees to your home. Omlet's Freestyle Cat Trees are designed to satisfy this instinct, providing opportunities for exploration and physical activity. A truly customizable product, the Freestyle allows you to create a climbing experience that suits your cat’s specific needs and desires.

Cat scratching: clawed to perfection

Cat scratching behavior is a fundamental and instinctive aspect of feline nature. Cats scratch to mark their territory, sharpen their claws, and stretch their muscles. This behaviour is vital for their physical and mental well-being, contributing to a healthy and contented cat.

Omlet's wide variety of cat scratchers ingeniously addresses this innate behaviour by providing an array of options that cater to different cats' preferences. From horizontal posts to vertical cat scratching posts with integrated lights, Omlet understands the diversity in feline scratching habits. These scratchers not only serve the practical purpose of preserving furniture and satisfying the cat's instinctual needs but also do so in a stylish and simple manner, seamlessly integrating into the modern home.

Cat grooming: pristine paws and fur

Grooming is to cats is like showering is to humans. It’s a daily ritual performed not just for aesthetics but for maintaining their health. Cats hate being dirty. Ironically, they usually hate water too. So their way around this dilemma is to groom. In fact, they spend lots of time every day grooming – that is, licking themselves, or licking a paw to wash their body parts they can’t reach with their tongue alone.

To help aid in this self-cleaning behaviour, you can brush your cat with a cat brush. Long-hair breeds like the American bobtail and oriental can benefit greatly from extra fur maintenance. Keep in mind that most cat grooming is typically done when they’re feeling happy and relaxed. If you notice your cat overgrooming themselves with incessant licking in one spot or even biting, be sure to contact your vet to make sure no other medical issues are of concern.

Cat fur balls: common feline quirk

Fur balls are an inevitable part of a cat's life due to their meticulous grooming habits. The natural result of all that licking is a stomach full of fur. Cats get around this problem by throwing up fur balls. Gross? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely.

While fur balls are not the most appealing thing to behold it’s important to distinguish when your cat is just clearing the fur balls vs. actually ill. When ridding themselves of fur balls, cats will instinctively spasm their chest and throat until they regurgitate the ball of fur. Once it’s out (and likely on your floor or couch) their stomach will be empty and they’ll be happy. Our best advice - if it distresses you, just look away…and then clean up the mess when you’re able.

Eating grass: nature’s remedy

There’s a progression of behaviours that stems from cat grooming. First the grooming, then the fur balls, and finally dining on grass. But not always in that order. Sometimes when cats are unable to regurgitate the balls of fur collected in their stomach, they try eating grass to help the process. While the exact reason as to why grass is the preferred choice remains unclear, it's believed to aid in digestion or act as a natural laxative.

So how can you help your feline friend indulge in this green behaviour? If you have an indoor cat, it’s worth growing grass from seed to have in your home. Many pet stores stock kitty grass kits for this purpose, to avoid them munching on houseplants. You can also install Omlet's safe and accessible outdoor Catio enclosure to allow your cat the ability to nibble on fresh grass while ensuring they're in a secure environment.

Omlet and your cat

At Omlet, we pride ourselves on understanding the unique and fascinating behaviours of our feline companions. Cats are not just pets; they’re individuals with distinct personalities and behaviours that make them truly special. Recognizing this, we design our products with an ingenious touch, tailored to cater to every need your cat desires. From cosy cat beds to customizable cat scratchers and cat trees, Omlet products are more than just accessories – they’re a bridge that brings you and your cat closer together. Embrace the extraordinary world of cat companionship with Omlet, where each product is a testament to our commitment to creating an environment that celebrates the uniqueness of your beloved cat, fostering a connection that goes beyond the ordinary.