Knowing Your Cat: 3 Common Cat Behaviors Explained

Cats are fascinating, mysterious companions. Unlike dogs, felines are more independent, affectionate on their own terms, and often communicate in ways that can leave cat parents puzzled.

If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why does my cat meow so much?” or “Why does he bite me while I pet him?” You’re not alone.

In this article we will try to respond to three of the most common questions asked by cat parents. Let’s dive into what your furry friend is really trying to tell you—and how you can respond.

Why does my cat meow so much?
“Meowing” is the most common vocal way cats communicate. It is often used to indicate a need for something like food, need to play, change of the litter. Usually, once the need is met, the meowing stops. Meowing can also be influenced by a cat’s breed and individual character. Some cats naturally vocalize more than others, while some are much quieter, and this should be considered when evaluating a cat’s meow.
If you’ve ruled out all the above and the behavior continues, it could signal discomfort, stress, or even illness. In this case, you may schedule a vet visit to check for underlying health issues.

Why does my cat bite when petting?
A common scenario is when one moment you’re giving gentle cuddles to your feline friend, and the next he bites you. This is more common than you think, and it usually comes down to communication.

Gentle nibbles paired with purring, licking, or belly rolls for example are usually signs of affection and an invitation to continue.

On the other hand, if your cat’s pupils dilate, fur rises, or they hiss, it means its “petting threshold” is close to being reached. These are important warning signs to pay attention to and recognizing them early can help you stop before your cat feels the need to bite.  

To prevent your cat from biting, gently stop petting and give him space. In all cases, never scold your pet, this damages trust and increases stress.

Why does my cat “go” outside the litter box?
Finding a “surprise” outside the litter box can be a frustrating experience for cat owners. Nobody appreciates intense urine smell or cleaning up after. But remember—this is usually your cat’s way of signaling something is wrong.

Some of the most common reasons, with a simple solution are:
 

• Dirty litter box: Cats are naturally very particular about cleanliness, and a dirty box is simply unappealing to them.  Daily cleaning is essential to provide a hygienic environment, encourage proper use, and prevent unwanted accidents elsewhere in the home.
   
• Location choice: Keeping your litter box in an uneasy place to reach or moving it continuously will lead to improper behavior. It is recommended that the box is placed in a fixed area and away from noisy, high-traffic spots of the home, but somehow still accessible to the cat (so only spots of the home where your cat is used to going).
   
• Multiple cats in the house: Cats prefer using their very own litter box and don’t like sharing it. The rule to follow is to have 1 box per cat plus an additional (for example: for 2 household cats, have 3 litter boxes available).

As seen above these issues can be easily fixed with just some basic cleaning or simple logistics.

If you've tried these fixes and your cat still avoids the litter box, the issue might be medical, such as Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) or bladder stones. In these cases, it is best to rule out any health concern with the help of your vet.

If your pet is experiencing urinary related issues, ask your Vet to recommend the most suitable Farmina N&D or VetLife diet. Along with a specific diet for your cat you will receive access to our Free Consultancy Service.

Final Thoughts
Understanding your cat’s behavior is key to building a happier, stress-free relationship with your furry friend. From excessive meowing to biting during cuddles to litter box problems, most issues can be solved with a mix of observation, patience, and care.