Cats flip food bowls due to instincts (hunting/burying), boredom, seeking attention, or discomfort with the bowl (whisker fatigue, material, depth), or even as a learned behavior for fresh food/water; it can signal dissatisfaction with their setup or an underlying health issue, requiring a vet check if paired with other symptoms.
Cat behavior red flags signal potential medical or emotional issues, including sudden changes in eating/drinking, litter box problems, excessive vocalization, increased hiding, aggression, lethargy, or changes in grooming (like overgrooming or stopping). Because cats hide illness well, any significant deviation from their normal routine, such as increased thirst, appetite changes, or unusual hiding, warrants an urgent vet visit to rule out serious underlying conditions like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or pain.
Cats "ekekeke" (chatter or chirp) due to intense predatory focus, expressing excitement, frustration, or even trying to mimic prey to lure them closer, often seen when watching birds or bugs through a window but also with toys, indicating their hunting instinct is kicking in. It's a sound of arousal and focus, sometimes seen as a rehearsal for the killing bite or an attempt to communicate with their target.
Nosing into Another Cat's Food Bowl
A cat who displays this behavior may be concerned there won't be enough food. A former stray may engage in this behavior even though there's plenty of food being offered at each meal.
Inactivity. When cats get bored with their food, it can cause them to consume less than their required amount. This can lead to a lack of energy and activity, causing your cat to become lethargic. However, if you notice your cat is less active than usual, it could also be that they need less food than usual.
The 3:3:3 Rule: Help Your New Cat Adjust to Their Home The 3:3:3 rule explains some general expectations for the transition process and some tips on how to support your cat through each stage: 3 days for initial acclimatization, 3 weeks for settling in, and by 3 months, they should be comfortable and at ease in their ...
The top "silent killers" in cats are Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), often going undetected until 75% kidney failure, and Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), which damages organs without obvious signs until blindness or seizures occur, notes Muirfield Animal Hospital, Pet Health Network, www.springwoodvets.com.au, Close Veterinary Clinic, Killarney Animal Hospital, Physicians Mutual Insurance, Sykesville Veterinary Clinic, Mona Vale Veterinary Hospital, Nimbus Pet Hospital, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Covetrus North America, ASPCA Pet Insurance and PetCareRx. Other serious conditions include Hyperthyroidism, Heart Disease (like HCM), and Fatty Liver Disease (Hepatic Lipidosis).
Cats say "I love you" through actions that show trust and affection, like slow blinking (a "cat kiss"), head-butting (bunting) to mark you with their scent, kneading ("making biscuits"), showing their vulnerable belly, and bringing you "gifts" like toys or prey, all signaling they feel safe and consider you family. They also show love by purring, rubbing against you, following you, and holding their tail up high with a slight curl.
The 25% Rule for cat food, established by AAFCO, means if a food is named something like "Chicken Dinner," "Chicken Entrée," or "Chicken Platter," the named ingredient (chicken) must make up at least 25% of the total weight (excluding water), but less than 95%. This rule indicates a significant amount of the main ingredient but less than a "Chicken Cat Food" (95%). The named ingredient must also be at least 10% of the total diet when water is included, and if multiple ingredients are listed, they must collectively meet the 25% minimum.
Flipping their bowl might be their way of entertaining themselves. Unhappiness with food: Your cat might not enjoy the taste, smell, or freshness of their food. Flipping the bowl could be their way of rejecting it. Medical issues: Pain, dental problems, or nausea may cause a cat to avoid eating.
Signs your cat has imprinted on you include following you everywhere, kneading you (making biscuits), rubbing against you (bunting), slow blinking, bringing you "gifts," grooming you, and showing you their vulnerable belly as a sign of deep trust and seeing you as family. They'll also greet you excitedly, sleep near or on you, and communicate with you using unique vocalizations.
Chirps and trills are good news. They're a sign of excitement, affection, or an invitation to follow along. Think of them as an amped-up purr — your cat's way of happily saying, “Come here, I want to show you something.”
You may also notice some subtle changes in your cats body language, including:
You can tell if a cat is sad by noticing changes in their behavior, like loss of appetite, excessive sleeping or hiding, poor grooming, increased vocalization (especially mournful cries), changes in litter box habits (urinating outside the box), or showing uncharacteristic aggression or clinginess, as these often signal unhappiness, stress, or illness. Always consult a vet, as these signs can also point to medical issues.
House soiling in cats, also called feline inappropriate elimination, is the most common behavioral complaint of cat owners. Problem behaviors can be urine and/or stool deposited outside of the litter box, or marking behaviors.
While every kitten is unique, those raised alone are more likely to develop issues like excessive biting and scratching during play, difficulty learning boundaries and appropriate behavior, over-attachment or destructive behavior due to boredom or loneliness, and poor socialization with other cats or even humans.
The 3-3-3 rule for new cats is a guideline for adjusting to a new home: 3 days to decompress (hiding, overwhelmed), 3 weeks to start learning routines and showing personality (exploring, getting comfortable), and 3 months to feel truly at home and bonded (revealing true self). Patience is key, providing a safe, quiet space and consistent routines helps reduce stress and build trust during these stages, allowing the cat to adjust at its own pace.
Healthy adult cats: Can go without food for up to 24-48 hours without serious health consequences. Kittens: Should not go without food for more than 12 hours, as their bodies are not yet fully developed. Senior cats: Should not go without food for more than 24 hours, as their bodies are less adaptable.
Fat trimmings, raw meat, eggs, fish – There is a risk vomiting, diarrhea, salmonella or E. coli associated with these foods for some animals, especially when given improperly. Grapes and raisins – While cats are not likely to eat these, they can cause kidney damage and it's best to keep these out of reach.
Cats get most annoyed by loud, sudden noises (vacuums, thunder), strong smells (citrus, vinegar), changes in routine, dirty litter boxes, and unwanted handling like being picked up or stared at, as these disrupt their sense of security and sensory balance, triggering their sensitive hearing and instincts for control and safety. Unexpected movements, unfamiliar scents, and being forced into costumes also cause significant stress and annoyance for felines.
To apologize to a cat, use a soft, calm tone, offer treats or toys, initiate slow blinking, give space if needed, and respect their boundaries for physical touch, focusing on actions and tone over words to rebuild trust and affection. Don't force interaction, as they respond to reassurance and positive experiences more than human language.
Research suggests that cats' short term memories last around 16 hours, which means they can remember recent events and react accordingly. If a cat has had a minor scare—such as a loud noise or being bumped by accident—it may remember and act skittishly for a short period.
Cats hate strong, pungent, or bitter smells, with citrus (lemon, orange), vinegar, and harsh cleaning chemicals (ammonia, bleach) topping the list, along with certain herbs (lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary) and spices (cinnamon, pepper) that can irritate their sensitive noses, with some being toxic if ingested. Strong odors like spoiled food, other animals' scents, or menthol are also highly disliked.
Cats do remember negative experiences, but they don't dwell on resentment the way people do. Instead, they react based on learned associations and their need for safety. With patience, consistency, and care, most cats return to positive behaviors quickly.
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