Welcome to this Tuesday’s Edition of the Cats.com Newsletter! |
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My household has endured some significant changes recently and it’s causing my cats some stress. The other day I walked out of my home office to find Biscuit and Munchkin facing off in the hallway. Fortunately, the tension broke when my dog, Archie, cluelessly lumbered by, forcing them to scatter. To put it simply, there’s been a lot of growling lately.
In this Tuesday’s mailer, we’ll talk about some of the reasons cats growl and what you should (or shouldn’t) do about it.
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Interested in learning more about this subject? Here’s a list of relevant articles on Cats.com:
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My pets never really bonded the way you see some pets do. It’s especially surprising with my first two cats, Bagel and Munchkin, who were littermates I adopted at 3 months old. I thought one of them might buddy up to Biscuit when I adopted her a few years later, but no such luck.
And none of them ever liked Archie much. Fortunately, he’s a lovable goof who wouldn’t hurt a fly. In fact, the only time he growls is when he sees deer in the front yard and wants to go out and chase them.
My cats are a different story. Biscuit and Munchkin have been growling up a storm lately—ever since their housemate, Bagel, crossed over the rainbow bridge.
An increase in growling behavior is often a sign that something is upsetting your cat. Let’s explore the subject in depth. |
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Let’s Dive Into The Details |
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Growling is a behavior typically associated with dogs. Cats do it, too, but it sounds a little different. It’s a sound produced deep in the cat’s throat, almost like a low whine. Cats might growl with their mouth open, but usually not as wide as a yowl or hiss.
Here are some of the most common reasons cats growl:
- They’re issuing a warning to back off. A growl could be directed at another animal entering their perceived territory or approaching an important resource, like food.
- They’re feeling sick or in pain. If your cat is sick or injured, they might growl if you approach or try to touch the part that hurts. Look for other changes in behavior as a clue.
- They’re stressed or frightened. Cats can experience anxiety in unfamiliar situations and might growl or exhibit other aggressive behavior in self-defense.
- They’re feeling frustrated. Sometimes cats will growl when they want something but aren’t able to access it—like an animal in the yard viewed through the window.
Now that you have an idea of why cats growl, let’s talk about how to handle it. |
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The first thing you should do when your cat growls is stop. If you’re approaching your cat, pause. If you’re petting your cat, stop. You may not be able to immediately tell what’s bothering your cat, but they’re asking you to keep your distance.
A swishing tail, for example, might indicate that your cat is feeling afraid. Their ears might be laid back, their body hunched, and their fur puffed out. If you fail to heed your cat’s warning, you’ll likely be rewarded with a hiss and maybe a claws-out swipe.
It’s normal for cats to growl from time to time but if it becomes a frequent occurrence, it might be a sign your cat is stressed, anxious, or ill. Talk to your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health problems and consider whether there have been any significant changes to your cat’s routine or home environment.
If they’re just feeling a little on edge, offering opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation could help.
Try installing a window perch to expand your cat’s world beyond the walls of your home. Work in an extra daily play session with a wand toy or offer a puzzle toy for solo play. Don’t force your cat to interact if they don’t want to, but make yourself available at a safe distance just in case they’re feeling lonely. |
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Sneak Peek At Friday’s Mailer |
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Cats don’t usually like change, but sometimes it’s necessary. The trick is to make the change gradually, if possible, to avoid overwhelming your cat. In Friday’s mailer, we’ll talk about how to change your cat’s diet without upsetting their stomach. |
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Meet The Author
Kate is a pet food nutrition specialist and writer who has been part of the Cats.com family for over three years. She is the doting owner of three cats - Bagel, Munchkin, and Biscuit - and often shares stories about them in weekly mailers like this one! |
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Meet The Author
Kate is a pet food nutrition specialist and writer who has been part of the Cats.com family for over three years. She is the doting owner of three cats - Bagel, Munchkin, and Biscuit - and often shares stories about them in weekly mailers like this one! |
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