Cats
Thousands of us love Simon’s Cat videos – they’re funny but it’s more than that: many cat owners can relate to the frolics and everyday situations that the videos show.
But have you ever wondered why Simon’s Cat acts the way it does – and why your own cat may do some of those ‘funny’ things too?
Simon’s Cat is releasing a new series of videos called Simon’s Cat Logic in which Cats Protection’s Behaviour Manager Nicky Trevorrow explains why cats behave in the way Simon’s Cat does. In the first video Nicky is discussing is 'Crazy time', which shows a frenzied feline having a moment of madness.
The hunting instinct is often triggered by movement, so toys that move such as fishing rod toys with feathers are a useful way to provide pet cats with this outlet – and it’s great fun for you too!
Try playing short games of a minute or two throughout the day to mimic your cat’s natural hunting activity. Cats are crepuscular which means that they are most active during dawn and dusk (when prey is also most active) so cats naturally feel wide awake and ready to start the day in the early hours. It can be useful to have extra play sessions during these times to use up their extra energy.
Always let your cat catch and 'kill' the toy to avoid frustration and store toys safely out of reach after use.
Feline fact: Hunting behaviour is not influenced by hunger, which is why a cat will hunt even after eating. Each part of the hunting activity – the stalk, pounce, play and kill – releases feel-good hormones called endorphins.
You can find out more about why a cat may wake and disturb you through the night by reading our night time waking behaviour focus blog post.
Does your cat have a ‘crazy’ time too? Join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #SimonsCatLogic.
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- ‘why Does My Cat Hunt Even After Eating?’ And Other Behaviour Faqs
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- Feeding Enrichment Puzzles For Your Cat
Like their ancestors, the African Wildcat, domestic cats are programmed to hunt. Each part of the hunting activity – the stalk, pounce, play and kill – releases feel-good hormones called endorphins. Cats need to have frequent successful ‘kills’...
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Cats
Cat crazy time explained
Thousands of us love Simon’s Cat videos – they’re funny but it’s more than that: many cat owners can relate to the frolics and everyday situations that the videos show.
But have you ever wondered why Simon’s Cat acts the way it does – and why your own cat may do some of those ‘funny’ things too?
Simon’s Cat is releasing a new series of videos called Simon’s Cat Logic in which Cats Protection’s Behaviour Manager Nicky Trevorrow explains why cats behave in the way Simon’s Cat does. In the first video Nicky is discussing is 'Crazy time', which shows a frenzied feline having a moment of madness.
Why do cats have a ‘crazy’ five minutes?
The domestic cat shares common ancestry with the African wildcat which has a number of hunting episodes a day, whereas our pet cats have a more sedate lifestyle so need to burn off excess energy.The hunting instinct is often triggered by movement, so toys that move such as fishing rod toys with feathers are a useful way to provide pet cats with this outlet – and it’s great fun for you too!
Try playing short games of a minute or two throughout the day to mimic your cat’s natural hunting activity. Cats are crepuscular which means that they are most active during dawn and dusk (when prey is also most active) so cats naturally feel wide awake and ready to start the day in the early hours. It can be useful to have extra play sessions during these times to use up their extra energy.
Always let your cat catch and 'kill' the toy to avoid frustration and store toys safely out of reach after use.
Feline fact: Hunting behaviour is not influenced by hunger, which is why a cat will hunt even after eating. Each part of the hunting activity – the stalk, pounce, play and kill – releases feel-good hormones called endorphins.
You can find out more about why a cat may wake and disturb you through the night by reading our night time waking behaviour focus blog post.
Does your cat have a ‘crazy’ time too? Join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #SimonsCatLogic.
- Is Your Kitten Smitten?
Yesterday on the blog we looked at how to recognise the signs of your cat showing you ‘love’ or affection; and how cats in the same social group can show affection to each other (if you missed the post, read it here). But what happens when your kitten...
- Behaviour Focus: Inappropriate Play
In this week’s behaviour focus post, Cats Protection Behaviour Manager Nicky Trevorrow explains why a cat may show misdirected predatory play behaviour. Why does my cat attack people’s legs when they walk past? If you've read any of my other...
- ‘why Does My Cat Hunt Even After Eating?’ And Other Behaviour Faqs
Recently Cats Protection’s behaviour expert Nicky Trevorrow took over our Facebook page and answered live feline behaviour questions from our supporters. Did you miss it? Not to worry – check the end of this post for dates of further upcoming Facebook...
- Feeding Enrichment Puzzles For Your Cat
Like their ancestors, the African Wildcat, domestic cats are programmed to hunt. Each part of the hunting activity – the stalk, pounce, play and kill – releases feel-good hormones called endorphins. Cats need to have frequent successful ‘kills’...
- Simon’s Cat Visit Cats Protection
Earlier this week we were very excited to receive a visit from Simon Tofield, creator of Simon’s Cat, at the National Cat Centre in Sussex. Following a successful crowdfunding project, Simon’s Cat raised funding to create an 11 minute colour film,...