"Why is my cat behaving like this?" Reasons our cats do the things they do.

It’s one of the most common — and most emotional — questions I hear:

“I love my cat, but I am DONE with their behavior. Why are they doing this?”

I wish there were a simple, quick answer. There isn’t.

But here’s what matters most: that doesn’t mean you’re failing your cat.

Cats don’t come into our lives as blank slates. We don’t get to write their personalities, their coping skills, or how they’ll respond to us, other animals, or their environment. Every cat comes with a history — even when we don’t know what that history is.

Some cats never learned “how to cat” during the critical early weeks that shape social skills for life. Some were found alone, frightened, and far too young to survive on their own. Some endured the trauma of outdoor life — predators, constant fear, and sometimes people who were not kind.

Some cats are simply born wired a certain way. That’s genetics. And some are quietly carrying pain, discomfort, or illness we can’t see — and just like humans, when the body hurts, behavior changes.

And sometimes? The behavior isn’t actually bad at all.

It’s normal cat behavior that humans don’t love — or don’t yet understand.

Cats don’t get to choose their past. They don’t get to choose their future. They don’t get to choose the expectations we place on them.

They do the best they can with what they’re given.

They also can’t always tell us what’s wrong in ways that are easy for humans to understand — and that part is where we come in.

Here’s what I want every pet parent to hear clearly:

Not everything is your fault. And you are not alone.

Yes, routine matters. Yes, environment matters. Yes, how we respond to behavior matters.

But sometimes you can do everything right and still have a cat who struggles.

So many loving, dedicated pet parents are navigating behavior challenges right now. Cat behavior can be complex, nuanced, and deeply misunderstood — and it’s okay if you don’t have all the answers.

As a cat behavior professional, I want to say this plainly:

Not every behavior needs fixing.

Sometimes the real work is understanding. Listening to what your cat is communicating. Learning how to respond in a way that supports them instead of fighting who they are.

This work isn’t about “fixing” a cat who isn’t broken. It’s about working with the cat you have — even when they’re a little different, a little sensitive, or a little misunderstood.

I see how hard you’re trying. I see the love you show, even in the exhausting moments. And I believe that with the right support, clarity, and compassion, things can feel better — for both of you.

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

If you need guidance, support, or someone to help you understand what your cat is really telling you, I welcome you to reach out.

📧 friskyfelinebehaviors@gmail.com

Together, we can listen more closely — and support our cats the way they deserve.