Understanding Our Feline Friends
All of us who are cat-lovers feel that our little furry friends are one of the best pets a person can have. And understanding what cat behavior means can enhance our relationship even more.
Most cat behaviors are innate but they vary according to breed and the individual personality of the cat. The behaviors will probably also be influenced by other cats in the family which reflects their temperament and dominance.
It’s interesting to note that many behaviorists believe housecats are closer to their wild ancestors than any other domesticated animal. As a result, many of their behavior patterns are similar to those of cats living in the wild. If you think of your cats as predators at heart and see the world through the eyes of smart, shrewd hunters, you’ll begin to understand why your cats do the things they do.
But it’s good to remember that even though many cat lovers refer to their felines as “the kids”, cats are not children in fur coats or small dogs “with attitude”. Cats not only behave quite differently than dogs but they have different needs as well. And certainly cats are well known for being quite self sufficient, as opposed to dogs which typically require more attention and more care.
Cats make wonderful pets whether they are the only cat in the house, or they’re in multiple cat households. They can be a solitary pet or one of many animals in your house. Cats behave quite different from dogs and have different needs. Cats are often desirable because they are quite self sufficient. Understanding cat behavior is an important part of creating the best environment for both you and your pet.
Cat Communication
Body movement is one of the easiest ways for cats to communicate with humans. When a cat flattens its ears, it’s angry or displeased. Affection is shown by rubbing its head or face against a person’s body. When a cat stretches and rolls around with its paws in the air, it feels relaxed and safe with the people around it and its location.
Cats do have ways to vocalize their feelings, (some through excessive vocalization) which are keys to interpreting their behaviors. Purring can indicate either pain or pleasure. A guttural sound may indicate the cat is in “hunting” mode. And loud meowing can be a clear message to a cat’s owner that it’s dinner time.
Male vs. Female
There are distinct areas where male cat behavior differs from that of a female cat, a difference which comes mostly from the male cat’s need to establish and protect a safe territory and to mate (note:neutering makes a difference in your male cat’s behavior!).
One of the most well known is the male’s propensity for wandering. This behavior in males sometimes comes from a desire to increase his territory or he may be seeking out a female in heat. And sometimes it simply comes from his highly reputed sense of curiosity.
The wandering and desire to dominate territory also leads to fighting which is why fighting is more commonly recognized as a male rather than a female cat behavior.
The more we understand our cats and their behaviors, the more comfortable we become with them and the better chance we have of providing the best environment for them, which in turn leads to the more enjoyment we get from having them as pets.
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