Understanding cat behavior is important to help you and your pet cat or kitten live harmoniously together in your home environment. Cat behavior problems are the number one reason why cats are given up by their owners to shelters and lost. It can be quite difficult to understand cat behavior if you don’t understand your pet’s basic needs.
To begin understanding your cat’s behavior, you must first understand their body language, as well as their unique mannerisms. Basic knowledge of cat behavior is necessary before you can properly care for and train your cat or kitten. Cat communication is basically the transfer of specific information from one or more cats that has an effect on the or end behavior of another animal, such as a human. In essence, cats use a wide range of communication systems, including visual, auditory, tactile, and olfactory as well as speech.
Cat Behavior
Cat kneading is a form of cat behavior referred to as cat nudging. It is also known as gentle prodding. Kneading, when done by gentle, tame cats, is usually done to establish a relationship of trust and affection between the two cats. It can also be a playful act, much like that of a dog when he scratches. However, gentle kitty kneading is not meant to harm or hurt.
It is interesting to note that cat behavior is very similar to that of dogs. In fact, many people confuse cats with dogs in terms of their playfulness and desire for attention. Some dogs will nudge or scratch your cat to get their attention. However, in the wild, feral cats will often nudge and scratch other dogs to establish their position of power in a pack. It is believed that this instinctual behavior dates back thousands of years to the time before mankind began walking the earth.
Aggressive Behavior
What kind of cat behavior is exhibited by cats that might lead one to suspect that they are not using their litter box properly? Although cats may scratch a post or some other object, this is not considered extremely aggressive behavior. This sort of behavior is, in fact, considered to be a mark of submissiveness. Also, it does not mean that the cat is afraid of his owner or the object of his scratching. In fact, cats may use their scratching posts as a way of exercising themselves.
What kind of cat behavior is exhibited by domestic cats that may lead one to suspect that they do not belong to the feline family? While many people think of cats as sleek, beautiful animals with long beautiful coats, the domestic cat has its share of shortcomings. Domestic cats are not as well suited to living in large houses as wild cats are. Also, domestic cats have shorter, slimmer coats which make them less than ideal companions for those with larger pets.
Do the domestic cats you come across scratch with their claws only, or are they capable of inflicting some level of injury if they are physically provoked? Cats and dogs both use their claws for such activities, but dogs inflict more severe injuries with their bites. If the cat you have in your house scratches too much, do not hesitate to take it to the vet for examination. Some medical conditions can cause excessive scratching, and an X-ray can pinpoint whether your cat is suffering from such a condition.
Bottom Line
Cat behavior is a subject of much discussion and debate. Many people believe that cats are excellent pets because they provide a sense of security to their owners. Cats also provide entertainment value to those who are away from home for extended periods of time, like people who are on business trips. While cat behavior is ultimately up to each cat’s individual personality, it is nice to know that there is some research that can inform others about the quirks of cat behavior.
