Articles


Cat Behaviors: Understanding Your Cat

by Paul Proctor

If you are looking for a companion animal, try checking with the local rescue or shelter organizations for one that had been stray or abandoned. Formerly feral felines can become loving pets, but often have some quirks to deal with. Often cat behaviors are foreign to humans, so you will need to invest time and energy into understanding their signals.

It is best if the adoption process begins with the cat's consent. If the cat is willing to interact with you, then you know you're on the right track. Food is the best way to earn a cat's trust. It takes time and patience, but if you go a little further each day, the cat will eventually become used to you.

What to do when your kitty is living with you? The cat behaviors that are the most problematic to people are cat scratching, the spraying of urine and the need to hunt. Luckily, there are plenty of solutions that will be healthy for your cat and keep you from from getting exasperated.

A cat's need to scratch can damage furniture and walls, so it's a good idea to get some kind of of scratching post. These can range from simple cardboard varieties to larger carpeted ones. A kitty jungle-gym will let your cat not only scratch but have a place to climb about on and sleep in.

If you have a male pet cat, it would be crucial for you to have him neutered. Otherwise you will experienced having his urine sprayed all over your place to mark his territory. This will also be good for him because it will discouraged fight with other male of the same specie.

All cats feel the need hunt. This cat behaviour is particularly strong in stray cats as it is the way they have survived up until their adoption. Don't be alarmed if your cat brings the body of a small woodland creature to your doorstep. Praising, instead of reproaching the cat for it's actions, will go a long way in keeping your cat happy.

If you can't find a way to cope with these cat behaviors, you won't be able to achieve and maintain a happy relationship with your pet. Since it needs an energy outlet, a cat must be permitted to hunt or its pent-up energy will result in absolutely maddening behavior. Also, if you care about the appearance of your household belongings, you must deal with the twin problems of scratching and spraying. It is vital to learn about these cat behaviors, most especially when you are considering adoption of a stray cat.

Cats can present unusual and sometimes difficult problems to those who adopt them, and cat behaviors are in general often misunderstood. The cat scratching, territorial urine spraying and the hunting instinct tend to cause the most problems. Luckily for us and our feline friends, there are solutions that help keep both kitty and kitty owner happy. Some cat behaviour may make you uncomfortable, such as your cat's desire to hunt. Playing with furry little mouse toys or a feather on a stick will redirect the hunter in him. Giving him an outlet to scratch will curb his destructive activity on your most prized furniture.

Published December 1st, 2007

Filed in Family, Recreation