Feline Behavior

Understanding Feline Behavior

Despite our anthropomorphic view of animals, it is important to understand that they are, indeed, animals. Therefore, their behaviors, habits and idiosyncrasies cannot always be comprehended by human rationalization. So, if you are thinking of bringing a cat into your home, it is wise to research their behavior before making a commitment. In other words, in order to offer a cat the best possible care, it is a good idea to understand what makes him, or her, tick.

Natural Inclinations

A cat's natural instincts compel it to hunt prey, just as a member of the large cat family would do. Despite centuries of domestication, the stalking and hunting instincts have not been eliminated and this should always be born in mind.

Due to their genetic predisposition to hunting, cats are typically agile, active, inquisitive and intelligent creatures. Subsequently, it is imperative that they are offered lots of stimulation. In turn, this leads to the great "indoor or outdoor" debate (for which there are pros and cons on both sides). The fact of the matter is, that whether you choose to allow your cat to roam or keep him, or her, indoors, it is important that plenty of exercise and mental stimulation be provided.

Bear in mind, cats, like any other animal, will overeat and become languorous when bored, which will lead to health issues, such as diabetes, and can lead to the premature death of a much-loved pet.

Cats are Nothing Like Dogs

In fact, cats are like no other domesticated animal. Before brining a kitten home, it is advisable to ensure that the temperament of a cat is right for your lifestyle. The predominant feature of a cat is its independence, which means they are not programmed to please an owner. A cat's first concern is itself. Similarly, a cat will give and receive affection on its own terms.

Many cat owners choose to share their home with cats, because, unlike dogs, they are not programmed to please their owner. Subsequently, when a cat chooses to display affection it is all the more rewarding. However, it is important, particularly if you have children, to understand that the majority of cats are not patient and do not appreciate being handled excessively. If you, or you kids, are not willing to accept this, then perhaps a cat is not the right choice for you.

Behavioral Problems

If a cat's behavior becomes an issue, it is wise to visit a veterinarian, especially if the cat's behavior has changed, because health problems can often cause behavioral difficulties in cats. For example, signs of aggression can be indicative of a number of medical conditions.

Once your cat has been given a clean bill of health, it is advisable to assess your cat's behavior and possible reasons for it. In other words, your cat may have a penchant for scratching your best furniture, because he, or she, does not have a scratching post or ample toys to play with.

Alternatively, your cat may be experiencing difficulties using the litter tray. In this instance, it is wise to check the litter tray to ensure that you cat can access it easily. Additionally, it is advisable to cover any soil or sand that can be found, such as houseplants. Subsequently, you may find it helpful to go back to basics and housetrain your cat from square one.

Before purchasing any pet, it is advisable to do your research. Ensure that you understand a cat's needs before taking on the responsibility of a pet. Remember that although cats can be trained, they are not as willing to please as their canine counterparts are. Therefore, some behaviors cannot be eliminated from a cat.

Samantha Markham is a freelance writer, working for Remmeer.com. Remmeer. com is an online pet stockist that supplies an array of products for cat lovers, including cat lover kitchen accessories and cat picture frames.

My male cat was just neutered and I caught him spraying.?
I'm going to try to get him to stop but I have never used these products before. One website suggests first using Lysol to clean the remnants of the spray then use Feliway Feline Behavior Modification Spray to keep the cat from spraying there again and also a Comfort Zone Diffuser. Has anyone had any luck with these or can you suggest something else. He just got fixed last week and I know it may take awhile before he finally breaks the habit but I would hate for him to just keep doing it if I don't do anything about it.

Get the answers...

Why would my male cat come up and bite the back/tail area of my female cat while she was using the litter box?
Both of my cats are fixed and have lived together for at least three years. This is the first time that I have observed my male cat do this. If anyone knows what the meaning behind this feline behavior, please answer. Thanks.

Get the answers...

Does anyone recognize this feline behaviour?
After returning from a two week absence where our cat was well cared for in another home, she now seems fearful of eating. She is still hungry and in fact rushes through eating, but seems to want to escape the whole time. On a few occasions she has let out a terrible noise and ran away to hide in the process. I don't think it is a physical problem and after observing it for several days I am convinced it is psychological. Has anyone experienced anything like this before and if so what have you done?

Get the answers...

feline behavior?
we adopted a stray. sweet, friendly, likes people. this was in july. about 10 months now. however, my grandmother doesn't like him in the house but agreed to let him in when it's cold. i feed him around five pm and go out to gethim around eight. at first he wanted to come in but now he wants nothing to do with us except for food now. he has a cat friend and we have a small dog whose about the same age. i don't know what's wrong; we're really good to him. he chooses to be out--he can stay in my room or in someone's lap when he wants to come in--we let him in whenever he wants. he's very independent. i just don't know what i'm doing wrong. is he just jealous of the dog who likes to playfight or mad because he thinks i forgot about him at night(i go out searching for him and he won't come in). He has a warm place that he always goes under our house by the hotub. he hasn't been neutered yet.

Get the answers...

Is It Normal For A Cat To Have "Staring Issues?"?
Hey Y'all. Ok, this may seem like one of those crazy kind of questions, but hey...when one does not know, then that's how he learns. Right?....Ok, I have this cat. Her name is Sheeba. She is 4 yrs old, and she has some "MAJOR" Staring issues. If I'm @ the kitchen table, she sits on the other chair, and just "stares" at me for at least an hour. same goes for if I'm on the computer, or on the couch watching TV, it continues. My wife & I pick her up, we hold her, we pet her, but when she gets down, it's back to the staring issue. You often wonder what goes on in a cats mind, but this little crazy furball has some major issues with this situation. So, I was wondering if there might be someone who is experienced in "Feline Behaviour" that could help shed some light on this. I mean come on, it doesn't matter what I do, she sits for hours and just stares, & stares & stares. So, I look forward to some answers on what this might be that causes her to do this crazy act of amusement for herself.

Get the answers...

Feline Behavior News

Joey the Garden Cat health update

Dr. Terry Dew has good news about Joey the Garden Cat's biopsy report .

The Post published Kittens needed for feline survey

Article

Kentwood Cat Veterinarian Announces Therapeutic Laser Services

KENTWOOD, Mich. -- Kentwood Cat Clinic and Cat Clinic North announced that the cat clinics are now offering therapeutic laser services. The cat care centers now have new laser equipment for performing ...

3 treated after 2 new rabies cases found in Oneida County

VIENNA — Two more cases of rabies have been confirmed in Oneida County and three people are undergoing treatment as a result of exposure to the virus.