Behaviour in cats - what's the norm?
Despite human efforts to the contrary, cats are unique animals that are not all that different from their wild forebears. They exhibit a wide variety of behaviors in addition to having their own code of silence. Therefore, even if we strive to tame them and bring them into our homes, they still have a tendency to "do their own thing" and have their own opinions! Cat owners may find this quite annoying, but the reality is that you have to learn how to coexist with your cat rather than expecting it to do so. You may create techniques to get your cat to behave in a certain way by understanding why they behave that way.
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Kneading: Cats often knead with their paws, pushing in and out against a soft surface. This behavior is a leftover instinct from kittenhood when they kneaded their mother's belly to stimulate milk flow.
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Rubbing: Cats rub against people, objects, or other cats to mark their territory with scent glands located on their face. This behavior is a way of claiming ownership.
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Hiding: Cats may hide when they feel threatened, scared, or unwell. It's their way of finding a safe and quiet place.
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Hunting: Cats are natural hunters. Even well-fed domestic cats retain their hunting instincts and may engage in activities like stalking, pouncing, and chasing.
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Chirping and Chattering: Some cats make chirping or chattering sounds, especially when they are watching birds or other prey animals. This behavior is thought to mimic the sounds they make when hunting.
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Bringing Gifts: Cats may bring their owners "gifts" in the form of dead or injured prey. This behavior is a display of their hunting prowess and a way to show care.
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Nuzzling: Cats nuzzle as a sign of affection. They may nuzzle their owners or other pets in the household to show love and bond.
Can cats be trained?
Given their intense desire to please their owners, dogs are probably easier to teach than cats. Contrarily, cats are extremely motivated by their own enjoyment. Making anything you want your cat to perform extremely rewarding is the key to successful cat training. The cat should find it uncomfortable to engage in behaviors that you do not want. Cats that receive punishment will only learn to misbehave when you are not looking! Some cats act out in order to attract attention, and when they do, they receive a reward that motivates them to act out again.
How do I train my cat to use a litter box?
Since cats are generally fairly tidy by nature, litter training is not too difficult. Take your kitten to a clean litter tray after feeding or when it wakes up. Scratch the litter as your cat approaches the box to pique her curiosity. To teach your cat that the litter tray is a wonderful place to be, it must always be kept clean. Tell your cat how happy you are if she uses the tray.
Can I stop my cat from hunting?
Many owners find it hard to accept that their adorable pet is also a vicious hunter. A cat that is determined to bring his prey home can be particularly challenging to live with. Cats have a strong innate need to hunt, and even if they are fed adequately, they will still pursue and capture prey. Kittens utilize hunting behavior in their play on an instinctual level, and as they get bigger, they refine the skills.
Unless you keep your cats indoors all the time, you will never be able to quit them from hunting. If your cat has a bell on its collar, it might catch fewer creatures overall.
Why does my cat scratch the furniture?
Cats in the wild use their claws as a vital component of their armory. They employ them in combat, climbing, and hunting. Therefore, it's crucial to maintain the claws' sharpness and condition. By removing the dead nail layers, scratching helps your cat's claws stay in better shape. Cats may scratch furniture to keep their claws sharp, but you can typically educate them that this is not appropriate behavior by making it uncomfortable for them (e.g., by yelling at them when they do it). But you will have to teach your cat where they can and cannot scratch, and provide them a designated area, like a scratching post. In addition, cats may scratch furniture to indicate and demarcate their territory. If your cat continues to behave in this way, you might need to ask your veterinarian for guidance on how to handle it.
It's important to note that individual cats can have unique behaviors and personalities. While these behaviors are generally normal, sudden changes in behavior or extreme deviations from these patterns might indicate health issues or stress. If you notice significant changes in your cat's behavior, consulting a veterinarian or animal behaviorist is advisable to ensure your cat's well-being.
