Anyone who shares their home with a cat knows that they are a unique creature. While every cat has its own personality, there are some underlying innate behavioral characteristics that make them decidedly different from dogs (and people).
Dogs and people are “pack species” and have evolved as group hunters of large prey. The cat is an “independent species” and has evolved as a solitary hunter of small prey. The cat is also a prey item for larger animals (such as dogs). Being independent by nature is what makes most cats happier with interaction on their terms. Cats like to feel like they are in control of their situation, therefore changes to their routine or surroundings is challenging for them. They do not respond to force.
It is important to understand the basics of cat behavior so that we can provide a home that they feel content and safe in. Knowing how they would use a natural environment helps us to simulate that environment in our homes. Not only does this make a happy cat that you can live amicably with, but it reduces their stress and anxiety. It has been found that stress can play a role in illness, particularly urinary tract related illness, in the cat. Without the proper provisions, normal cat behavior can be problematic in a home.
From Kitty’s perspective:
- I want my space. Have a separate area for food, water, and elimination. No one should sneak up on me when I am eating or eliminating. Avoid placement near appliances or vents that could startle me.
- Litter pan happiness. The rule of thumb for litter pans is to have one pan per cat plus one (2 cats = 3 pans). Place a pan on each level of the home. Most, but not all cats like fine, unscented, clean litter in a large, open pan. Finding my pan should not be a journey or dangerous adventure. It shouldn’t be gross. Experiment with side by side boxes to determine preferences if you are making a change.
- Let me hunt. I will hunt birds, bugs, or rodents, but I might have a favorite. Experiment with toys to find which I prefer. Do not use fingers or toes as toys. Be careful of toys with strings attached or toys that are falling apart. If small parts or a string could be eaten by me, the toy is no longer safe. (Bugs= lasers, hard kibble, Rodents= balls, furry mice toys on the ground, Birds= feathered toys, suspended toys)
- … Or let me sleep. In nature, I am hunting as many as 20 prey items per day. Between hunts, I rest. I do not have a pattern to my sleep/wake cycle as my person does and therefore can be more active than my person might like at night. Adding some play during the day can help to keep me quieter at night.
- Let me find my safe place up high. I want to spend my vulnerable sleeping time where nothing will surprise or hurt me. In nature, I am a prey item for other animals. I often have a preference for being elevated or hidden away when I am resting. Perches also provide a means to watch the action from above, check out the outdoors, and satisfy my curiosity without feeling at risk.
- Scratch that. I may scratch horizontal or vertical surfaces. I may prefer sisal, cardboard, or another substrate. Experiment until you find the favorite. I scratch to hone my claws, but also to scent mark and stretch. My scratching areas should be readily available.
This is short article is only a brief summary of the nuances of cat behaviors. The best resource for all homes with cats is the website dedicated to Indoor Pets from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats
article written by:
Laura Rau-Holl, DVM
Wolf Merrick Animal Hospital, Kenosha, WI
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