Cats Behavior: Raise A Good Kitten
Cats behavior is an enigma to the people who spend their time these animals and care for them. A cats behavior is not the same as human behavior and cat control can not be achieved by using methods that are based on faulty assumptions.
Humans are not pure carnivores or predators but cats are. They play and eat and behave the way they do as part of their history of living as hunting creatures in the wild. Too many humans try seeing cats behavior in human terms and understanding and this causes conflict. We would never expect an elephant to act the same way that a parakeet does, but many cat owners expect their pets to act human.
When dealing with discipline issues with your feline friend, physical discipline typically does not work and can cause your cat to react in an aggressive and hostile manner. Alternatively, using a sharp “No” and then removing the cat from the area consistently will be more effective. Most animals will respond better when they are awarded for positive behavior and admonished for bad behavior.
With cats, behavior we may consider inappropriate is an adaptation from instinctive needs. Spraying with urine was used to mark territories and protect a breeding group, but is not much welcomed inside a human home. Behavioral training will help when the cat is going to be bred, but for just a pet, neutering is a better choice.
Cats also scratch things to sharpen and trim their claws, which was essential to catch prey in the wild. They need to be trained to use appropriate scratching substitutes instead of the furniture or your pants leg. Many scratching boxes, posts and toys are sold, and your cat vet can help you choose the best products for your kitty.
Cats will stalk prey and use them for entertainment like a toy after capture. Toys that are safe to bite or chew can often be treated with catnip. In this way it will help your cat play and get rid of some of their pent up energy. If your cat is an outdoors car, it will eventually bring home a fresh kill as a “gift”. This is a cat’s natural instinct and so it should never be punished as a result. Even indoor cats will treat you with such gifts as a bug or a mouse.
To be a responsible cat owner means researching feline behavior. The cat that is always underfoot isn’t trying to trip you, she’s showing affection. If little Fluffy hisses at you when you get too close to his food, it’s because he is as protective of his meal as any lion in the wild. Learning what your cat’s normal instincts are will go a long way towards making your home a happier, safer one”"for you AND your pets.
Cat owners have a natural tendency to think of their pets as part of the family, which they are. A cat’s behavior cannot be compared to a child’s. Remembering that cats have different instincts than humans will help immensely with cat control, and if you forget this you’re likely to end up “herding cats.” Sometimes cats act a little crazy, but a lot of cats behavior comes from their instincts. Domestic kitties need to be trained how to scratch in more appropriate places than on your furniture. Your cat vet will be able to help you choose appropriate scratching boxes, posts, and toys for your pet.
- Paul Proctor