Understanding Your Cat

Understanding Your Cat

Each cat has it’s own distinct personality. Below are some examples of what to expect from your pet. Some will be more laid back and others will want to investigate everything it sees and hears. Understanding some of these behaviors will help you and your cat to form a special bond.

The Cats Hunting Instinct

Cats are natural hunters; you should never scold a cat for hunting, you will never be able to eradicate this instinctive behavior. Do not assume that your cat is hungry and is hunting for food: domestic cats will hunt even if they are well feed. Their pray, which they often play with, is usually birds or small rodents.

A Hunter’s Gift

Your cat might come home with a bird or rodent in its mouth, which it proudly drops at your feet. This is meant as a contribution to the family, and the best thing you can do is to accept it. You should then dispose of the dead rodent
or bird promptly because it could harbor disease. If you scold your cat for bring you a gift, it will think that are not satisfied with its offering and may hunt again in an attempt to please you.

Cat Territorial Marking

A cat has its own territory, which it delineates by rubbing special scent glands and spraying its urine against the points that mark its boundaries. Usually, a cat marks only its territorial boundaries outdoors. If it starts to do so indoors, it could be that its been upset by a change in the household routine; a new cat in the home could spark this kind of behavior. Generally, cats do not behave aggressively toward people. If your cat tries to bite and scratch you, it may mean that it is unwell and is in pain, or that you might be handling it roughly and hurting it.

Over dependent Cat

An over dependent cat will follow you around, constantly seeking your attention by crying. Certain breeds, such as Siamese, seem, in general, to be more dependent. If you are away from home a lot, it is probable best not to buy a Siamese. Keep a dependent cat occupied by giving it toys.

Stop That Cat From Straying

Usually, it is unneutered male cats and cats that are not properly cared for that stray. Cats can survive with out human care and may revert to a semi feral state. Break the straying habit by calling your cat regularly at feeding times and confining it indoors for a short period.

Cat Houseplant Eater

Your cat can be the enemy of your house plants. A cat that is kept indoors and has no access to greenery may try to chew your house plants. To stop your cat from doing chewing the house plants, regularly spray the plant with diluted lemon juice; most cats dislike its taste.

Cat Fighting Spirit

Unneutered male cats are usually  highly territorial. They will fight with cats that trespass into there territory and for a female mate. Neutered males and females also occasionally get in cat fights, but far less often then tomcats. Neutering calms a male down.

Imposing Discipline On Your Cat

Ensure your cat is well behaved by disciplining it as a kitten; if discipline is left until adult hood, the cat will already be set in its ways. You should never try to discipline your cat using pain. A humane and effective method of discipline is to spray your cat with water from a spray bottle. A very gentle tape on the nose should only be given as a last resort.