Cat Behaviors: Why Do Cats Do What They Do?
For some people who want to own a cat, adopting a stray can be a wonderful and morally responsible choice. However, sometimes strays can offer a difficult challenge for someone who is adopting them. Certain cat behaviors can be often misunderstood, so a person adopting a stray needs to be careful to adjust to a new cat's behavior to help turn them into a happy domesticated pet.
The most successful adoption starts with the cat choosing you too. If it is willing to come to you and acts friendly you know things are fine, but that's not always the case. Then the cat's food can be the most effective means of earning a cat's friendship. You have to be patient, but day by day your new pet will start to become accustomed to you.
What to do when your kitty is living with you? The cat behaviors that are the most problematic to people are cat scratching, the spraying of urine and the need to hunt. Luckily, there are plenty of solutions that will be healthy for your cat and keep you from from getting exasperated.
A cat's need to scratch can damage furniture and walls, so it's a good idea to get some kind of of scratching post. These can range from simple cardboard varieties to larger carpeted ones. A kitty jungle-gym will let your cat not only scratch but have a place to climb about on and sleep in.
Male cats mark their territory by spraying urine - neutering will stop this natural, but destructive, behavior. It will also benefit your cat's health, because neutering will turn off his aggressiveness and natural desire to fight with other males.
All cats feel the need hunt. This cat behaviour is particularly strong in stray cats as it is the way they have survived up until their adoption. Don't be alarmed if your cat brings the body of a small woodland creature to your doorstep. Praising, instead of reproaching the cat for it's actions, will go a long way in keeping your cat happy.
If you can't find a way to cope with these cat behaviors, you won't be able to achieve and maintain a happy relationship with your pet. Since it needs an energy outlet, a cat must be permitted to hunt or its pent-up energy will result in absolutely maddening behavior. Also, if you care about the appearance of your household belongings, you must deal with the twin problems of scratching and spraying. It is vital to learn about these cat behaviors, most especially when you are considering adoption of a stray cat.
Cats can present unusual and sometimes difficult problems to those who adopt them, and cat behaviors are in general often misunderstood. The cat scratching, territorial urine spraying and the hunting instinct tend to cause the most problems. Luckily for us and our feline friends, there are solutions that help keep both kitty and kitty owner happy. Some cat behaviour may make you uncomfortable, such as your cat's desire to hunt. Playing with furry little mouse toys or a feather on a stick will redirect the hunter in him. Giving him an outlet to scratch will curb his destructive activity on your most prized furniture.
Published December 1st, 2007
Filed in Recreation
