If you are thinking of welcoming a cat into your home, then it is a good idea to understand the basics of cat behavior. To understand the way a cat behaves, it is important to view him, or her, as a member of the feline family, rather than a house pet, because a cat's natural inclinations will inform much of its behavior. An owner who understands why his, or her, cat behaves in the way that it does, will typically have a happier and healthier animal.
Therefore, below you will find some basic information about the natural instincts of cats and the ways that these instincts manifest themselves in a domestic setting.
Wild Thing
In many ways, cats are still fairly wild animals. Despite domestication, they are extremely independent and retain the capability to hunt and fend for itself. The same cannot be said of other domesticated animals, which would not survive if left to roam independently.
A cat's natural inclination to stalk and kill its prey informs most of its domestic behaviors and ensures that the cat is agile, curious, athletic and intelligent. These natural tendencies are often seen in the way that cats play and are the reason that some people feel it is cruel to keep a cat indoors. Whichever side of this debate you fall on, it is important that your cat is offered plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Remember, that if a cat is kept indoors it should always have opportunities to climb, jump and act out its innate behavior.
Cats are the Opposite of Dogs
Cats and dogs could not be more dissimilar in the way they behave, although, obviously, there are exceptions to the rule. A cat cannot be trained in the same way that you would train a dog, which is not to suggest that a cat can't be trained at all, because it can. However, you are unlikely to find a cat that is eager to play fetch, sit or play dead on command.
Essentially, a cat is too willful to accept a submissive position. Additionally, most cats are unwilling to be manhandled against their will. In other words, your cat will not allow you to offer affection if he, or she, does not want it. These are important facets of cat behavior to consider before committing yourself to one. Therefore, it is advisable to assess your situation fully, before taking on the responsibility of pet ownership.
Behavioral Issues
Due to a cat's independence and willfulness, it can be very difficult to resolve behavioral problems, but it is not impossible.
If your cat is displaying a sudden change in behavior or has developed a behavioral problem, your first port of call should be a veterinarian, because some issues can be caused by simple health problems. Cats, like humans, can become grumpy when unwell. Therefore, cat owners often find that undesirable behavior is the result of a physical ailment.
On the other hand, if a vet can find nothing wrong with your cat, it is advisable to examine your cat's quality of life and its range of activities. If your cat is not getting enough exercise it will become frustrated, often this frustration is released on your best furniture. So, it is wise to ensure that your cat has a good range of toys to keep him, or her, from becoming bored.
Essentially, the more you know about your pet the better. If you understand what makes an animal tick you can provide it with the stimulation and nourishment that it requires. Therefore, it is always advisable to do as much research as possible on your chosen pet.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3067959
Therefore, below you will find some basic information about the natural instincts of cats and the ways that these instincts manifest themselves in a domestic setting.
Wild Thing
In many ways, cats are still fairly wild animals. Despite domestication, they are extremely independent and retain the capability to hunt and fend for itself. The same cannot be said of other domesticated animals, which would not survive if left to roam independently.
A cat's natural inclination to stalk and kill its prey informs most of its domestic behaviors and ensures that the cat is agile, curious, athletic and intelligent. These natural tendencies are often seen in the way that cats play and are the reason that some people feel it is cruel to keep a cat indoors. Whichever side of this debate you fall on, it is important that your cat is offered plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Remember, that if a cat is kept indoors it should always have opportunities to climb, jump and act out its innate behavior.
Cats are the Opposite of Dogs
Cats and dogs could not be more dissimilar in the way they behave, although, obviously, there are exceptions to the rule. A cat cannot be trained in the same way that you would train a dog, which is not to suggest that a cat can't be trained at all, because it can. However, you are unlikely to find a cat that is eager to play fetch, sit or play dead on command.
Essentially, a cat is too willful to accept a submissive position. Additionally, most cats are unwilling to be manhandled against their will. In other words, your cat will not allow you to offer affection if he, or she, does not want it. These are important facets of cat behavior to consider before committing yourself to one. Therefore, it is advisable to assess your situation fully, before taking on the responsibility of pet ownership.
Behavioral Issues
Due to a cat's independence and willfulness, it can be very difficult to resolve behavioral problems, but it is not impossible.
If your cat is displaying a sudden change in behavior or has developed a behavioral problem, your first port of call should be a veterinarian, because some issues can be caused by simple health problems. Cats, like humans, can become grumpy when unwell. Therefore, cat owners often find that undesirable behavior is the result of a physical ailment.
On the other hand, if a vet can find nothing wrong with your cat, it is advisable to examine your cat's quality of life and its range of activities. If your cat is not getting enough exercise it will become frustrated, often this frustration is released on your best furniture. So, it is wise to ensure that your cat has a good range of toys to keep him, or her, from becoming bored.
Essentially, the more you know about your pet the better. If you understand what makes an animal tick you can provide it with the stimulation and nourishment that it requires. Therefore, it is always advisable to do as much research as possible on your chosen pet.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3067959