Illustration by Aron Rook.
Professionally, I’ve heard a lot of interesting statements and observations about domestic cats over the last 20 years.
I’d like to share some information regarding the most common myths about house cats. Side note: Although their behavior can be frustrating at times, I assure you, cats are not out to get us. It is our lack of understanding about cat behavior that has a negative impact on our relationships with our feline companions.
Though we consider cats our furry children, when we anthropomorphize them, we attach human emotions to our feline friends. Sometimes, it’s cute. However, incorrect assumptions about a cat’s emotional state can cause humans to deal with cat-related issues poorly.
Cats are not just toddlers with sharp teeth and claws that can jump on the counter. Considering them as such leads us to believe the naughty things they do are “on purpose” or perhaps they are “getting back at us” for something. In reality, cats are only behaving according to their instincts based on the type of stimuli they encounter. Because of our inability to understand their language, our expectations are often too high. Sadly, some cat owners may lose patience with unwanted behaviors and react by yelling, chasing, locking the cat in a room, putting them outside or abandoning them.
When people tell me that their cat has begun urinating outside of the litter box, they often attribute this to the cat’s “anger” for them going on vacation or introducing a new person or pet into the home. Maladjusted humans do these things, but pets don’t have the level of brain development to calculate these retaliatory events. Cats are sensitive to even the slightest changes in routine, and they will often express their stress through urine marking. Physical pain or illness can trigger the behavior, as well.
Oftentimes, cats are compared to their canine counterparts, and it is our assumption that they don’t require as much care. For dogs, the sun seems to rise and set on their people. Cats express their adoration of us differently. Even though their need for human interaction isn’t expressed in the same way, cats still crave attention, playtime, petting and snuggles from their humans. If cats don’t get the stimulation from their environment or the attention and interaction they need from humans, they can actually become bored and depressed, leading to undesirable behaviors. It has been said by cat behaviorists that cats learn to adapt to neglect. With that said, cats really do mind being alone.
Destructive or intrusive behaviors are thought to be a result of cats being angry with their humans or just plain mischievous. Scratching furniture, batting items off surfaces, eating and digging in plants, jumping on counters, and drinking from the faucet are just a few of the things that cats do that drive us bonkers. Each of these behaviors actually has a meaning for cats, and they have nothing to do with a cat being angry or bad. Scratching satisfies a cat’s need to exercise their muscles and claws, mark their territory, and alleviate boredom and stress. Batting, digging, and plant-eating behaviors are related to hunting prey, exploring their environment, play and their natural curiosity.
Providing a home that is rich with opportunities for cats to exercise their natural instincts will make for a much happier companion. Scratching posts, window perches, cardboard boxes, water fountains, walks outside on a leash, a variety of toys, and videos made for cats are great additions. Of course, there is nothing better than time spent interacting with their humans and maybe a compatible feline sibling. When a cat has plenty of species-appropriate mental and physical stimulation, attention from their caregivers, and consistency in routine, they are more likely to be satisfied with life and to thrive.
Kristen Zellner is owner of Abrams & Weakley General Store for Pets, 3963 N. 6th St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.abramsandweakley.com.
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