Cat Behaviors: Why Do Cats Do What They Do?

Adopting a stray cat is an option available to those who desire a cat for a pet. This said, stray cats offer a unique and sometimes difficult challenge to those that wish adopt them. Many cat behaviors are often misunderstood, so one must take a great deal of care and understanding if they are to turn a feral cat into a happy house pet.

It is best if the adoption process begins with the cat’s consent. If the cat is willing to interact with you, then you know you’re on the right track. Food is the best way to earn a cat’s trust. It takes time and patience, but if you go a little further each day, the cat will eventually become used to you.

It’s wonderful to have a kitten in your home. However, cat behaviors like cat scratching, urinating all over the house, and hunting for prey can not be accepted. Before you are ready to find a new home for your pet, do some research. You can find a solution to the problems that will make you and your pet happy.

A cat’s inherent need to scratch and sharpen its claws can cause a lot of damage to your furniture, so you really need to provide your kitty with a scratching post. It can be as simple as a corrugated cardboard box to a large carpeted post. A jungle gym for cats will satisfy the cat’s need to scratch and provide a place to sleep as well.

If you would like your male cat to quit spraying urine to mark out his territory it’s vital to have him neutered. Also neutered cats are less aggressive toward other male cats so your cat won’t have the urge to fight other males thus improving his health.

The cat is one of our favorite domesticated animals. Cat behavior may sometimes included actions that may make you uncomfortable or surprised. Among these is your cats desire to hunt. Your cat may feel the need to kill small woodland creatures. This is especially common in stray or feral cats. Don’t show alarm instead praise your cat for his actions and allow him to do what makes him 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.

Stray cats can present unusual and sometimes difficult problems to those who adopt them. Cat behaviors, such as cat scratching, territorial urine spraying and the hunting instinct tend to cause the most problems, but there are solutions to keep both kitty and kitty owner happy. A cat’s need to scratch can be alleviated with a scratching post or kitty jungle-gym. Male cats should be neutered to prevent them from marking territory by spraying urine. Cat behaviour may sometimes include actions that make you uncomfortable, such as your cat’s need to hunt. These are all natural instincts, and taking them into consideration will make you and your pet happier.

- Paul Proctor