Ten Reasons Why You Should Consider Picking Up Social Behavior of Cats.

 

Ten Reasons Why You Should Consider Picking Up Myths About Cats.

Unlike humans that use facial expressions and words to communicate, cats have other social behaviors such as sounds, actions, and body expressions to convey their message to other cats, animals, and people. Although it would be nearly impossible to notice or understand all cat social behaviors or language, owners can learn to understand some of their vocal sounds, tactile contact, and body postures. Cats are extremely intelligent and it certainly does not take them long to know exactly how to manipulate their owners into doing or giving the cat whatever it wants. The primary ways cats show different types of social behavior is through verbal noises, tail movements, ear positions, and another body language.

Cat Sounds

Anyone that owns or has ever owned a cat knows that cats use vocalization when it wants something from the owners, such as treats, food or attention. A loud, demanding meow could mean the cat is hungry and ready for dinner, he wants attention, or that it has a dirty litter box that requires changing. Tiny little mews or sweet, soft meows are often a cat's way of asking for attention, petting sessions, playtime, treats, or just saying thank you for loving them.

Purring is an easily recognized sound that most people associate with a happy, peaceful, contented cat. Cats often purr when their owner makes a fuss or talks to them, while nursing their young and when cats greet each other. Some cats purr when they are injured and in pain, which many believe is a way for the cat to comfort itself but scientists are still unsure of the behavioral reason behind this behavior. Cats that are afraid make a throaty yowling sound often accompanied by hissing and spitting while a cat in pain makes a distinctive screaming sound.

Cat Actions

Cats that are very aloof with other cats or humans and hiss, bite or scratch anyone that tries to get close are unsocial animals. Social behavior teaches cat's life lessons that include skills such as:

• Attacking and fighting prey

• Becoming calm, outgoing, and comfortable with other cats, humans and accept and interact with no scratching or biting their owner

• Balance and coordination

• Intellectual growth

Between eight and twelve weeks of age, kittens begin learning social behavior from their littermates, mother, and from human contact. When people adopt kittens that are anywhere from eight to ten weeks of age they often find the kitten is not well behaved or socialized. Many of the kittens that are up for adoption in animal shelters are less than twelve weeks of age but make wonderful pets when you act as their surrogate mom and do a little extra work when you first adopt them.

Even if you get a well-socialized cat or kitten but spend little or no time playing, paying attention to, or loving and cuddling it, there is a very good possibility that the animal will regress back to anti-social behavior. Poorly socialized cats often have no idea how to play properly and are too rough, scratching and biting their owner, so their owners must teach them that this is not acceptable behavior.

Cat Physical Clues and Cues

Cats have many physical ways to communicate and using body language and their tail to transmit their feelings. A cat's tail often lets you know its mood. When a cat arches its back with its fur standing on end and the tail becomes puffed or bristled, this usually means the cat is surprised or frightened. It makes the cat appear larger, creating a defense mechanism used to intimidate the enemy.

When you see the tail of a cat swaying or flicking, this is normally a sign they are watching something very intriguing and are studying, thinking about, or getting ready to pounce on an unsuspecting animal, bird, toy, piece of paper, or even a fly, or it could also be an aggressive motion. If the cat's tail is lashing back and forth quickly, this is normally the sign of an angry or aggressive cat. You should never try to pick up, comfort, or cuddle him at that particular time or you could end up scratched or bitten, as the cat's adrenaline will be flowing.

If a cat greets you or greets another cat with its tail held straight up in the air or slightly curled, that is a good indication that the cat is happy, relaxed, and content.

When a cat kneads or paws you or turns on its back, stomach up for you to rub its tummy, this means your pet is very happy, content, and well adjusted. When it comes to actions, the ears often express the cat's intentions or feelings. If the cat's ears are pinned or pulled back against its head, this normally expresses fear, dislike, or stress. Twitching ears that are straight-up indicate the cat hears or is listening to something and ears pointed upward and slightly forward indicate a content, happy, relaxed animal.

Understanding what your cat is signaling to you by his or her body cues and clues can really help you understand what is going on for the cat and if they are in a friendly and affectionate or a more aloof and independent frame of mind.

Cats and Others

Cats are independent, loving animals that make a wonderful addition to any household. Just like dogs and other pets, cats require love and companionship. Every cat has its own unique individual personality and disposition. Some cats are very social and outgoing, with bold personalities, love being around people, other animals and adjust quickly to various lifestyles and living spaces. Social cats enjoy exploring, are very confident, and love physical contact and interactive play with their human family and other family pets.

Timid or shy cats prefer being in well-known surroundings with people and other pets that they are familiar and comfortable with. It usually takes them a long time to adjust to change such as moving or bringing another pet into the house. Whether the cat is confident and outgoing or shy and timid, there are several excellent ways to introduce the cat to new family pets or children that help your cat adjust to the changes as easily as possible.

Cats and Dogs

Many people feel their family is incomplete if they do not have at least one dog and one cat and although introducing them may be difficult at the beginning, it is certainly worth the effort. There are several steps you can follow that help the dog and cat adjust to each other but never just throw them together figuring they will work it out. This could be very stressful on the animals and in a few cases dangerous for the cat because some dogs consider cats prey and will chase or attack them instinctively. Unfortunately, other dogs such as some terriers and sighthounds think of a cat as a small game and will chase and possibly injure the cat so understand that some breeds of dogs are just not suited to homes with cats.

When introducing a cat to a new dog or dog to a new cat, be sure to have a safe zone such as a spare room complete with the cat's food, water, toys, bed, and other necessities. Keep the cat in this room, allowing the dog and cat to smell each other under the door. This way the cat becomes used to the new smells and sounds of the dog while feeling safe. Be sure that human family members visit the cat frequently. After a day or two, place a baby gate in the door, which keeps the dog out but lets the animals become familiar with each other.

Never allow the dog to chase the cat and always keep the dog leashed in the cat's presence until they adjust to each other. Use lots of praise and treats to reward both animals for good behavior and it will not be long before the cat and dog tolerate each other. In many cases, the cat and dog will become wonderful buddies and have a lasting friendship.

Cats and Kids

Deciding to bring a cat or kitten into a home with a child or children is a big decision but many parents believe that the wonderful companionship of a cat coupled with the responsibility of caring for an animal is very beneficial. A cat is a great household addition and often becomes a cherished and loved best friend to a child. When discussing with your child about getting a cat or kitten most kids will be enthusiastic and thrilled with the idea. Although it is the parent's responsibility to make sure the new pet is fed and treated properly, children that are old enough need to learn to accept some of the responsibility for the cat's care.

It is important to teach your child to treat the cat with respect, care, and gentleness as it is not a toy. Introduce the cat and child to each other slowly, making sure that the child is gentle and does not make a lot of noise or sudden movements. Allow the child to pet the cat and feed him some treats while talking in a soothing voice. Do this daily until the child understands how to handle and treat his or her pet and the cat and child form a bond with each other.

Cats and Other Pets

Natural predators, cats cannot be trusted with other pets such as small furry animals or feathered friends. Be sure to keep the little pets safe by having your bird, hamster, or other small animals in cat-proof enclosures that agile paws cannot open, in a supervised area. Have little boxes or places inside your rodent's cage where it can hide if it feels stressed or fearful of the cat. Keep your bird's cage out of reach of your cat.

Cats and Feline Companions

Introducing cats to other feline companions is very similar to introducing a cat to a dog. Confine your new cat to a room while it becomes familiar with the other cat under the door. After a day or two, open the door slightly and give your resident cat and the newcomer a treat each, making this a positive, pleasant experience. Next, prop open the door enough for them to see each other but not to get into or out of the room.

Once your new cat is comfortable, eating and using its litter box, switch living areas so you confine your resident cat to the room and your new cat has free run of the house and becomes familiar with its new home. In instances where they are not getting along, talk to your vet, as there may be other issues involved, especially if both cats are of the same sex and are not neutered or spayed. In addition, there are some anti-anxiety medications that can help the stressed cat calm down enough to become familiar with the other cat.