Cats are very interesting and fun to be around, but their behavior can also be quite deranged. Sometimes, extreme or repetitive behavior can indicate a health concern or the need for veterinary care. Protective cat parents must understand the difference between normal and abnormal cat behaviors to prevent them from causing any harm. A cat behavior guide can help cat owners recognize common cat behaviors and deal with them accordingly.
Your cat’s body language
Your cat’s body language can help you understand what he or she is feeling. For example, your cat may lick your hand or rub its belly when he or she is happy. It may also hold its tail high with a small curve. If your cat is stressed or unhappy, he or she may show it by squinting, curling his or her tail downward, or lowering his or her ears.
Hissing is a sign of fighting behavior
One of the most obvious signs of fighting behavior in a cat is hissing. Non-neutered male cats often hiss when they are trying to attract a female mate or are territorial. They may also hiss when they are uncomfortable with rough handling. A vet can determine the cause of this behavior and treat it accordingly.
Spraying is a sign of territorial marking
In cats, spraying is a natural behavior that is performed to mark their territory. It is also an important social behavior, but it can also be caused by certain environmental factors or health problems. In any case, this guide will help you understand the reasons your cat is spraying and how you can stop it.
Scratching is a form of self-soothing
Cats scratch to release stress and to mark their territory. If you notice your cat scratching in inappropriate areas, it may be a sign that he or she is stressed. Scratching is also an important way for cats to communicate with humans and other animals.
Displacement behavior is a form of self-soothing
Displacement behavior occurs when an animal is torn between competing drives. This can be an instinct to defend a territory, fear of injury, or ambivalence. It is also a way for an animal to deal with the current environment.
Grooming is a sign of social bonding
Cats groom each other as a way to show affection and social bonding. This behavior is most seen between males and females during mating season but can also be observed in adult cats. Dominant cats often groom each other more than smaller ones, and cats that groom each other are more likely to develop strong bonds.
Tail twitching is a sign of territorial marking
When a cat twitches its tail, it is displaying a territorial marking behavior. This behavior is common in cats when they are playing, hunting, or stressed. The tail is also rigid when a cat is preparing to pounce. It may also be used as a balance point when jumping or making quick turns. The twitching of a cat’s tail also signals excitement, irritation, or pain.
Meowing is a form of communication with humans
Meowing is the main means by which cats communicate with humans. However, humans have been unable to decipher all the details of cats’ vocalizations. Despite that, humans have shown some capacity to discriminate between the meows of different cats. Interestingly, our capacity for discrimination is dependent on our prior experience with cats and our level of empathy.
