What does a cat want?
This is the most common question that anyone who has had or interacted with a cat has ever asked.
In order to give an answer to this question, it is necessary to understand first of all the particularities of the species, respectively what are the reasons behind the behavior.
In the meantime we can only assure you that you can rest easy, cats do not want to conquer the world (at least not today).
Cats choose us, we don’t own them – Kristin Cast
Even if they are solitary animals, they have the ability to adapt to living together in a small group; family, when there is no food problem. It is practically an adaptation of the domestic cat to the life in the households.
When the cat accepts the cohabitation, he will consider the person as part of the family.
It is said that no one can choose his “family” but we love it as it is given to us.
So, “tolerated” or not, the bond between us and the cat will be honest.
In general, the cat will express its affection for us in different ways:
At the facial level there are glands that produce pheromones, which will be released at the time of rubbing and transferred to the person or thing against whom the action is taken.
Behaviorally, the cat will do it only towards people and their favorite things, as a sign of connection, a mark of inclusion and belonging in its life, or as an invitation to socialize.
- Gives you “care”
Cats spend a lot of time in the day grooming.
The moment they feel comfortable with another cat or person, they will feel the need to “groom” them. Specifically, he will lick and / or caress us lightly with his paw.
This behavior indicates the cat’s relaxation and confidence. Throughout the process itself, skeptical cats “leave their scent” on us.
This is his way of marking and recognizing the members he considers family; either we are talking about the genetic family – “blood” or we are talking about the adoptive family – us.
This is the best indicator and his way of showing that he trusts and enjoys our company.
It’s also called “cat kissing”And it can be a reciprocal action.
If we want to send him the same thing, we can do it in response. We just look her in the eye and blink slowly.
When the cat sits on its back showing its abdomen, it is a way of saying that it trusts us.
In general, the position that involves the state on the back and the discovery of the vital organs, in nature is a sign of trust, submissiveness, being an authentic statement on the fact that not only an attack is not intended but on the contrary, fragility is discovered.
So this gesture should be taken as a real compliment!
How do we respond to our cat?
The most natural and approachable way to communicate in the animal world will remain, mainly, sign language.
We can approach this language simply by imitating in turn their gestures of affection, so we offer a similar answer:
- Slow blinking on them = “I love you”, “I trust you”
- Toletarea the cat at the right time, when it suggests that she is willing. Cats spend 30% of their lives taking care of themselves. We can use a brush, a glove or simply a caress.
- Time spent together. Play. There are processes that will create a solid connection between us and the cat. As hardened hunters, they will appreciate any game that involves chasing, chasing or capturing. The most suitable game is the one with a laser or a rod in which the cat can train both his concentration and the nervous system and the motor skills, the skeletal-muscular system. This end will give you satisfaction, which will translate into the mental level as pleasure, while also helping to train and release neurotransmitters responsible for well-being and maintaining the health of the nervous system. If you use a fishing rod, it is recommended that finally let the cat take possession of the toy at the end of it, being the equivalent of the reward.
In ancient times, cats were worshiped as gods; they have not forgotten this. – Terry Pratchett
The cat, one of the most popular species of pets in the world, remains a source of endless fascination for humanity.
From Egypt and Asia Minor where they were considered sacred animals, in whose name temples were erected, to their expansion in Italy and then in the rest of Europe – to our table freshly cleaned from the kitchen – the image of the cat was a source of symbolism for mystery and curiosity.
Let the dogs bark, the king is the lion
The domestic cat descends from the wild cat. In nature it is a solitary prey.
Basically, this means that the feeding mode is carried out through the hunting process which, unlike other species, will take place individually, not in groups, based on the “surprise attack”.
Hence the independent character of our cat and the affinity for the places at heights, as tight as possible, from where he can have a more complete picture of the given territory but at the same time keep his discretion.
Therefore, when choosing a bed for our cat, the recommendation is to opt for the types: den, box, igloo, being in accordance with the needs and natural behavior of the species. Equally, for the same reasons, it is recommended to opt for a “tree” type play set.
Cat – mistress of the house
Another feature that derives from the same origin is the territorial character.
Cats will establish a territory that will be defined so that conflict with other cats is avoided.
The territory will generally consist of a central or adjoining area where you will feel safe enough to sleep, eat, play and implicitly enjoy social interactions.
This point will be the center of the chosen area, around which there will be the territory that the cat will actively protect. Beyond this will be the hunting area which will consist of the area that the cat will roam.
In nature, there will be overlapping territories. The overlap will be considered the neutral zone.
Basically, this area will be a convention between cats to meet without attacking. In general, it is the area where they will interact in order to mount but not only.
The cat will know in detail its territory and absolutely everything it involves, hence the cat’s curiosity about anything new introduced or brought into the house, namely its reluctance and the appearance of stress in some individuals when we make changes.
The territory of a cat raised in the house will correspond to the areas to which it has access.
Hence the recommendation that when we leave or leave the cat alone, we should try as much as possible not to endanger its access to its areas, in order to maintain its comfort.
We can even opt for a special door that will encourage him to move from one room to another.
Curious as a cat
For no apparent reason we see random objects on the table or furniture flying under the watchful eye, pushed by a curious paw…
This “hobby” of the cat is nothing but pure curiosity, which can sometimes be associated with boredom.
It’s just a way to stimulate yourself when you need to.
We can save ourselves from these little frustrations that it can create for us by investing in interesting new toys that can focus our attention and motor skills or by playing longer together.
The recommended playing time with our feline companion is a minimum of 30 minutes a day.
Time spent with cats is never wasted – Sigmund Freud
In conclusion: the cat will love its owner to whom it will show affection in different ways. As in any relationship that involves affection and unconditional love, he will want the same from us.
To this desire we add the respect of his particular needs, comfort and understanding.
Basically we can say that our cat does not want more or less than what we all want for ourselves: respect, understanding, affection and a coexistence in harmony.