About Cat Behavior

Cats are wonderful creatures, but their behavior can be somewhat of a mystery at times. They seem to have mood swings that turn from loveable to aloof. Cats will seek your attention when they want it but may spurn your affection otherwise. Although cats can be friendly, they are not always the most social creatures. They don't always get along with others of their own species, either. Cats can make wonderful companions that amaze you with their sophisticated nature and playful antics.

History of

The feline family can be dated all the way back to the sabertooth tiger, but when examining the history of the domesticated housecat we find that cats had a rich history in ancient Egypt. The domestication of the cat actually began around 8000 B.C. In ancient Egypt, cats earned the respect of their human companions by controlling the vermin population. Laws were enacted to protect cats. It was a crime punishable by death to harm or kill a cat. All cats were the property of the Pharoah. Cats were protected by the goddess Bast, who was depicted with the body of a woman and the head of a cat. Cats were considered royalty. When a cat passed away, the entire household entered a period of mourning. Cats were even thought to be demigods.

Evolution

It is believed that the ancestors of the domesticated housecat existed in the Middle East. Cats were carried abroad on ships. They were welcome passengers because they helped eliminate rats and were thought to ensure a safe journey.

Benefits

There are many benefits to having a cat. They are usually relatively quiet and easy to care for. Cats adapt easily to a variety of environments and can live comfortably in a small apartment. Cats are usually good, loveable companions--although they can also demonstrate jealousy toward other animals or humans. They have a keen interest in nature and childlike curiosity. Cats also have an inherently playful nature. Cats are very demonstrative in both their body language and vocalizations. They may purr when feeling intense emotion such as happiness and contentment or swing their tail from side to side when agitated. Some cats are more vocal than others and will make their presence known. They will rub their body against you when feeling affectionate. Cats may nudge you awake in the morning when they want to be fed or sit in front of the stairs to remind you it's bedtime.

The Facts

Cats are beautiful and agile creatures. They have excellent balance and keen eyesight. An adult cat has 32 teeth. Cats are carnivores and need animal protein in order to maintain proper health. The body of a cat consists of 290 bones and 517 muscles. Although the size of each cat will vary, the average cat weights approximately 10 to 15 pounds. Almost all calico cats are of the female sex. A bit of trivia: The fear of cats is called ailurophobia; the love of cats is known as ailurophilia.

Type

There are a variety of cat breeds. There are long-haired cats such as the persian or angora breed, or short-haired cats such as the tabby or siamese. The manx is a short-haired breed that sports a short bobbed tail. The body type of a domestic cat may vary also, with some breeds being short and stocky while others are long and slender. The face may be narrow or full. Domestic cats come in various beautiful colors and coat patterns.

Misconceptions

While it is a common belief that cats always land on their feet, the truth is they may fall from several feet and suffer injuries. Their excellent balance is regulated by the inner ear. Many people believe that cats are aloof animals that are not affectionate and prefer to be alone. While cats may do just fine on their own, they do appreciate companionship and can be quite affectionate. Another misconception is that cats and dogs cannot get along. This is not true. Although cats may fear dogs if they've never been around them, a cat and dog that have been raised together can become the best of friends. Interactions between cats and dogs depend largely on the socialization of the animals.