Domestic Housecat Behavior

Housecats sometimes bask in sunlight.

Domestic cats make wonderful pets in any type of home. They can be a solitary pet or one of many animals in your house. Cats behave quite different from dogs and have different needs. Cats are often desirable because they are quite self sufficient. Understanding cat behavior is an important part of creating the best environment for both you and your pet.

Sleeping and Grooming Habits

It often seems that all a cat does is sleep and groom. Cats are nocturnal animals, meaning that they are most active at night. Cats in the wild hunt at night, and domestic cats do not lose their habit of sleeping during the day. Cats may sleep around 16 hours a day. Often, these are short naps and not deep periods of sleep. Grooming is an activity that takes up much of their waking hours. Cats are very clean animals and will lick themselves regularly to maintain a clean coat.

Playing and Hunting Instincts

Domestic cats enjoy playing with other cats and their owners. Many cats will entertain themselves for hours with a simple toy or dangling object. Play behavior is related to the hunting instinct. Domestic cats do not need to hunt for their food but are still driven to keep their skills sharp. A well-fed housecat will stalk a mouse in the house or try to get to a bird outside the window. Usually when housecats catch prey, they like to play with it or present it as a gift to their owners.

Bathroom Habits

Cats expect a dedicated and sanitary place to go to the bathroom. Cats need to bury their urine and feces. A litter box is the most common location for a cat to eliminate. Some cats can be trained to sit over the toilet, but it is a difficult process. Cats that are dissatisfied with their litter box conditions will look for other places to go, such as a pile of laundry.

Scratching

Cats scratch to keep their nails sharp and as a way to mark territory. Housecats often scratch at the furniture or carpeting, which may become destructive. A scratching post can be offered, but many cats are stubborn and insist on scratching certain objects in the house. Declawing is an option that many cat owners choose. This removes the destruction from scratching, but not the behavior. Declawed cats will continue scratching motions out of habit and as a way to deposit their scent on the furniture.

Relationships with Other Animals

Housecats may get along with other animals, but it varies for each individual cat. Cats are territorial and may not accept a new cat in the house. They may get along fine with a dog or other animals. Cats exposed to other animals as kittens are more likely to have good relationships in the future. Small rodents, such as hamsters, will interest cats and should be kept in a safe location.

Relationships with Humans

Cats are considered solitary animals, which is especially true in the wild. Housecats can have a variety of relationships with their owners. Some may bond with one person, while others will get along with anyone. Cats are often wary of small children who are known to pull at their fur and tails. They will hide when uncomfortable or scared of visitors.

References

• Houston SPCA: Domestic Feline Behavior