Characteristics of Cat Behavior

Ever wonder why your cat sleeps all day and wreaks havoc at night? Or why she purrs at you but hisses at your friends? Your cat's behavior is based on her nature as a solitary, semi-nocturnal hunter.

Characteristics of Cat Behavior

Sleeping

Cats are more alert at night when they can put their hunting skills to good use. Warm-blooded mammals such as mice, which make up a large portion of a feral cat's diet, forage for food after dark.

Hunting

Playing with prey is a behavior typical of cats that hunt. This exhausts the prey so the cat can kill it safely and easily. A cat also may bring prey home as a "gift" for its owner. The cat is providing food, just as it would for a kitten that hasn't yet learned to hunt. Removing prey from its environment also gives cats an advantage: if the prey escapes, it has less knowledge of potential hiding spots.

Marking

Male cats mark territory by spraying urine. Scratching or clawing also are marking behaviors that leave both visual and scent symbols, as cats have scent glands on their paws.

Purring

Cats purr when they are content, but they also purr when they are frightened or injured. Purring comforts injured cats and may help them heal faster.

Eliminating

Some cats eliminate to mark their territory. Providing a clean litter box for each cat in your household reduces unwanted cat behaviors such as spraying.

References

• "The Cat Bible: Everything Your Cat Expects You to Know;" Tracie Hotchner; 2007
• "The Cat Behavior Answer Book: Practical Insights and Proven Solutions for Your Feline Questions;" Arden Moore; 2007
• "Understanding Cat Behavior: The Complete Feline Problem Solver;" Roger Tabor; 2003

Resources

• The Feline Health Center
• The ASPCA Cat Care Information