Cat Behaviour

Sleeping

Cats are extremely good at sleeping. The average cat sleeps up to nineteen hours a day. Mostly they sleep lightly and sleep for short periods of time, hence the term ‘cat nap.' When they are very relaxed and do go into a deep sleep, their brainwave patterns are similar to ours when we dream. During this state their bodies will twitch indicating that they are dreaming, they’ll snore sometimes too, although this isn’t true of all cats. When asleep a cats hearing becomes sharper to provide warning of danger.

Interaction with other cats

Cats like humans have different personalities. For those who find it difficult to form friendships with other cats, coping with strangers who invade their territory can be difficult, often resulting in cat fights. In cities and towns cat fights are common. Cats create messages for one and other by leaving a scent to say that a certain territory is temporarily occupied. With this scent and knowing other cats in the area the cat can tell how long it has been since the leaver of the message passed by, who it was and whether or not he can safely venture forward. When cats do meet face to face, although physical fights do occur the more likely outcome is a stand off. The two cats will growl and stare one and other out until one eventually backs down.

Kneading

Many owners get annoyed when their cat jumps on their knee and starts kneading with its front paws. Sometimes it can dig in a bit with its claws. But really this behaviour is complimentary to the owner because it means that the cat is very relaxed and happy. As kittens cats will press against their mother with their paws in the same way when feeding.

Urinating or defecating in the house

If your cat starts to urinate or defecate in inappropriate areas in the house there is usually a problem. It’s an indication that your cat is not happy. It is feeling insecure within its territory. It may feel threatened and by leaving deposits around the house it is claming its territory in an attempt to warn off any perceived intruders.
A simpler reason is that maybe there is something wrong with its toilet arrangements. If its tray is very dirty it may not like to use it, or it may not like a certain type of cat litter.
Although this is an unpleasant situation remember it is not the cat's fault. It’s not doing it just to be troublesome. Investigate and try and find out why your cat is distressed.

Hunting

Cats are distinctive hunters. Big cats and feral cats still hunt. The way a cat hunts has led to them being called cruel as they appear to play with their pray. Studies have shown that the cat is taking measures necessary for its survival. Cats are proficient at catching their pray but not at killing it. They are far sighted making it difficult for them to initiate a successful death bite. Rodents will certainly bite back if they get the chance and injure the cat. Therefore it is necessary for the cat to exhaust it’s pray until it is safe to go in for the kill.

Some domestic cats hunt more than others. Some even bring dead pray home to their owners just as a mother cat will to its kittens. Others will not catch more than a fly or a crisp packet.