Are you taking a cat for the first time? Well, as much as we want to say “good luck” to you, we can’t. We love cats down to the core, and since you’ve decided to become one of us, we’d be more than happy to give you a helping hand in becoming a responsible owner. After all, having a kitty around is more like having a new family member on board who’ll be with you through thick and thin.

While many, many cat owners adore them, they often miss out on the fact that felines have their behaviours, too. These may have been given the hype thanks to the internet, but beyond that, you must be able to understand how they think and feel. Doing this allows you to become a more loving pet owner and, at the same time, strengthen your bond with your cat.

Among the things you should know are:

When they say no, it’s a NO.

Cats are very independent when it comes to decision-making activities, and they just wouldn’t budge. If they want to go out, they will go out. If they opt to sleep, they will sleep. There’s nothing you can do about it.

Well, you can counter this by showing good affection to your pet, and you should start doing this early. You may want to start by observing how your cat behaves in different environments, and from there, you can predict how it reacts when placed in certain situations. You can then see how to convince your cat to do otherwise, especially when you want it to obey you.

Cats may be trained to do some tricks,  but it’s important to remember that they have a mind of their own, and forcing them to do something they don’t want will only lead to frustration for both you and your cat.

Cats love squeezing themselves into very narrow openings.

These felines have very fluid bodies which allow them to fit into narrow spaces, such as between couch cushions, small holes, and gaps between grills. Mind you, there are a lot of cases wherein cat owners call 911 when they can’t get their cat out of such situations.

You should understand that cats crave tranquillity and darkness most of the time and want to feel warm and covered when sliding through these holes. While this is actually but part of their natural behaviour, it is also a good precaution to keep the gaps closed, especially those that might get them hurt, to prevent them from getting into unwanted accidents.

Cats are generous pets.

One adourable thing about cats is that they are generous pets. Once they have already acknowledged that you are part of their lives, they will do everything to keep you nodding for approval. They want to keep you satisfied, and they do this by giving out lots of purring and licking and snuggling beside you as you sleep.

Aside from these, cats would try to catch a mouse or a roach and bring it to you as a way of saying that they have brought you a present. Among many things, they know you hate these pests, and you want them dead, and they just bring you proof that they’ve done the job.

This is a major reason they can be good at playing catch, especially when you give them the right cat toys to play with.

Cats know it when you’re in love with them.

There are a lot of instances when cats start to give you a snub, but it’s all because they already know that you’re under their spell. They can be arrogant pets upon learning that you find them too cute, thus they would bask in the glory of not looking at you at all. But, on the inside, they are just so happy.

When cats do this, it’s their way of showing how much they love you back. Though there have been cases where owners complain about their cats being too distant, understanding your cat’s behaviour can help you figure out how to connect with them better.

But hey, that doesn’t mean they don’t love you anymore. They’re just teasing you until they find it in their heart to give you all the affection they think you deserve. After all, it’s more fun when you chase them rather than the other way around.

Cats can be temperamental, too.

Cats, just like our dogs, can also be very temperamental. They can be moody in that they are hyper at one moment, then become too sad or sleepy after just a few minutes. The rapid change in emotions may indicate illness, as cats are usually active.  But, if this behaviour has been going on for a while and your cat appears to be healthy, there’s nothing much you can do.

You just have to let them express themselves, or they might get too stressed out. Keep in mind that every cat is unique and may require different levels of attention and care. It’s important to observe their body language and respond accordingly to provide the best care for them. It could also be that they are just bored, and you may want to spend more time with them.

You may want to have them brought to a vet for a check-up to ensure they are not at risk for a medical condition. 

Cats communicate through body language.

Cats often communicate their feelings and intentions through their body language. From the position of their tail to the movement of their ears, every gesture holds meaning. Reading your cat’s body language can help you understand what they want and how to respond to their needs.

For example, a tail held high often indicates confidence and contentment, whereas a tucked tail can signal fear or submissiveness. The positioning of their ears can also give you an idea of how they feel, with flattened and backward ears being signs of aggression or irritation.

Similarly, a slow blink from a cat can be a sign of trust and relaxation when directed at their owners – it’s like a feline kiss. You can better understand your cat’s emotional state and needs by paying attention to these subtle cues.

They need mental and physical stimulation.

While cats are known for their love of napping, they also require regular mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Interactive toys, climbing trees, and regular playtime sessions can help keep their minds sharp and bodies fit. 

Additionally, cats also need a sense of territory and ownership, which is why they often scratch objects in their space. Providing them with a scratching post can help satisfy this natural behaviour and protect your furniture from damage.

Implementing a routine that includes feather wand chasing or laser pointer games can reinforce bonding and provide necessary exercise to prevent obesity and related health issues.

Cats are territorial animals.

Understanding that cats are inherently territorial is crucial for any pet owner. They often establish and defend their territory, which provides them with a sense of security. Introducing new pets or changes in the home can cause stress, so it’s important to do it gradually and with sensitivity to your cat’s territorial needs. 

Providing a personal space with their own bedding, toys, and scratching posts can help make your cat feel more secure. Respect their boundaries and give them time to adjust, and your cat will surely thrive in a peaceful and happy environment. 

They have different methods of playing.

Cats have various play behaviours, some of which might mimic their hunting instincts. You’ll often see them pouncing, stalking, or batting at objects. Each cat also has a distinct play preference, so observing and discovering what type of play your cat enjoys can enhance your interaction.  

It’s important to provide a variety of toys and play styles to your cat, as well as rotate them regularly to keep things interesting.

Some cats love playing with small toys that they can chase and hunt, while others prefer to wrestle or climb. You may also notice your cat playing solo or enjoying playtime with you or other pets. Understanding what makes your cat happy allows you to provide a fun and engaging environment for them.

Regular vet visits are important.

Preventative care through regular veterinary visits is essential for a cat’s overall well-being. These check-ups can help detect and treat health issues before they become serious. Vaccinations, dental care, and routine health screenings are all part of maintaining your cat’s health.  

It’s also important to groom your cat regularly and keep an eye out for any changes in their appearance or behaviour. This can help catch any potential health issues early on.

Also, since cats are experts at hiding health problems, it’s crucial to watch for any changes in their behaviour or physical appearance and seek medical attention if needed. Caring for your cat’s health can help them live a long and happy life with you.

To keep your cat mentally stimulated and physically active, it is important to enrich their living environment. This could include adding high perches or vertical spaces. It’s also important to keep their litter box clean and accessible.

What else should you know about your feline friend? 

Think you already know everything about your purr-fect friend? There’s more to learn about your beloved feline companion!

Cats have excellent grooming habits.

Cats spend a significant amount of time grooming themselves, which is essential for their health and well-being. They use their rough tongues to remove loose fur and keep their coat clean and shiny. Regular grooming also helps distribute natural oils throughout their coat, keeping them healthy and preventing matting.

Cats have a wide range of vocalisations.

While cats are often known for their meowing, they have a variety of other vocalizations, including purring, chirping, chattering, and even howling. Each sound holds different meanings and can reflect their current emotions or needs. Purring, for example, can indicate contentment but can also be a sign of stress.

Cats can change their meows based on context.

Believe it or not, cats can alter their meows depending on what they want or need. They may have a specific meow to let you know they’re hungry, or a different one to request attention. Pay attention to your cat’s meows and the context in which they occur to better understand their communication.

Cats have a unique sleeping pattern.

Cats are known for being both nocturnal and crepuscular, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk. However, domesticated cats can adjust their sleeping patterns to fit their human’s schedule. 

They may also take short naps throughout the day and night, adding up to a total of 12-16 hours of sleep. It’s important to provide a comfortable and quiet sleeping environment for your cat to ensure they get the rest they need.

Cats can be unpredictable at times, but it’s part of their charm. As an owner, it’s your responsibility to understand and take care of their needs. With the right knowledge about cat behaviour, you can provide a safe and loving environment for your feline friend.  

As a pet owner, it’s essential to continually learn about your furry friends and adapt to their changing needs as they age. With proper care, love, and attention, your cat will bring joy and companionship into your life for many years to come. So, embrace your cat’s quirks and enjoy the journey of being a cat owner!