Cats are known to be one of the best pets a person can have.
Since we allow our pets to do pretty much what they want when they are with us, it is always advisable that we make ourselves familiar with their behavior.
Cat behavior can be easily understood when we pay attention to it.
When we talk of behavior we specifically pertain to domestic cats, their habits, movements and even language.
Most behaviors are shown in their reactions, especially when interacting with humans and fellow animals.
Others are techniques required for hunting.
Although the majority of cat behaviors are innate, they may vary somewhat depending on individuality and breed.
Behaviors may also be influenced by the cat's temperaments and dominance in a certain group (this is evident to those family who have two or more cats).
Let us look at cat behavior when it comes to body language.
There are different meanings associated with certain body movements the cat makes.
Through body movement, a cat can easily communicate with humans.
When a cat tries to lift or constantly shake its paws, this may mean disgust.
In addition, when a cat flattens its ears back while swiftly swishing its tail, he is usually displeased with something or someone.
Affection of cats to its owner can be seen when a cat rubs the top of its head or its face against a person's body.
Cats can also slowly blink as a sign of affection.
If a cat is stretched out and rolls back and forth, this usually denotes that the cat feels relaxed and safe around everyone in its vicinity.
When it comes to courting, cat behavior may be very unique.
Once a male cat smells a female cat coming into season, or heat, he will look for ways to seek her out.
Toms will wrestle with each other to decide who will mate first with the female.
After the winning male mates with the female, it is the defeated male's turn to mate with her.
That is why a cat may bear many kittens from different fathers.
Cat behavior can easily be interpreted through vocal calls.
Purring, a sound made by a minute vibration in their voice box may indicate pain, pleasure, or be an act of calming themselves down.
A low meow or chirp may signify that a cat is vocalizing.
A solid sigh or blow out grunt or snort may indicate frustration.
Cats have the ability to land on their feet with little, or sometimes no injury.
This ability is known as the righting reflex.
They are able to do this because first, they do not have a collar bone and second, they have a very flexible spine.
They use this skill to have a great view of the way they choose to go.
They can also stretch out and make their muscles relax.
The more we get ourselves familiarized with cats and their behaviors, the more we can find comfort in living with them.