How Cats Express Theirself
Cats are fascinating creatures, and they can teach us a lot about ourselves.cats Whether they’re snuggling on the couch, climbing into the window to bask in the sun, or purring loudly over their favorite mouse, cats have plenty of ways to express themselves.
Some of these expressions are purely practical, such as the way a frightened cat crouches to appear smaller and less threatening, with ears and whiskers flattened.cats Other behaviors are more emotional, such as the way a kitten or adult cat kneads with their paws. The kneading action helps to stimulate milk production in kittens, and it may also mark a territory or signal affection.
Domestic and wild cats have the same bodily features, including flexible bodies with strong limbs; tongues coated with prickly papillae for grooming and rasping prey; sensitive whiskers on their cheeks, above their eyes and on their muzzle; exceptional hearing and vision; and sharp claws and teeth for hunting and self-defense.cats Their large, round pupils reflect light back into their eyeballs, a feature that makes cats look so distinctive at night.
They are very solitary animals, but can live in social groups of 10 to 15 members.cats These groups are called colonies and they are found in forests, deserts, mountains and cities. They are most often composed of females and their young, but some colonies include older adults and males. The colony’s leader is called a queen or matriarch, and she sets the pace for activities such as birthing, fighting and mating. The dominant female is allowed to mate with the entire colony, while other cats are excluded from breeding.
While most people like to think of cats as smart, they actually have a very slow learning style—no more than that of a 2- to 3-year-old child.cats This means it takes them a long time to learn new behaviors, especially if they are fearful or anxious. That’s why it is important to meet their basic needs, and to help them overcome fears with early exposure and desensitization. It is also helpful to create safe spaces, where they can hide or retreat to when they are feeling anxious or afraid.
One of the most difficult parts of pet ownership is parting with a beloved feline companion.cats When we lose a cat, our homes seem uncomfortably quiet without their meows and purrs. But, as with any loss, there are healthy ways to grieve.
If you’re thinking about adopting a cat, consider local humane societies, rescues and foster groups. You can save a life, and these places typically don’t have adoption interviews or fees, though you might need to pay for shots, worming, spaying and neutering. If you’re concerned about the expense of providing routine veterinary care and other needs, ask an animal hospital or a veterinary clinic to help cover costs for low-income pet owners. They can usually provide a list of financial assistance programs in your area. You can also try shielding your plants with chicken wire or plant markers, or spraying them with bitters to discourage a kitty from chewing them.