the behavior of cats

Author: Laura McKinney
Date Of Creation: 10 August 2021
Update Date: 14 December 2024
Anonim
Cat Behavior Explained - KITTENS and ADULT CATS
Video: Cat Behavior Explained - KITTENS and ADULT CATS

Content

O cat behavior it understands their way of acting and the habits they carry out in their daily lives, such as the language they use to communicate, relate and interact with individuals and stimuli in their environment. While we may come close to a logical definition of what feline behavior is, the truth is that we still have a lot to discover about the nature of cats and their forms of expression.

However, we know that a cat's behavior is influenced not only by its inherent characteristics. species, race, genetics and the personality of each individual, but it can also vary significantly according to the education, environment and care provided by each tutor.


In this PeritoAnimal article, we'll talk in detail about the behavior of kittens and adult cats, as well as the factors that interfere in the formation of the feline's personality. In this way, you will be able to improve communication and the bond with your cats, pillars for a positive coexistence.

How a Cat's Personality is Formed

The personality and behavior of cats can vary enormously, depending on many factors. We'll talk a little more about them below:

  • Genetics: the personality of cats is strictly related to their genetic inheritance, up to 30%, which includes the characteristic traits of the breed and parents. So when cats have a frightened personality, they are likely to pass it on to their children.
  • Socialization: the socialization of kittens directly influences their adult personality. This period, which ranges from two to seven weeks of life, is considered a "sensitive phase", as it is where the recognition of "friendly species" occurs. Therefore, during the socialization of puppies, we must ensure that they interact positively with all kinds of people, animals and environments, without causing stress to individuals.
  • Learning: The education and environment in which they grew up provide cats with an experience that will have a direct impact on their behavior. Although genetics and socialization play a very important role, learning is essential in cats, pets with very high cognitive abilities.

So each cat can have a unique personality, even when we speak of sibling individuals who were raised together and had similar experiences. Although some behaviors are species-specific, the three factors we've detailed above are those that will directly influence the cat's personality and behavior. That's why the task of educating a cat from an early age is so important.


In this other article we show you how to groom a cat.

The behavior of cats according to their age

the behavior of cats varies by life stage in which they find themselves. Thus, we can see that kittens are much more playful and curious, while older cats tend to show calmer behavior throughout the day.

Below, we'll talk a little about what to expect from the behavior of cats at each stage:

behavior of kittens

kittens are not born with a defined personality, although, as we've already mentioned, there are personality traits that will be associated with species-specific or genetic behavior.


After birth, kittens are completely dependent on their mother, until they are 9 or 15 days old, when they start to gain mobility. At the same time, their socialization period begins, so at this stage it will be essential to socialize the kittens in a positive way.

We will let them interact with people, animals and elements of the environment so that they can become familiar with them, thus avoiding the appearance of fears or other unwanted behaviors. All of this will result in balanced behavior in your adult stage.

Feline behavior from the 4th week of life

From 4 or 5 weeks onwards, the socialization period starts to end, at the same time as the progressive weaning, and we'll start looking at new behaviors in kittens. Living with your mother and siblings will allow you to learn the cats' language and communication, the basis of their social behavior.

We will observe that they begin to eat alone small amounts of food, using the litter box and burying their feces, the appearance of grooming (cleanliness) for themselves and for other individuals, the social play with their peers, predatory behavior and greater social behavior in general.

At this time, it will be essential to use positive reinforcement (snacks, kind words or caresses) to encourage the cats to show the behaviors that we consider positive, such as using the scratcher, letting yourself be manipulated or sleeping in your bed. It is important that we establish with all family members the behaviors to be reinforced, in this way we will achieve better results.

sexual maturity

Later, from 7 weeks of life and until puberty, felines start in the juvenile period, which is characterized by the onset of sexual behaviors. At this point it will be essential to go to our veterinarian to inform us about the health benefits of neutering cats, such as preventing certain types of cancer or marking with urine indoors.

adult cat behavior

The behavior of adult cats will be greatly influenced by the transition, socialization and youth phases, even so, they will continue to learn throughout their lives with all the experiences presented to them.

If we have guaranteed positive experiences, we are more likely to see a balanced behavior in our cats, although this may be slightly influenced by breed or genetics. However, there is no predictable behavior in adult cats, on the contrary, each feline can develop its own personality and temperament.

Even so, in general, we can see that adult cats are territorial animals, who cling firmly to their routine as a way to preserve their well-being. Sudden changes often lead to stress in cats, which affects not only their behavior but also their health.

At this stage it will be essential keep encouraging the game and the social behavior of cats through daily and affectionate activities. We will avoid boredom and sedentary routines, investing in environmental enrichment, essential for the management of stable behavior and a healthy weight in felines.

Cats personality and old age

If we notice changes in the cats' personality, we will go to the veterinarian with relative urgency, as we must know that these animals they usually hide pain very well, anxiety and other problems they may suffer until they are already in an advanced state. At regular veterinarian visits, every six to twelve months, will be essential to ensure your good physical and mental health, as well as to detect any abnormalities immediately, before they get worse.

From 10 and 12 years of age we will see the onset of the first symptoms of old age in cats, both physical and behavioral. At this stage, cats spend more time resting, require more care and affection, are not as active and may start to develop. health problems. It will be essential to continue encouraging games and daily habits, even if for a shorter period of time.

Behavior of cats with humans

Last (but not least), we'll talk a little bit about the behavior of cats with humans, specifically about the relationship they have with their guardians.

O survival instinct of cats leads them to follow a routine and defend their territory, but, in addition, it also influences a lot when it comes to relating to people. In general, it is totally normal that cats don't approach immediately from an unknown person, although, of course, there are very sociable felines who enjoy contact with people.

Cats tend to avoid and steer clear of people they don't know, those who are mostly noisy, or those who want to catch them. In case they can't escape and feel cornered, cats can display certain warnings, such as snorts and growls. If ignored, they can even attack.

Therefore, when trying to rescue or help abandoned cats, it will be important to be very patient and try to gain the confidence of the cats to get closer themselves. Also discover in PeritoAnimal some tips to approach a scared cat in a safe way.

cats are independent

But if we talk about the relationship between cats and their guardian, we already assume that it is a bond based on affection and trust. Of course, we cannot expect cats to act in the same way as a dog or a guinea pig, as they are different species.

In turn, felines are often more independent animals that often opt for a more solitary lifestyle in the wild, although cats can form cat colonies, where each individual preserves their autonomy, but collaborates with the survival of their group.

So while cats understand that we provide ideal conditions for their development and give them affection, cats don't see us as references, as dogs do, but as members of their community (or family, to put it in more "human" terms).

Therefore, your way of showing affection to your guardians will be very similar to ways you express appreciation to other cats. To learn more about the demonstrations of affection in the feline world, at PeritoAnimal we show 10 signs that indicate that your cat loves you.

Cats in heat behavior

Finally, we must make special mention of the behavior of cats in heat. We must know what behaviors are totally instinctive and that cause changes in the organism and behavior. Influenced by light hours, weather and other individuals, heat in cats causes certain behaviors, such as:

  • Meows
  • nervousness
  • territory marking
  • Aggressiveness
  • tremors
  • scrubbing
  • Etc.

Although there are some contraceptive methods for cats that prevent these symptoms from appearing, such as injection for heat, we should know that they also have serious health side effects. The only effective way to prevent it completely is castration. See your vet to know more.

You might also be interested in the following video, where we talk about 10 strange cat behaviors:

If you want to read more articles similar to the behavior of cats, we recommend that you enter our What You Need to Know section.