By Grier Holliday

Cat Behavior 101

Ever wonder why cats behave like they do? Bust the myths and find out why.

Did you know cats played a large role in ancient Egyptian society? They even became deities — Mafdet (goddess of justice) and Bast (goddess of war). And while these creatures aren’t held in such high esteem today, there is still an aura of mystery and a particular presence a cat has. Even their behavior is quite dissimilar to that other favorite domestic pet: the dog. With a little understanding of the feline “way,” you’ll discover their behavior isn’t so strange after all.

For instance, you might not have known that feral (wild) cats have their own territories and are responsible for their own food, water and safety. This autonomy and feeling of self-preservation is also seen in domesticated cats to a certain degree. Some people may even call cats aloof or unfriendly because of this.

However, for all the times you find your cat alone doing “cat things” (perhaps plotting to kill that evil dust bunny lurking in the corner), there are plenty of occasions your cat is quite social.

Let’s take a cat’s sense of affection, for example. Cats know when their owner is coming home and are often found waiting patiently by the front door when the owner arrives. Most cats also love to jump on laps and be cuddled and stroked, while others are content to sit nearby their human companion. And some cats are even high-tech, loving to help with any computer work — though this usually consists on sitting on the keyboard or walking across it.

What of their territorial instinct? Yes, we all know how cats will spray an area in order to “mark” it. (This is obviously a no-no anywhere in your home, and we’re not condoning this.) But …read more

Read more here: Cat Behavior 101 – America Cats Infographic