The phrase “the cat is a contradiction” as coined by Dr Desmond Morris refers to the bi-mental state of the domestic cat who switches flexibly and quickly between wild and tame and between independence and dependence. please continue reading
Cats don’t sniff each other’s noses as a greeting; they touch or near-touch instead. It is the same as the human handshake. It is a friendly gesture which enhances the relationship between cats or cat and other species of animal including humans. please continue reading
If you asked a hundred, knowledgeable animal and cat loving people whether it is cruel to keep a cat in one standard room I would expect at least 90% of them to say that it is cruel. It does however … please continue reading
Domestic cats imitate snakes in four ways. These traits have been inherited from the African wild cat. They are designed to aid survival as predators are wary of venomous snakes. please continue reading
Cats arch their back when playing because they are acting out an encounter that may well take place in real life. It is a strong form of body language. If a cat feels threatened by, for example, a large dog … please continue reading
The word “blep” refers to a cat sticking her tongue out slightly. The face is passive. The body is also fairly passive and still. There appears to be nothing particular going on except that the cat is probably thinking. Humans … please continue reading
There are two possible reasons why domestic cats push things off shelves, tables or over edges of any kind. Play Domestic cats “animate” an inanimate object by pushing it over the edge of a table or shelf. The object falls … please continue reading
There are three specific reasons why domestic cats scratch carpet, furniture, scratching blocks, anything which is suitable to scratch. In the wild a suitably sized tree is ideal. We all know that this aspect of feline behaviour is perhaps the … please continue reading
In this article I explore the things that scare domestic cats and how these fears can be prevented or overcome. Kittens become unusually fearful and aggressive towards other cats and people when they are separated from their mother much earlier … please continue reading
Cats sleep about twice as much as humans because this is the typical sleeping pattern of a highly efficient predator. The domestic cat has time on his hands and uses the time to sleep and dream. Cats can fall into … please continue reading
