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You are here: Home / Kitty Wisdom / Facts About Cats… By a Cat

Facts About Cats… By a Cat

February 5, 2018 By: Summer Samba44 Comments

Summer has some facts about cats for you

The inspiration for this post came when my human ran across an old bookmark on her iPhone. It was a question in a forum from 2010, and apparently saved as fodder for one of Sparkle’s advice columns. The original poster was complaining that her 10-month-old kitten was misbehaving — on purpose! The young cat was doing things like scratching the couch, getting up on the dining room table and kitchen counter, even though she wasn’t allowed, and stealing the other cat’s food. This person knew it was on purpose because the cat would do these things and look right at her. She wondered if the kitten was mad at her or something.

This led to a long thread of comments and speculation. My favorite was, “Aww, she sounds awesome! Have you got a photo you can post?” Clearly, this responder understood cats. Not so much some of the others. And it’s not like things are all that different eight years later — humans still have a hard time understanding cats. So I thought I’d create a short, paw point list of cat facts… only from a cat’s perspective.

So here you go — have some real facts about cats!

  • Your cat will claw the couch as long as it is a more desirable scratching surface than anything else in the house.
  • Your home is your cat’s domain. That means every inch of it. There is no such thing as a forbidden area. There are only areas that are more awesome to be in than others.
  • Cats don’t get jealous or spiteful, they get territorial. And when they think they are losing territory, they get scared and act out. The best thing you can do is create territory they like that belongs to them alone. Sometimes this involves making vertical space, or providing hiding places.
  • It is impossible to punish a cat. You just look like a big meanie in the cat’s eyes. You know that saying about drawing more flies with honey than vinegar? The same goes for cats, except replace the honey with something your cat likes.
  • We cats love routine. You might even say we are OCD, because we love it when things are done in exactly the same order every time. You can use that if you are training your cat — think of a combination of OCD and a fun game, and you are on the right track.
  • What a cat wants: her own space; to feel safe; to have enough room, food, and a good litter box; and a good pal, either human or feline according to the cat’s desires.
  • Most cats aren’t loners. The loner thing is a myth. Sure, we like our alone time and don’t want to be disturbed when we are enjoying it. But we also need companionship. We just prefer it on our own terms.
  • You and your cat are equals. You are bigger so you are a little scary when provoked. But that’s about it. You will never be a big alpha cat. Maybe the big alpha servant, if you are lucky.
  • Just because your cat isn’t as demonstrative as a dog, it doesn’t mean she hates you. In fact, she is probably quite fond of you. She just has cat ways of showing it that are more subtle.
  • Would you rather be worshipped or have a best friend who knows your faults, and loves you anyway? A dog will do the former; a cat offers the latter.
Facts About Cats... By a CatFacts About Cats... By a Cat
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Comments

  1. Catherine Lingg says

    July 21, 2020 at 9:42 pm

    On point Summer. The person thinking her cat was “acting out” on purpose to get to her was hilarious. He/She clearly knew nothing about cats

    Reply
  2. Catherine lingg says

    January 5, 2020 at 12:18 pm

    Spot on Summer. You are so wise. Just posted a pic of Rosie on the dining table. Caption…what mom? I also know I am the resident servant and am being allowed to share THEIR space. I also prefer the company of cats over humans. Sorry people. I also believe if my DNA was tested, it would be 1/3 feline

    Reply
  3. Xenabobb says

    April 17, 2019 at 2:13 pm

    Cats are totally pawesome!

    Reply
  4. selina says

    April 17, 2019 at 1:54 pm

    We ALWAYS vote for having the furriend! MK & DK wouldn’t have it any other way!

    Purrz!
    Selina

    Reply
  5. mank says

    August 14, 2018 at 6:50 pm

    spot on Ms Summer , well trained human! cat has no spite.

    Reply
  6. Kitties Blue says

    February 8, 2018 at 11:16 am

    What a great breakdown. As we have written, Sawyer likes to escape. I have had several suggestions from cat people on things to do to prevent this. They all amount to some sort of punishment. I know that cats do not understand this and have told them these are things I will never do. For me, I must be hyper vigilant to keep it from happening. Again thanks, Kitties Blue Mom

    Reply
  7. meowmeowmans says

    February 7, 2018 at 8:15 pm

    Summer, you are one smart kitty. If humans could just learn these facts, we’d all be better off.

    Reply
  8. sue brandes says

    February 7, 2018 at 11:01 am

    Great post.

    Reply
  9. Tommy & Teaghan says

    February 6, 2018 at 5:30 pm

    The list is purrfect! I will need to share it with others. Thank you!

    Reply
  10. icat and Jean says

    February 6, 2018 at 7:44 am

    Good information for anyone who has cats or wants to adopt.

    Reply
  11. Raven says

    February 5, 2018 at 9:41 pm

    Excellent facts that every cat owner should know.

    Reply
  12. Fraidy Cats! says

    February 5, 2018 at 7:05 pm

    spot on, Summer! thankfully our mom is trained pretty well on these 🙂

    pip, minnie, hollie, sharpie, ditto, TL

    Reply
  13. Marv says

    February 5, 2018 at 6:53 pm

    Summer! Most excellent advice! I Marvelous have been working on training my human. Queen Penelope let her get away with lots and diligence is a must especially in getting the routine down right! First thing in the morning, it is ALWAYS cat food before coffee! And last thing at night is treats before going into the bathroom to brush your teeth.
    Purrs
    Marv

    Reply
  14. Cathy Keisha says

    February 5, 2018 at 6:23 pm

    Excellent column! I want to be worshipped. When I bite TW and she screams and chases me, I think it’s a game. That may be why I bite her. It’s fun. I’m not scared of her cos she’s my friend since I don’t have a cat furrend.

    Reply
  15. Katie Isabella says

    February 5, 2018 at 5:01 pm

    OH THANK YOU SUMMER! Mom is so sick and tired of trying to explain even to some bloggers that cats do NOT think like humans…cats are NOT spiteful…cats do NOT do things “on purpose” and all the others you mentioned and a bunch more. I wish it was published on the front page of a decent newspaper.

    Reply
  16. Maribeth curran says

    February 5, 2018 at 4:19 pm

    Great points! Very cute photo, too.

    Reply
  17. Melissa & Mudpie says

    February 5, 2018 at 3:18 pm

    This is such an important post, Summer! Every human should read it.

    Reply
  18. Eastside Cats says

    February 5, 2018 at 2:02 pm

    Humans aren’t the brightest animals on the planet, Summer! Kitties need to train us!

    Reply
  19. LoneStarCATS says

    February 5, 2018 at 1:48 pm

    Great advice! Our pups don’t worship da humans either, but dey are terriers and a lil more cat-like in that way dan a lotta dogs (dey think dey are co-alphas too).

    Reply
  20. Ginav24 says

    February 5, 2018 at 12:48 pm

    Well said!

    Reply
  21. Lola The Rescued Cat says

    February 5, 2018 at 12:23 pm

    Great points! Humans still have a lot to learn.

    Reply
  22. The Swiss Cats says

    February 5, 2018 at 11:25 am

    Good points ! Purrs

    Reply
  23. Madi and Mom says

    February 5, 2018 at 11:24 am

    Summer these are so very very true!! Thank you for sharing them…especially the territorial….
    I tell mom what is mine is mine and what is hers is mine too.
    Hugs madi your bfff

    Reply
  24. Ellen Pilch says

    February 5, 2018 at 10:15 am

    Excellent post. Although, I do have one area off-limits to the cats, but only for their safety. The dining room has plants and one in particular is poisonous, the false shamrock, I should just give it away.

    Reply
  25. Purrjamm Cats says

    February 5, 2018 at 10:06 am

    Great List! True words and wisdom to live by. Right on, you can never have too many scratcher posts and trees. Great post Summer. Our mom and dad live by list. It comes natural to them. Purrs

    Reply
  26. caren gittleman says

    February 5, 2018 at 8:44 am

    Summer you are one wise kitty! We LOVE those facts and agree with each and every one of them!

    Reply
  27. CRAIG S. C. OKAJIMA says

    February 5, 2018 at 8:23 am

    That is such a cute picture!!

    Reply
  28. Colehaus Cats says

    February 5, 2018 at 8:06 am

    Those truly are real facts! Every single one of them. We’re glad you found that bookmark!

    Reply
  29. Layla Morgan Wilde says

    February 5, 2018 at 6:52 am

    Truth!

    Reply
  30. FuzzMother says

    February 5, 2018 at 6:22 am

    Good advice, Summer. As the saying goes, “It’s a cat’s world, we just live in it!” And we humans had better learn to suck it up and get with the program!

    Reply
  31. Random Felines says

    February 5, 2018 at 6:08 am

    a great list – though mom thinks Chanel may take the OCD thing to new heights

    Reply
  32. margie says

    February 5, 2018 at 5:55 am

    Those are some great facts to know about cats. Well done.

    Reply
  33. Brian Frum says

    February 5, 2018 at 5:46 am

    Those were a great pretty Summer and they nailed it fur sure!

    Reply
  34. The Island Cats says

    February 5, 2018 at 5:26 am

    Summer, you nailed it with these facts.

    Reply
  35. Basil says

    February 5, 2018 at 4:47 am

    Fantastic post Summer, and we’re MOLing at the the couch scratching scenario, we love our couch!!! MOL

    Thanks for joining in The Pet Parade!

    Best purrs

    Basil & Co xox

    Reply
  36. Roby Sweet says

    February 5, 2018 at 4:46 am

    Those are facts that every cat person should know, Summer. So many people just don’t understand cats!

    Reply
  37. Toby and Leia says

    February 5, 2018 at 4:39 am

    Our mom is totally about the BFF, not the worshipful woofie. And this is a great reminder list for her too.

    Reply
  38. The Poupounette Gang says

    February 5, 2018 at 3:12 am

    The lady who posted the original query really knew nothing about cats, did she?

    We have our #1 well trained!

    Purrs,
    The Chans

    Reply
  39. Mistletoe says

    February 5, 2018 at 3:02 am

    Now how do we get these points across to those that need them. My HuMom is forever telling the people on shows like “My Cat From Hell” to buy a book or do a google search before they get a cat, or at least once the cat becomes part of the family. A cat isn’t a dog that you don’t have to walk…is something she often exclaims. Each cat has it own personality but your list is a great starting place for those need some catucation.

    Reply
  40. TyBee says

    February 5, 2018 at 2:11 am

    Great points.

    Reply
  41. Fur Everywhere says

    February 5, 2018 at 1:46 am

    I have OCD – maybe that’s why cats and I get along so well… 😉

    Reply
  42. The kitties of PURRING pines says

    February 5, 2018 at 12:34 am

    Great advice, Summer!

    Reply
    • Christine Carroll says

      February 6, 2018 at 7:39 am

      I totally agree.

      Reply
    • Nancy says

      March 12, 2018 at 4:36 pm

      Our 14 rescues totally agree!!

      Reply

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