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.
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spot on Ms Summer , well trained human! cat has no spite.
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
Summer, you are one smart kitty. If humans could just learn these facts, we’d all be better off.
Great post.
The list is purrfect! I will need to share it with others. Thank you!
Good information for anyone who has cats or wants to adopt.
Excellent facts that every cat owner should know.
spot on, Summer! thankfully our mom is trained pretty well on these 🙂
pip, minnie, hollie, sharpie, ditto, TL
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
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.
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.
Great points! Very cute photo, too.
This is such an important post, Summer! Every human should read it.
Humans aren’t the brightest animals on the planet, Summer! Kitties need to train us!
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).
Well said!
Great points! Humans still have a lot to learn.
Good points ! Purrs
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
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.
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
Summer you are one wise kitty! We LOVE those facts and agree with each and every one of them!
That is such a cute picture!!
Those truly are real facts! Every single one of them. We’re glad you found that bookmark!
Truth!
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!
a great list – though mom thinks Chanel may take the OCD thing to new heights
Those are some great facts to know about cats. Well done.
Those were a great pretty Summer and they nailed it fur sure!
Summer, you nailed it with these facts.
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
Those are facts that every cat person should know, Summer. So many people just don’t understand cats!
Our mom is totally about the BFF, not the worshipful woofie. And this is a great reminder list for her too.
The lady who posted the original query really knew nothing about cats, did she?
We have our #1 well trained!
Purrs,
The Chans
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.
Great points.
I have OCD – maybe that’s why cats and I get along so well… 😉
Great advice, Summer!
I totally agree.
Our 14 rescues totally agree!!