Lesson 16 (1/2) - Feline Psychology

• Feline Psychology
• Primary Education

Lesson Outline

Theory

Feline Psychology

Practical

Full Groom (Clipper + Scissoring)

Models

Meowdels

Lesson 16

Feline Psychology

Presented by:

History of Felines

Cats began their unique relationship with humans 10,000 to 12,000 years ago in human civilisation. One such development was agriculture. As people abandoned their nomadic lifestyle and settled permanently to farm the land, stored grain attracted rodents.

With a new, abundant food source, Middle Eastern wildcats preyed on the rodents and would scavenge the garbage that all human societies produce just like how community cats do today.

History of Felines

Indoor-only cats have only become common in the last 60 or 70 years.

It is only in recent years that we have begun to introduce canned food, litter boxes and reproduction control like neutering to cater to them living indoors.

Community cats deserve to live their lives outside just as they have for in their history.

Their home is the outdoors and just like squirrels, raccoons, and birds, they’re more well-suited to their outdoor home although there are exceptions where stray cats get to live out their best lives after being adopted because they have evolved to be more tolerant of living in close proximity with people and with other cats. 

Indoor-only cats have only become common in the last 60 or 70 years which is a very short amount of time on an evolutionary scale.

Throughout human history, cats have always lived and thrived outside. It is only in recent years that we have begun to introduce canned food, litter boxes and reproduction control like neutering to cater to them living indoors.

Although human civilisation and domestic cats co-evolved side by side, the community cat population was not created by humans. Cats have lived outdoors for a long time and they are not new to the environment. 

Community cats deserve to live their lives outside just as they have for in their history. Indoor homes are sometimes not an option because they have not been socialised to live well with humans. They would be stressed and unhappy indoors. Their home is the outdoors and just like squirrels, raccoons, and birds, they’re more well-suited to their outdoor home although there are exceptions where stray cats get to live out their best lives after being adopted because they have evolved to be more tolerant of living in close proximity with people and with other cats. 

Feline Behaviour

Common cat behaviour:

• Purring
  
• Grooming
  
• Kneading
  
• Climbing
  
• Scratching
  

Feline Behaviour

Purring

Most people consider purring to be a universal sign that a cat is happy and content. For the most part, cats will purr when they are comfortable and happy. 

Purring, however, can also be a sign of stress due to unfamiliar situations or surroundings. It can also be when your cat is sick or injured. When a cat purrs, the vibrating cords in the larynx create vibrations across the cat’s entire body that can be soothing in a stressful situation. 

Most people consider purring to be a universal sign that a cat is happy and content. For the most part, cats will purr when they are comfortable and happy. 

They often purr when being pet, enjoying the sunshine or sitting on your laptop computer as you try to work. 

Purring, however, can also be a sign of stress due to unfamiliar situations or surroundings. It can also be when your cat is sick or injured. 

When a cat purrs, the vibrating cords in the larynx create vibrations across the cat’s entire body that can be soothing in a stressful situation. 

If the our cat is purring excessively or in situations where purring is not common, it could be a sign of illness or injury. Thoroughly examine the cat or take them to a veterinarian especially if the cat is not eating, drinking or otherwise acting “normal.”

Feline Behaviour

Grooming

Cats also typically spend a great deal of time grooming. For some cats, grooming can take up to 50 percent of their time. Grooming helps cats regulate their body temperature. 

Each cat will have different grooming habits and patterns, so pay attention to your cat’s beauty regime. If grooming is excessive (overall or in a certain area) or causes loss of fur, you should bring your cat to the veterinarian for an examination.

The two main causes for overgrooming are behavioural, when the cat starts licking excessively as a form of stress-relief (also known as psychogenic alopecia), and medical, when skin allergies or skin parasites are the main culprit.

Feline Behaviour

Kneading

Cats are known to push their front paws in and out in a motion that resembles a baker kneading dough. 

In this case, however, the “dough” is a pillow, carpet, furniture or a person’s chest or head. Some believe it is residual behavior from nursing as a kitten, or simply a way to show contentment. 

Cats have glands in the pads of their paws, so this behaviour could be a way to mark their territory. 

Cats are known to push their front paws in and out in a motion that resembles a baker kneading dough. In this case, however, the “dough” is a pillow, carpet, furniture or a person’s chest or head. Some believe it is residual behavior from nursing as a kitten, or simply a way to show contentment. Cats have glands in the pads of their paws, so this behaviour could be a way to mark their territory. 

If kneading is causing damage, make sure to keep your cat’s nails trimmed. If your cat is kneading you and causing pain, simply distract the cat by petting, playing with the paws or giving a treat. Avoid scolding or punishing the cat for kneading because the behaviour is instinctual.

Feline Behaviour

Climbing

Cats generally like high places and are excellent climbers. This behaviour is genetic as cats are natural predators. A higher vantage point gives them a better view of their surroundings. 

Another practical reason for seeking a comfy ledge is to hide which can allow them to take advantage of the warmer air or settle down for a nice nap without being disturbed. 

Cats generally like high places and are excellent climbers. This behaviour is genetic as cats are natural predators. A higher vantage point gives them a better view of their surroundings. 

Another practical reason for seeking a comfy ledge is to hide which can allow them to take advantage of the warmer air or settle down for a nice nap without being disturbed.

Usually, in a household of cats, the dominant cat usually occupies the highest perch.

Feline Behaviour

Scratching

Other cat behaviour includes burying and scratching which is another instinct in all cats. Some cats will paw at the area around their food dish to mimic burying, as well as covering their tracks after using the litter box. Cats will naturally scratch to keep nails clean and to mark territory. 

Cats prefer to scratch textures that are appealing, so we can discourage a cat from scratching certain areas by applying double-sided tape or aluminium foil. 

Sexual Behaviour

Females in Heat

Cats have their first estrous (reproductive) cycle when they reach puberty. On average, puberty or sexual maturity, first occurs in cats at about six months of age, but this can vary between cats.

Most cats become very affectionate, even demanding; they persistently rub against their owners (or objects such as furniture), constantly wanting attention. They roll on the floor more often.

Cats are indiscriminate, so a brother cat may breed with its sister, a father may breed with his daughter, and a son may breed with his mother. 

Cats can become pregnant on their very first estrous cycle, increasing the chance of accidental breeding.

Sexual Behaviour

Males in Heat

Male cats don’t have heats. However, if not neutered, they reach sexual maturity around the same age as their female counterparts as early as four months, but usually closer to six months of age. 

When a male kitten reaches reproductive maturity, you may notice behavior changes such as urine marking and attempts to get outside to find a mate.

Feline Pregnancy and Birth

The cat gestation period (cat pregnancy length) is about 63-65 days on average, or about two months. 

Things to look out for in Pregnant Cats

• Vaginal Bleeding
  
• Fecal Testing
  
• Flea preventives
  
• No Vaccinations
  

• Vaginal Bleeding
  

Vaginal bleeding is abnormal during any feline pregnancy and should be a cause for concern.

If the bleeding is noted during the early or middle stages of gestation, it’s likely that the queen has had a miscarriage or aborted the babies.

If the bleeding is noted at the end of the pregnancy, the mother may be going into labor early, and immediate veterinary intervention is necessary.

• Fecal Testing
  

fresh stool sample checked by your veterinarian, as intestinal parasites can be spread to the kittens both in utero (in the womb), and during nursing.

Do NOT use over-the-counter dewormers on your pregnant or nursing cat, as some of these could be dangerous. The vet can prescribe the appropriate medication if her stool sample shows evidence of parasitic infection.  

• Flea Preventives
  

During pregnancy, it’s even more important to keep your cat on a safe, vet-approved flea preventative. Always check with your veterinarian to ensure that a specific flea preventative is safe for use in pregnant cats.

• No Vaccinations
  

Cats should never be vaccinated during pregnancy. Vaccines can put a cat at significant risk of birth defects for the developing babies. 

Any queen that is being used for breeding should be current on her vaccinations and preventatives prior to pregnancy.  

‘Feral’ vs ‘Domesticated’ Cats

Pet and stray cats are socialised to people.

Feral cats are not socialised to people. While they are socialised to their feline family members and bonded to each other, they do not have that same relationship with people.

“Community cat” is an umbrella term that refers to any member of the Felis catus species who is unowned and lives outdoors. Both feral and stray cats are community cats. Community cats have a wide range of behaviours and degrees of socialisation, but they generally do not want to live indoors and are unadoptable.

Understanding the many degrees of socialisation cats can exhibit will help you determine the best way to care for, help, and protect them.

Stray and feral cats can be difficult to tell apart, especially when they are trapped or frightened. Scared stray cats often need time to relax and show their level of socialisation.

Stray Cats

A stray cat is a cat who lived indoors and was socialised to people at some point in her life, but has left or lost her home, or was abandoned, and no longer has regular human contact.

Over time, a stray cat can become feral as her contact with humans decreases.

A stray cat may be socialised enough to allow people to touch her, but she will become less social or even feral if she spends too much time without positive interaction with humans.

Under the right circumstances, a stray cat can also become a pet cat once again. Stray cats that are re-introduced to an indoor home after living outdoors may require a period of time to adjust; they may be frightened and wary after spending time outside away from people.

Stray cats can readjust to living with people and may be good candidates for adoption into indoor homes if people have the time and means to foster and adopt.

Feral Cats

A feral cat is an unsocialised outdoor cat who has either never had any physical contact with humans, or human contact has diminished over enough time that she is no longer accustomed to it. 

Most feral cats are fearful or people and are not likely to ever become a lap cat or enjoy living indoors.

It is not recommended trying to socialise a feral kitten over 4 months of age. Socialising is time consuming, especially for older kittens, and results are not guaranteed.

Adult feral cats are not socialised to people, which means they cannot be adopted to indoor homes. As a result, they are likely to be brought to shelters so it is in their best interest to continue living outdoors, in their natural habitat.

Normal and Abnormal Behaviour

While normal cat behaviour varies from cat to cat, there are certain common abnormal behaviors. These may stem from fears, anxieties and obsessive-compulsive behaviour, or they may indicate a physical problem. 

Cats are social creatures so behavioural issues can also stem from lack of socialisation.

Normal Behaviour

• Jumping up on counters and other high places
  
• Stalking and pouncing
  
• Kneading
  
• Grooming
  
• Head butts
  
• Nighttime Play
  

Abnormal Behaviour

• Excessive self-grooming 
• Accidents and other litter box problems
• Changes in eating and drinking
• Eating non-food items
• Sucking on wool or chewing fabric
• Hiding more often
• Sleeping more
• Sudden aggression or fear
• Crying while in the litter pan

Over grooming can be due to many factors. Can be because of an itch or anxiety in general. List out the possibilities and let the owners decide of themselves because they know their cat best

Social Behaviour

Because cats have been exposed to less selective breeding than dogs, there is far less breed diversity and a much narrower range of differences in both physical and behavioural traits. 

Most cats are solitary hunters that prey on rodents and other small animals, which is likely why their coexistence with people is so successful. 

Kittens usually learn to prefer to hunt prey that their mother hunted. Kittens may also develop limited food preferences based on texture and taste if not given a variety of foods when young.

Cats may be behaviourally categorised as active, playful and aggressive, calm and sociable, or timid and shy.

Toileting Issues

Common Litter box problems:

• An unclean litter box
  
• Too few litter boxes for the cats in the household
  
• A cramped litter box
  
• A litter box with a hood or liner
  
• A litter box with sides that are high
  
• Too much litter in the box
  
• An uncomfortable location that doesn’t allow for privacy and multiple escape routes
  
• A change in the litter used
  
• Negative associations. The cat may have been upset while using the box. They may also connect the box with painful elimination, even if their health is back to normal
  
• Stressors like moving, adding new animals or family members to the household
  
• A conflict with another cat in the household
  
• A new preference for eliminating on certain surfaces or textures like carpet, potting soil, or bedding
  

Medical Conditions and Litter box Issues

 Issues

Medical Conditions and Litter box Issues

The cat may have a medical condition that makes urinating too painful, in or out of the litter box.

Medical Conditions and Litter box Issues

 Issues

Common medical conditions which may affect litter box use include:

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

If your cat frequently enters their litter box but produces small amounts of urine, they may have a UTI.

Feline Interstitial Cystitis

Feline interstitial cystitis is a complex disease that causes inflammation of the bladder. It can cause a cat to eliminate outside the litter box because of the urgency to urinate.

Bladder stones or blockage

If the cat has bladder stones or a blockage, they may frequently enter their litter box. They may also experience pain and mew or cry when they try to eliminate. Their abdomen may be tender to the touch.

Medical Conditions and Litter box Issues

 Issues

Common medical conditions which may affect litter box use include:

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

If your cat frequently enters their litter box but produces small amounts of urine, they may have a UTI.

Feline Interstitial Cystitis

Feline interstitial cystitis is a complex disease that causes inflammation of the bladder. It can cause a cat to eliminate outside the litter box because of the urgency to urinate.

Bladder stones or blockage

If the cat has bladder stones or a blockage, they may frequently enter their litter box. They may also experience pain and mew or cry when they try to eliminate. Their abdomen may be tender to the touch.

Sometimes customers will tell you about the issues they face with their cats at home so it’s important to have knowledge about the possible conditions that they need to be aware of so they can monitor and bring to the vet if necessary.

When speaking to customers, never diagnose. Alway say it’s a possibility and if it looks or sounds serious, refer to a vet.

Stress and Cats

Why are some cats more prone to developing chronic stress than others?

The ability of the individual cat to cope with challenges depends on both genetic and environmental factors. 

The development of the physiological systems involved in the stress response starts before a kitten is even born and if the mother is stressed during pregnancy or receives poor nutrition then her litter may be more prone to developing stress, and the non-adaptive coping strategies that form the basis of many of the common behaviour problems.

A lack of early socialisation and opportunities to experience the sights, sounds and smells of a typical domestic home environment may also result in life being very challenging later on.

Minimising Feline Stress and the Importance of Playtime

Cats thrive off routine, enrichment and exercise. They need to engage their minds and bodies, have vertical space for climbing and surveying their domain, scratching posts, safe outdoor access, window perches and interactive play.

Play is an important part of relieving stress as It helps cats release feel-good hormones.

Providing cats with physical and mental stimulation isn’t extra, it’s just as important as food and water.