BEHAVIOR

[From Tufts March 2011 Issue]

Editors note: This article launches a new Catnip series that debunks common misconceptions about cats.
In spite of their reputation for tolerating only dry land, a surprising number of domesticated cats not only tolerate but love pawing water or swimming. Some like to play in standing water; others are fascinated by running water and prefer to drink from a faucet rather than a bowl.

When a cat rolls over on his back, exposing his tummy, it probably looks like an invitation. Most cats like having their tummies stroked - right up until the second they dont. Many owners are shocked when their cat, who had just been purring in enjoyment, is suddenly gripping their forearm with needle-sharp claws, or even sinking in teeth. This can be confusing, not to mention painful. …

Unless youre planning to breed your male cat, there are a number of extremely good reasons to have your pet neutered at some point during the first six months or so of his life. Most importantly, the procedure will prevent his contributing to the worldwide problem of feline overpopulation. Neutering will also eliminate or at least reduce the occurrence of several undesirable sex-related behaviors.

Some cats have relationship challenges resulting in inappropriate eliminations. The cats may have been introduced to each other too fast, or there might be too many cats in too small of a space with little or no vertical territory. Or maybe the cats simply dont like each other. Cats sometimes leave calling cards when they dont feel confident around other cats, or they may be leaving information about themselves for other cats to discover. Poor litter-box management can be a big contributing factor in this situation, as well.

Cats who happen to be strolling around your backyard can cause your cat to spray and urinate outside the cat box. It doesnt matter if the visitors are well cared for by the neighbors or if they are feral; their presence can upset your cat. Besides the vocalizing sometimes heard at the windows, it is usually easy to determine if outside visitors are causing your cat to have bathroom issues by the locations in which your cat is eliminating or spraying. Typically, cats who are responding to outsiders will target doors, windows, and the perimeters of the rooms nearest to the intruders.To solve this problem, the outside cats need to be convinced not to hang out in your yard. There are many kinds of deterrents commercially available that can help. Choose carefully, as some of these products can compromise an animals health while others are perfectly safe. One safe deterrent emits a sound that is undetectable to human ears, but heard by animals. Others are products that you spray on fences or sprinkle on soil. Lemon also works to an extent. There are many solutions available; just make sure that they will not hurt or poison the cats in any way. If you are purposely feeding the ferals at your house, finding a place to set up the feeding stations that is not viewable from your house may help.

Cats are graceful, sinewy and powerful creatures, and we understandably marvel at their natural athleticism. The feline physique is built of strong hindquarters and a supple spine, which allow them to effortlessly jump horizontally and vertically. Amazingly, a cat is capable of jumping up to five to seven times its own height - usually lightning fast and whisper-quiet.

Ah, serendipity! On the same day I spoke with Dr. Nicholas Dodman, a post appeared in the Facebook group, CatCentric, asking if the members allowed their cats up on counters and if it's an acceptable behavior.

As it turned out, the question drew over 265 comments within 24 hours, so clearly it's a hot topic. The comments covered a broad spectrum of opinions from "Never, Gross, Unsanitary" … to "It's their home and they do as they please que sera, sera attitude" … and all points in between.

Cats are curious, fascinating, mysterious creatures and were constantly learning more about them - sometimes, its like solving a mathematical equation. For example, jumping. We know that, by nature, cats are three-dimensional animals that incorporate vertical space as part of their territory both as a predatory skill and as a protection to escape predators.

Q My cat can be snoozing, but if I take a piece of paper or cellophane or foil and form it into a wad, she instantly wakes up and looks like she is ready for a hunt. She loves crinkly sounds and will run after a paper ball if I toss it down the hallway. If I rattle a paper grocery bag, she comes running. She will actually jump inside the bag if I leave…

Q My cat, Peaches, is a Siamese mix. She loves to cuddle with me, but sometimes when I am petting her, she bites me. Occasionally it is hard enough to break the skin. Why does she bite, and can I train her not to bite after 12 years of living with me? …

Q My cat, Lucy, uses the doggy door to go into our fenced backyard. We have a bird feeder out there, and every once in a while, I discover a dead bird on my pillow. I almost faint at the sight. I want to scold Lucy, but she looks at me with such pride. Lucy is about eight years old, but she is as healthy as a kitten. Why is she doing this?

Q We adopted a healthy 12-week-old kitten. At first, we kept him in the bathroom at night and when we were not a home. He peed in the litter box but pooped in the bathtub. Now that he is older, he has full run of the house. We keep the litter box clean, scooping it every day, but he still poops on the tile floor next to the litter box. I am tired of cleaning…