To build a strong relationship with your cat, it’s important to understand her needs and wants. We don’t communicate in the same language as our cats and, as a result, their behavior may sometimes leave us baffled. We may even interpret perfectly natural cat behavior as our cat being naughty or stubborn. However, by learning more about how cats communicate you and your cat can live in perfect harmony.  

Natural cat behavior

Cats are solitary animals and like to spend some time alone, whether sleeping or prowling. They are also predators who prefer to hunt at night, and this instinct is maintained, even when humans provide them with food on a regular basis. Your cat should be allowed to express her natural behavior and instincts. Allow her to spend time alone if she chooses. Provide her with areas of retreat so that in a busy household she can hide away when she needs to. Cats like enclosed areas, such as cardboard boxes or commercially available cat beds, where they can retreat and rest. Don’t be surprised at how much time your cat spends resting; her instincts tell her to conserve her energy so she can go out and hunt late at night. Cats also like to sleep high-up and if they are scared they look for the highest spot they can find in order to hide away. If possible, try to provide your cat with a retreat that is located high-up.

Allow your cat to hunt. The “prey” does not have to be a live bird or a mouse – your cat will enjoy hunting even when her prey is a cat toy fashioned after a bird or mouse. Fishing rod toys, for example, are excellent for interactive play between you and your cat, and allow her to show off her natural hunting behavior. Let her capture the toy prey occasionally and she’ll beam with pride. Play is particularly important for cats and if you humor her hunting skills inside the house, you’ll limit the amount of “gifts” that she’ll bring you from outside. Cats don’t bring you headless birds or mice to scare you or to be difficult; they do it because they are proud of what they have caught and want to show you. If you ignore her or reprimand her, she’ll think you’re not happy with the catch and bring you something better next time.

Cat communication

Cats communicate with each other through scratching or through scented messages. Communication through scratching leaves a visual message and helps to keep your cat’s claws nicely sharpened. Cats need to scratch to keep their claws short and sharp – they don’t do it to annoy you or ruin your furniture! Make sure your cat has a specific area in the house where she is allowed and even encouraged to scratch. You can buy different types of scratching post – choose one your cat enjoys. Providing a scratching post is the best way to keep your furniture from being ruined. Communication through scented messages is also very important to cats. Messages are left through the spraying of urine, as well as rubbing their scent glands. When your cat rubs on walls, furniture or doors she is marking her territory. When she rubs against your legs, she’s telling you, “You’re my person.”

By understanding your cat, you can build a stronger relationship. Your cat really does talk to you – you just have to watch and listen!