To find out more about the reasons why cats are such weird little goofs, as well as what’s typical feline behavior and what’s not, we spoke with Yuliia Popyk, an animal behavior expert from Petcube who was happy to share some insights. Quoting animal behaviorist Shadi Delshad, Yuliia explained that cat owners need to be more observant about their cats’ behavior over time. “If you notice your cat behaving differently, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian to rule out medical causes and get advice on best addressing the behavior. Also, if you notice your cat coming over whenever you’re feeling down, they likely know how you feel,” she explained.
Moreover, Yuliia added that often, when your cat is doing something a little out of the ordinary, they're trying to tell you that something is not right - this might mean something with their behavior, health, environment, or anything else.
“Communication with you is at the center of a cat’s personality. Everything they do can be a channel for communication with their people and other animals. Cats can express their communication skills through marking their territory with their fur and scent, using «voice» and sounds to deliver their instincts, or using their tail to let us know what they need,” the animal expert from Petcube said and reminded feline owners that “your cat is in constant communication with you.”
There is an abundance of cat behavior myths surfing around out there that are false, so Yuliia debunked some of the most common ones. The first myth is that cats act like people and experience the same emotions. “It’s important to remember that cats are not humans, and they do not act out of spite. They have their own motivations and behaviors that are often very different from ours. Cats don’t hold grudges, and they don’t seek revenge. If your cat misbehaves, there is likely a reason for it that has nothing to do with spite,” she explained.
Another very common myth is that cats can’t be trained, unlike dogs. Yuliia said that indeed, cats learn differently than dogs. “Dogs are motivated by food and praise, while cats are motivated by play and positive reinforcement. However, this does not mean that cats cannot be trained. In fact, with the proper motivation, cats can be trained to do tricks, walk on a leash, use a litter box, and much more.”
Yuliia argues that in order to successfully train a cat, it is important to understand how they learn. “Cats learn best through positive reinforcement, which means they are more likely to repeat a behavior if it is followed by a reward. The type of reward will vary depending on the cat but can include treats, petting, or even just verbal praise,” the animal expert said and added that “It is also important to be consistent with training, as cats can quickly become confused if they are given mixed signals.”
The belief that cats show their belly because they always want you to pet it is also a myth. Yuliia explained that if your cat does enjoy a belly rub, it is best to do it on your cat’s terms. “Let them initiate it by coming to you and flipping over on their back. Once the cat is in that position, you can lightly pet its belly. If they get up and walk away, do not take it personally — the fluff is just not in the mood for a belly rub at that moment.”
For every cat owner, it’s important to recognize the signs when their beloved furry friend is acting a little off. Yuliia shared a couple of red flags to look out for. “If your cat seems to act aggressively, it could signify that they feel threatened and/or anxious. If your cat suddenly starts urinating out of the litter box, it could be a sign of a medical condition or stress. If your cat is meowing more often than usual, it could be a sign that they are bored or lonely. If your cat scratches something, they leave their own unique scent mark on it. This scent mark lets other cats know that this is their territory. However, if scratching becomes excessive and aggressive - you may need to consult the veterinarian about this behavior.”
Moreover, Yuliia argues that there are many more cases when your cat’s behavior may become unusual, which will take hours to be discussed. “In any of these situations, Pet Emergency Fund serves as a perfect solution to take care of your pet’s health via a pet insurance alternative. You will be able to talk to a vet online 24/7 and, for less than $1 per day, get $3,000 in an emergency for all your pets. Emergency Fund pays for your vet bills in any life-threatening situation, but vet appointments or not severe cases are not eligible for coverage.”
If you’re thinking whether you’d make a good cat owner, there are two of the most important traits in a person that would make them a great cat owner, according to Yuliia. It’s being attentive and loving. “Needless to say that once you can learn to see communication with your cat through their eyes and not your own, you can begin to understand what they’re trying to tell you. This can help you better take care of your cat and ensure that you’re providing the best possible life for this beloved family member. Learn to speak cat, and you can have a lifetime of fun and companionship with your furry friend!”
