Key stimuli refer to the triggers of innate behavior that are specific to an animal species. In cats, a typical example is catching prey. The animals do not have to learn the processes involved in successful hunting. They exist naturally. The quiet movement sounds of a mouse immediately capture your attention. The cat automatically locates, tracks and grabs its prey. The young cat first has to gradually learn the targeted bite with which an experienced cat kills its prey. From birth, kittens even have a biting inhibition, which they have to overcome on their own. They are helped by the strong competition between their siblings, but also by their strong jealousy for food.
If something goes wrong while hunting for prey or competing, it can quickly become dangerous. With cat health insurance from DFV, your velvet paw is well protected. The DFV Animal Health Protection provides up to 100% reimbursement of costs for illness and operations.
Impressive behavior of the cat
If a cat encounters a member of its own species or other intruders in its own territory, it will not always immediately attack. She usually tries to intimidate the other person through her behavior and thereby drive them away. The cat adopts a posture that makes it appear larger and stronger than it actually is. The famous cat hump is an example of impressive behavior. From the frontal perspective, the cat’s silhouette appears significantly larger and therefore more threatening. The effect is further enhanced by their ruffled fur. Cats as young as four to five weeks old have mastered the cat humping deterrent technique.
Why is it great to understand the cat?
The good news first: Cats are able to adapt their speech to humans so that the animal’s signals are easy for their owners to understand. Cats communicate with their fellow cats primarily through scents and body language. When making contact with humans, however, it prefers to use sounds. In this way, she is more likely to get the attention of the person being addressed and can express her wishes and problems more easily. The bad news is that cats develop very different communication habits. So there is no one universal cat language that allows every animal to be understood right from the start. The cat sounds themselves can also vary greatly in sound and volume from animal to animal. This also shows the wide range of character traits that can be found in cats.
If a cat has grown up in the immediate vicinity of people, it often specifically seeks their closeness and support. The trusted person is greeted and contacted directly with any problems or requests. It is therefore important for the cat owner to interpret the signals correctly. Hunger, fear, pain or possibly even a serious illness could be behind the animal’s “cry for help”. Quick understanding and quick assistance are important here. If in doubt, you should always go to the vet. Possible high costs of veterinary treatment can be cushioned by cat health insurance. This way you can also financially secure your cat’s comprehensive health care. Intensive communication with their humans is crucial for the cat’s well-being and balanced social life. It is not uncommon for her to be perceived as a full member of the family.
Cat body language
Many forms of a domestic cat’s body language are immediately understandable. If her fur stands on end and her back arches into a hunchback, she is either afraid or wants to use showmanship to drive away someone she perceives as a threat. And when the cat yawns, it is immediately clear that he is tired. But this is where the peculiarities of cat behavior begin. Yawning is often a clear sign of well-being and an expression of deeply felt security. When the cat tries to nudge us with its nose, it means more than a simple tap to get attention. Rather, it is a sign of trust and friendship. The cat’s nose is very sensitive. She would never extend this vulnerable part of her body to a threatening-looking creature.
Wagging the tail in cats is by no means the same as happily wagging the tail, as a dog does. It is not a good sign and indicates nervousness, inner excitement or indecision. A bristling tail is even an attack signal. The very different forms of expression are believed to be the real reason for the widespread hostility between cats and dogs. The fact that the two animal species do not get along well can be taken quite literally and provides a plausible explanation. On the other hand, cats, like dogs, are capable of learning. If they grow up together and are able to get to know each other’s characteristics extensively, life together is usually harmonious. Cat and dog can become friends.
Cats’ body language is also characterized by their highly developed motor skills and impressive body control. Climbing, balancing and jumping are not significant challenges for a healthy animal. However, if a domestic cat conspicuously avoids certain movements and often retreats to a quiet place, an illness may be behind it. If the cat shows such behavior, an appointment with the vet should be made. Some cat diseases can also be directly identified by the cat’s external appearance. If the fur appears shaggy and dull, there may be health reasons.
The body language of the head
Cats have their own unique facial expressions. The position of the head and the facial expression are a signal to the environment and also give a reliable impression of their current condition. Confidential blinking with half-closed eyes and nuzzling the head are clearly friendly gestures and a sign of the greatest sympathy. Continuous staring can indicate great interest, but can also be a warning: Don’t come too close to me. Showing one’s teeth is usually meant as a threat.
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