Unique Cat Behaviors

Cats are creatures of choice. That they exhibit this ability to choose indicates just how intelligent they can be. It fascinates me to watch what and how they choose. They can choose to be social or not. They choose to be demanding or aloof. They can even choose to be serious or silly. Having observed a fair number of feline personalities with whom I've shared residency, I've always been amazed and flattered when a cat chooses to notice me and initiate a 'conversation'. It's their choice, not yours. If a cat doesn't want to be noticed, you won't see them.

Often, they insist on treating me like a cat, which I suppose must be the highest compliment they can offer. Although annoying, I grudgingly accept being groomed in bed. It's that they offer this service only to other cat friends, of which they consider me to be one, that's important. The disturbing coiffure that results becomes my personal problem and nothing to do with their intentions.

Some cat behavior can be distinctly un-cat like. I have a Maine Coon called Charlie. He will walk with me on a leash and be as well heeled and pleasant about it as any dog. That is, until he grows tired of this behavior and signals his desire for it to end. He accomplishes this by collapsing and rolling onto his back. I oblige him at these times and pick him up as I clearly understand he's tired of walking.

Charlie is a very good communicator. He paws at the outside door when he wants a walk, paws at the refrigerator when he's hungry, cries at closed doors he thinks need to be opened. Pawing at the dish washer when it's not running still has me wondering, but I'm sure he as a perfectly good reason. I just haven't figured out what it is yet.

My other cat, Teller, communicates, but isn't at all clear about his needs. He will pat my arm with his paw and verbalize his request. After that the ball is in my court. I've got to figure out what he wants or put up with the repeated attempts to get his meaning across. Recognizing him and returning the verbalization is only the beginning of the response he's looking for.

So we engage in a cat version of Twenty Questions:

I just fed you, now what do you want?

Do you want to go out?

Do you want a drink of water?

Is your mouse under the stove again?

Is it in this room?

Is it bigger than a bread box?

Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know you wanted to rub your whiskers on my glasses while I was wearing them.

The number of questions needed to complete this dialog is a direct reflection of my intelligence, not the cat's.

Why, when they have the run of the whole house, do they choose to be on my lap, on my desk, at my feet, or always nearby? I've no clear answer for this behavior, but I don't allow the mystery of it to get in the way of taking great pleasure in their company.

Learn more about this author, Rhui Chatar.
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