The Importance of Territory
A fundamental characteristic of the cat is its desire to live within a well-defined territory. Cats that are allowed access to the outdoors will establish a home range that includes favorite areas used for sleeping, playing, sunbathing, and stalking prey. Cats that live exclusively indoors, on the other hand, establish their territories only within the confines of their home. Whenever new cats or other pets are introduced to a cat's household, the newcomers are initially resented by the resident cat or cats. This is completely normal behavior when we consider the territorial nature of the cat. Many owners mistakenly interpret this behavior as jealousy or as a reflection of the cat's asocial nature. However, it is simply the cat's reaction to an invader into his or her established territory. The use of proper introduction techniques when introducing new pets can reduce this anxiety and promote friendly and peaceful interactions.
Cats have several means through which they indicate the boundaries of their territories. Both scent and visual cues are used. Scent cues that cats may use include head, cheek, and tail rubbing, scratching, and urine spraying. When cats rub their faces and bodies along furniture (and along their owner's legs) they are depositing their own scent from glands located in the face and around the base of the tail. This type of marking makes the cat feel secure within his own living space and also informs the feline world that the territory is inhabited by a resident cat. Another cue that is used to mark territory is scratching on vertical and horizontal surfaces. Scratching leaves a visual cue to other animals and also deposits scent from glands located in the cat's paws. It is also one of the ways in which cats stretch their muscles after a nap and maintain good claw care. Finally, urine is used by some cats to mark parts of their territory. While intact male cats are most apt to spray urine, all cats can use this method of marking.
Although these signals are all normal cat behaviors, some forms or territory marking can be a source of frustration to owners. Territorial marking that occurs with rubbing the body along furniture and when greeting people is usually not objectionable, and is often interpreted as a form of affection. Indeed, studies show that cats in social groups rub one another as a form of greeting and during displays of affection, so this behavior may very well serve both purposes. However, the other forms of territorial marking, such as urine spraying and scratching, are understandably objectionable to most owners. Luckily, these natural feline behaviors can be easily prevented, redirected, or eliminated in the majority of cats. As a result, they do not pose a problem for most cat owners.
Understanding the cat’s “nature” and ways in which this special animal companion is unique can help owners to provide the best of care and a comfortable and secure living environment for their cat. Whether your new kitten turns out to be a cuddler, an explorer, or a cat with a bit of an independent streak, appreciating him as the cat that he is will help you to welcome him into your home as your new companion as you look forward to many enjoyable years together.
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