Cats exceed dogs in their numbers as companion animals in the U.S. and much of Europe, despite them not filling working roles. In the past, their prowess as mousers on farms sometimes made them essential, but these days, many cats lead leisurely lives in people’s homes. What accounts for them becoming such appreciated family members? What are their behaviors that are so enticing? Exactly how do they respond to us? When are they preferred companion animals, more than dogs? What do we know about cultural differences in views about cats? Their growing popularity, and the relative paucity of data about owned cats living in homes, emphasizes the importance of monitoring their welfare. The anthrozoological research literature on companion animals includes extensive studies of dogs, while contributing relatively few close looks at the special behaviors and traits of domestic cats that make them so desirable as companions. We know little about the dynamics of our interactions with cats and the attachment shared with them, which may differ in some ways for those we have with dogs. Nor have we identified the specific contexts where cats are particularly or uniquely compatible. How does the type of attachment affect and shape the bond/relationship between human and cat? How are cats as emotional support animals for people with special needs, especially autism? What new information do we have about the cognitive abilities of domestic cats, and how these abilities shape cats’ behavior and relationships with humans? How do early life experiences of cats influence their behavior as adults, or their successful integration into human households? Do cats fit best in certain residential settings, or with specific types or ages of people? This Research Topic provides an opportunity to update our understanding on the special qualities and behaviors of cats, and to scrutinize our mutual interactions with these companions.

"Cats Unveiled: Exploring Feline Behavior for Stronger Bonds" is a comprehensive guide that explores the fascinating world of cat behavior, emphasizing the importance of continual learning and observation for cat owners. With the aim of fostering a strong bond and ensuring the best care for their feline companions, this book provides valuable insights into the complexities of cat behavior, covering a wide range of topics. The book begins by highlighting the significance of understanding cat behavior and its impact on communication and care. It delves into the purpose and structure of the book, outlining the key areas of focus and the systematic approach to exploring various behaviors exhibited by cats. Readers are then taken on a journey through the intriguing realm of cat behavior. Each chapter focuses on a specific behavior, providing an in-depth analysis of its meaning, significance, and potential implications. From tail positions and movements to ear positions, vocalizations, grooming, play-fighting, hunting simulations, marking, and more, readers will gain a profound understanding of these behaviors and their role in cat communication. The book places special emphasis on how various behaviors reflect cats' emotions, needs, and overall well-being. It explores the connection between behavior and health, shedding light on how changes in appetite, litter box issues, hiding, aggression, and other behaviors may indicate underlying health concerns. The importance of seeking veterinary care and monitoring behavioral changes is stressed to ensure the overall welfare of cats. The guide also addresses common challenges faced by cat owners, such as dealing with picky eaters, compulsive behaviors, and territorial disputes. It provides behavioral modification techniques and tips for overcoming these challenges, promoting a harmonious coexistence with our feline friends. "Cats Unveiled: Exploring Feline Behavior for Stronger Bonds" is a comprehensive guide that equips cat owners with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complex world of cat behavior. By empowering readers with a deeper understanding of their cats, this book aims to enrich the lives of both cats and their human companions, fostering a harmonious and fulfilling relationship based on love, respect, and shared understanding.

Descended from shy, solitary North African wild cats, domestic cats set up homes with devoted owners all over the world by learning how to talk to us. This book translates—in case you missed anything. A renowned cat behavior scientist of over thirty years, Dr. Sarah Brown has been at the forefront of research in the field, discovering how cats use tail signals to interact with each other and their owners. Now, she reveals the previously unexplored secrets of cat communication in a book that is both scientifically grounded and utterly delightful. Each chapter dives into a different form of communication, including vocalizations, tail signals, scents, rubbing, and ear movements. The iconic meow, for example, is rarely used between adult cats—cleverly mimicking the cries of a human infant, the meow is a feline invention for conversing with people. Through observing the behavior of two cat colonies in rural England, readers will also have the opportunity to glimpse into the lives of some of the cats behind Dr. Brown's science. Can we understand what cats’ meows and other signals mean? How do cats actually perceive us? And how can we use this information to inform how we talk back to our feline friends? Referencing historical records, exploring modern scientific studies of cat-human communication, and including simple, elegant line drawings, The Hidden Language of Cats is perfect for any cat lover who wants to learn more about their companion.

Cats have been popular household pets for thousands of years, and their numbers only continue to rise. Today there are three cats for every dog on the planet, and yet cats remain more mysterious, even to their most adoring owners. Unlike dogs, cats evolved as solitary hunters, and, while many have learned to live alongside humans and even feel affection for us, they still don’t quite “get us” the way dogs do, and perhaps they never will. But cats have rich emotional lives that we need to respect and understand if they are to thrive in our company. In Cat Sense, renowned anthrozoologist John Bradshaw takes us further into the mind of the domestic cat than ever before, using cutting-edge scientific research to dispel the myths and explain the true nature of our feline friends. Tracing the cat’s evolution from lone predator to domesticated companion, Bradshaw shows that although cats and humans have been living together for at least eight thousand years, cats remain independent, predatory, and wary of contact with their own kind, qualities that often clash with our modern lifestyles. Cats still have three out of four paws firmly planted in the wild, and within only a few generations can easily revert back to the independent way of life that was the exclusive preserve of their predecessors some 10,000 years ago. Cats are astonishingly flexible, and given the right environment they can adapt to a life of domesticity with their owners—but to continue do so, they will increasingly need our help. If we’re to live in harmony with our cats, Bradshaw explains, we first need to understand their inherited quirks: understanding their body language, keeping their environments—however small—sufficiently interesting, and becoming more proactive in managing both their natural hunting instincts and their relationships with other cats. A must-read for any cat lover, Cat Sense offers humane, penetrating insights about the domestic cat that challenge our most basic assumptions and promise to dramatically improve our pets’ lives—and ours.

Unravels the mysteries of cat behaviour for the general reader and specialist alike.

The behaviour of domesticated animals is a subject of great importance to students of animal behaviour and veterinary medicine, as well as interested pet owners. This new edition of the 1992 book fully updates the original chapters with new research from the past two decades, while also including two new chapters covering behavioural disorders due to pathologies and from misdirected natural behaviour. " Fully updated throughout" New chapters" Written by well-renowned feline behaviour expertsThe book aims to present a readable overview of the behaviour of the domestic cat, adopting both a mechanistic and functional approach. The first half of the book is mainly concerned with physiological, developmental and psychological aspects; this includes chapters on domestication, the development of the senses, learning, communication and feeding behaviour. To provide a comprehensive resource on the subject, the second half of the book looks at social behaviour, hunting and predation, cat-human interactions and welfare. Also essential reading for cat breeders and researchers of domestic animal behaviour, this new textbook is the quintessential source of cat behaviour information.

This comprehensive cat behavior course delves into understanding the intricacies of feline behavior and provides practical guidance for addressing common behavioral issues. From exploring the anatomy and physiology of cats to deciphering feline communication, the course covers a wide range of topics. It delves into instinctual behavior patterns, including aggression, inappropriate urination, and destructive scratching, and offers strategies for environmental enrichment to promote a stimulating and fulfilling environment for cats. The course also addresses health considerations, socialization, handling fear and anxiety, resolving territorial behavior, managing mealtimes, and understanding age-related behavior changes. Furthermore, it explores feline body language and vocalizations, the importance of human-cat bonding, enforcing boundaries and rules, handling cat-human aggression, and maintaining a healthy and happy relationship with cats. Overall, this course aims to equip cat owners with the knowledge and skills to better understand their feline companions and foster a harmonious and fulfilling bond.