| Most cats behave in the same way, and have | | | | sleep habits may be a sign of sickness, and should |
| similar characteristics. For example, they all have | | | | be a clue that they need to see a veterinarian. |
| feline mannerisms, like their sense of balance, their | | | | Climbing |
| ability to jump, and their uncanny resemblance to | | | | The typical cat loves to climb and perch on high |
| predators in the wild. Other typical cat behavior | | | | places. Cats may feel safer and less vulnerable |
| includes purring, sleeping, and climbing. Below are | | | | higher up, and it gives them a strategic |
| some of the most common cat behaviors and | | | | advantage. They can view what's going on around |
| what they mean. | | | | them, and yet be hidden from view below. This |
| Purring | | | | behavior is a throwback to when the cat was |
| Many people assume that a purring cat is content | | | | primarily a predator, hunting small animals below. |
| and happy. That's usually true, but there are other | | | | Cats may also appreciate that warmer air rises, |
| times when a cat will purr. | | | | so the higher they are, the more comfortable |
| Kittens an their mothers will purr while nursing. In | | | | they are. You may also see cats fight for high |
| the same vein, a typical cat will purr when it is | | | | perches, since this behavior may indicate social |
| being petted or when it is in familiar, safe and | | | | status -- a cat may choose the highest point to |
| comfortable surroundings. | | | | prove its dominant status in a household. |
| However, purring may also be a defense | | | | Play |
| mechanism for a sick, injured, or stressed out cat. | | | | Cats love to play and pounce. This, again, is |
| Purring is a way for a cat to calm and soothe | | | | probably indicative of their stalking heritage in the |
| itself. Some people compare it to a person smiling | | | | wild. One difference in cat toys versus the wild, |
| nervously or rocking to soothe themselves. | | | | however, is the presence of catnip. Many toys |
| Sleeping | | | | these days contain catnip, and you can also grow |
| The typical cat also likes to sleep, and can sleep | | | | it in containers. A typical cat will munch fresh or |
| for as many as sixteen hours a day. Through | | | | dried catnip and roll and rub their heads in it, or |
| scanning their brain waves and observing their | | | | claw at a toy and rub it around. When a cat |
| movements while asleep, scientists have also | | | | smells catnip, it can become a crazed animal that |
| determined that cats do dream. Sleep can also be | | | | runs, spins, and plays before regaining its calm. |
| used to determin how healthy a cat is. Although | | | | The reaction doesn't last long, but it is intense and |
| cats don't show illness very well, a change in their | | | | very fun to watch. |