ABSTRACT Veterinary nurses are often on the front line of client contact and , as such , receive requests for advice across the breadth of our knowledge . Feline behaviour is not widely covered in our training , so much of our knowledge is acquired during our careers . Having a basic understanding of cat behaviour would enable us to advise on some of the common issues seen in practice . This series aims to provide a background to cat behaviour , before looking in more detail at two specific problems often faced by cat owners .
Keywords feline , behaviour , veterinary nursing , communication , senses
Background to cat behaviour
According to the Pet Food Manufacturers ’ Association ( 2018 ), the cat is the second most popular pet in the UK , with 18 % of households having at least one cat – an estimated population of 7.5 million . Cats are thought to have been present at human settlements since 6000 BCE . Their close relationship with humans , and the domestication of the species , are most commonly associated with ancient Egypt ( Serpell , 2000 ), with a well-known link being the cult of the goddess Bastet ( Figure 1 ). However , more recent evidence suggests that cats were first domesticated around the Mediterranean . Remains found in Cyprus were dated to approximately 7500 BCE ( Vigne et al ., 2004 ).
Given cats ’ long association with humans , and enduring popularity , it is important for veterinary professionals to have an understanding of normal cat behaviour , particularly their maintenance behaviours ( Table 1 ). This knowledge will enable us to educate cat owners , so they have a deeper insight into their pets , and will also help us to better understand cat behaviour during veterinary visits ( not specifically covered in this series ).
Table 1 . Categories of maintenance behaviours .
Maintenance behaviours
Respiration ( also coughing , hiccuping and sneezing ) Elimination ( defecation / urination ) Stretching / yawning Grooming , washing , bathing and drying Thermoregulation Shelter seeking and construction Locomotion Feeding and drinking Resting
Many behaviours that owners consider to be ‘ abnormal ’ are actually rooted in natural behaviour and should therefore be considered inappropriate or undesirable ( Table 2 ). This understanding is gained by appreciating cats ’ methods of communication and perception of their environment , so we can begin to interpret what is being observed ( Rodan , 2010 ).
Table 2 . Definitions of abnormal , inappropriate and undesirable feline behaviour .
Abnormal , inappropriate and undesirable behaviour Abnormal
Behaviour that deviates from a species-specific behaviour pattern ( e . g . eating of items that provide no nutrition ( pica )).
Inappropriate
A ( possibly normal ) behaviour displayed in response to a situation that is not suitable for the circumstances ( e . g . urine spraying in the house ).
Undesirable
Figure 1 . Bastet , the Egyptian goddess of the home , domesticity , women ' s secrets , cats , fertility and childbirth .
Normal behaviour that the owner finds unacceptable ( can be subjective ) ( e . g . scratching at the furniture ).
Volume 37 ( 5 ) • November 2022
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