Dogs have been bred to suit our needs, often to be docile and gentle-natured. Cats, however, have retained the essential natures. It’s estimated that around 85% of all cat mating involves wild or feral cats. This is why cats, which are territorial, solitary creatures, seem to do exactly as they please – because they are still wild at heart.
Meowing
Meowing is often interpreted as cute and adorable behaviour, one of the signs that cats love and need us. Cats hardly ever meow at each other and big cats in the wild don’t meow at all. They make this vocal sound because we are constantly talking at them and this is their way of communicating back. It’s a way of getting your attention – either to feed them or to open the door.
Leaving you gifts
Cats see us as either large non-hostile cats or as kittens who need to be taught how to hunt. The latter explains the unwanted presents (dead mice, birds or giant moths) they often give us. One explanation is that your cat looks upon you as its kitten and is trying to teach you how to hunt. But there is another theory – that cats have a hunting instinct separate from hunger – and will kill a mouse even if it isn’t hungry. The cat will then take its prey to a safe place to eat later, but much prefers the taste of the delicious food its human owner provides.
Kneading and head butting
Cats “knead” us and head butt in order to be groomed. They used this tactic on their mothers or siblings when they were kittens so they are treating you as a non-hostile cat. An upright tail is a greeting sign between cats, and is probably the clearest way cats show their affection for us.
Winding around your legs
Cats love marking their territory, and they communicate territorial ownership – and sexual availability – with their pheromone scent glands. The most active glands are located on your cat’s face, the side of its body and its tail — all the parts it loves rubbing on your legs. The pheromones left on you pass on the message to other cats that you, the owner, are its personal property. Research has also found that even feral cats rub up against trees or other objects in the wild, because it allows them to mark that area.
Register for Gourmet’s “Very Important Cat Club” and you’ll receive great offers including free goodies, the chance to win tickets to the BBC Good Food Show and voucher discounts for Gourmet products.
Simply sign up on the Gourmet website and you’ll get £1 off your next Gourmet multipack purchase when you register. And you’ll be kept up to date with exclusive recipe offers and the latest news to keep the feline in your life fit and healthy.
