Biology and Behaviour
Every cat has its own personality
Cats may resemble one another but every cat has its very own character and behavior. This pronounced individuality is probably their most important characteristic – one that makes cats so popular among human beings. Nevertheless, given their origin and biology, cats share many characteristics.
Ideal partners for human beings
Contrary to their reputation of being highly independent creatures, cats can build intense and deep relationships with human beings. For many people, a friendship with a cat is a wonderful and precious thing indeed. In line with their individuality, cat’s relationships with human beings also differ tremendously. Every relationship between a cat and a person is unique.
Cats, however, are not only individualists but also highly adaptable. And they expect the same of their human counterparts, for instance consideration and thoughtfulness. If owners are able to adapt to the habits and wishes of their cats, the resulting relationship will prove to be fruitful for both parties.
Cats are still "wild" animals
The cradle of the house cat (felis silvestris f. catus) is Africa. The original form of the house cat is the African wildcat or desert cat (felis silvestris f. lybica). In comparison to the dog and to other animals (cattle, goats, sheep), the cat is a young and still primordially natural domestic animal. Cats were „only“ domesticated approx. 5,000 years ago, in Ancient Egypt, where they were appreciated as mice hunters and venerated as goddesses. Specific racial breeding only set in at a much later point in history. The first cat show ever organized took place in London in 1871 and lead to the formation of cat breeding associations.
A short history of domestication and breeding means that house cats are still able to live independently of human beings – even if they are abandoned by them.
The European Wildcat (felis silvestris silvestris) did not play a role with regard to the evolution of the house cat. Cross-breeding between house cats and European wildcats or other wildcat species (e.g. the Bengal Cat), however, is possible and further proof that house cats still have a lot in common with their wild relatives.
Born Hunters
Today, we know of approx. 100 recognized races or species of cats – a modest figure, in comparison to dogs. However, the majority of cats today do not belong to any specific race.
Even the most sophisticated and well fed of cats will want to hunt, even if only in play. Young cats need to learn and practice hunting behavior, because hunting is in their genes as well as being an important activity that takes up much of their daily activities.
All kinds of animals – from insects to small birds or mice all the way to rabbits – are potential prey for cats among whose most frequent skills is the raised-hide hunting method. In other words, cats can sit and wait patiently for hours for a mouse to pop out of its hole or a bird to come within reaching distance, before they pounce on their prey, as quick as lightning, at just the right moment. Despite this commitment, hunting success is not guaranteed and a cat must also learn to come to terms with failure. Cats often play with their prey, sometimes for hours on hour. This might seem brutal is, however, natural behavior.
Good Buddies
Cats hunt on their own but they are far from being loners or rogues. Contrary to common perception, most cats (approx. 90%) are sociable not only towards human beings but also towards other cats. Their social behavior differs from that of dogs in many respects (cats, for instance, hardly ever behave subserviently). Amongst others, cats adopt welcoming rituals (pushing their heads towards you, purring or meowing in a friendly manner); they lie and sleep with body contact, lick each other and play together. Naturally, cats can also behave aggressively – just like human beings. Breeding female cats, primarily related cats, sometimes join forces to ensure brood care; whereas tomcats do not contribute to the upbringing of their young.
Decisive early development
Whether a cat behaves socially or is a loner; whether it is shy of humans or trusting, is decided during what is referred to as the imprinting phase at the beginning of its life. If a cat is in contact with its siblings between its 2nd to 8th week of life or with other cats (in the same household) or human beings, then it will maintain such social contact for the rest of its life.
Lazy cats
With the exception of humans (i.e. traffic), cats have hardly any natural enemies. Therefore, they do not have to be ready to run away at any time. This is expressed in a cat’s behavior. If cats are not hunting, they enjoy doing nothing in particular for 16 hours a day on average. This does not mean that they spend this time sleeping but much rather observing what is going on around them. And if there is a good opportunity to „take action“, for instance to play, they will cheerfully take it.
Cleanliness
During the calmer hours of the day, cats will clean themselves extensively. Cats will lick one another as well, less out of a need for cleanliness, but more as an expression of friendship during which body odor substances are exchanged and a "family smell" is created.
9 lives
There is hardly a cat’s characteristic that could not be expressed with superlatives: their senses are outstanding (sense of smell, touch, and hearing, eyesight) as well as their physical capabilities (rapidity, skillfulness, ability to climb, strength). And this is far from being all: cats find it easy to learn, in particular young cats. Thanks to all these characteristics, cats are true survivalists. The sole thing that is truly dangerous to them and where they stand unprotected, unless vaccinated, are viral diseases. A cat’s average life expectancy is 10 to 15 years; whereas some cats can easily grow up to over 20 years of age, especially when kept inside.
Holding Issues
Cats are adaptable and able to come to terms with different situations in life: From farm cats that lay back long distances, are given a bowl of milk and receive little attention otherwise, to special breeds that spend their lives indoors or at cat shows, you find everything. This could lead you to believe that species-appropriate holding of cats is child’s play – but this is not the case.
Assuming responsibility means ensuring care
It is important that cats allowed to roam around outdoors freely be castrated in due time in order to avoid uncontrolled reproduction and suffering. In addition, castration also leads to a reduction of marking with urine and other cleanliness problems in the household.
Every year, innumerous cats are reported missing. Although it is not legally required to chip cats, the implantation of a (micro) chip is recommended for cats allowed to move around outdoors freely. This helps to find lost cats more quickly and to be informed in due time if they have died.
Vaccinations are also important to ensure the good health of cats that are prone to contract viral diseases and spread diseases to other cats.
Combating boredom
Today, many cats receive good health care and nutrition, so that boredom is the largest problem they face. This applies in particular to cats kept indoors – a special chapter has therefore been dedicated to this topic. To prevent boredom in cats allowed to roam around outdoors, they should be given the possibility to exit and enter whenever they wish via a cat’s flap or a cat’s ladder.
It is almost always preferable to keep two cats instead of one, because contrary to popular belief, most cats are not loners. This is not absolutely necessary if cats are allowed to go outdoors, because they have the opportunity to play with neighbors’ cats.
Combating restlessness
Every cat needs withdrawal zones where it will not be disturbed. Therefore, cat owners away at work all day should not lock their cats out of the apartment or house. A cat’s flap is usually a good solution. There is also a very large choice of withdrawal and rest infrastructure for cats to be purchased. But often, simple means also suffice, e.g. a cardboard box. Often, cats will not make use of the infrastructure or bedding foreseen for them. Therefore, they should be offered a generous choice.
Holding a too large number of cats in the same household can lead to considerable stress for the individual animals. We would therefore recommend against holding groups of more than eight cats. The probability of at least one of the animals marking in the house is higher in larger groups and leads to stressful situations for the owner.
Ensuring well being
Cleanliness is very important to cats. A lack of cleanliness and other behavioral disturbances, e.g. aggressiveness, are often to be led back to mistakes made by human beings with regard to cats’ litter boxes. At least one litter box is required for every cat. The box should be placed in a quiet area and it should not be covered with a lid, because by nature, cats do not withdraw into caves to do their business. Cat litter should be odorless to not overtax the cat’s fine sense of smell. And what is very important: A cat’s litter box should never be placed in the proximity of its feeding or drinking bowl.
A good relationship between cat and owner
Most cats feel drawn to people and appreciate social contact with them. They appreciate it all the more, when their current mood and need (e.g. to be left in peace) are respected. A cat’s language – face and body language – as well as the noises it makes and the distance it keeps all indicate clearly its feelings and desires. Observing a cat well and catering to its wishes will help to build a sound relationship with it.
Health Issues
Preventing is better than curing!
Various vaccinations are available to provide good health protection for cats. Cats should be vaccinated against cat flu, feline panleukopenia, feline leukemia and if possible, feline infectious peritonitis.
Which vaccinations?
- Cat flu and feline panleukopenia: At 8 to 9 weeks of age; new vaccination at 12 weeks of age. New vaccinations annually.
- Feline Leukemia (FELV): Initially after 12 weeks, new vaccination after 3 to 4 weeks. Annual vaccinations.
- Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP): Vaccinations are available and indicated, depending on the disease. We recommend consulting a veterinary.
How to carry out checks and provide treatment yourself?
With practice – and provided the cat cooperates – you can provide the following care yourself:
- The fur of longhaired cats needs to be combed and shorn regularly to prevent it from matting and felting.
- Regular weighing helps to adjust weight in due time and prevent overweight.
- During the warm months of the year, we recommend regular treatment against fleas and ticks (collars, powder, tablets, spot-on).
- Moreover, cats that are going outside of the house, should be wormed regularly (3 to 4 times a year). This can easily be carried out at home.
- Smaller wounds can be emergency-treated, larger injuries or surgery scars can be treated with an antiseptic solution (e.g. Betadine) if necessary.
- Encrusted eyes should be washed out with lukewarm water. If the eye is infected and does not get better, visit a veterinary for treatment.
When to take your pet to the veterinary?
Primarily, vaccinations should be carried out according to the vaccination plan (re. above) and repeated regularly. In addition to this, cats should be brought to the veterinary for castration.
If you realize that a cat is no longer as active as usual, if it refuses food or shows clear symptoms of an organic disease, you should take it to a veterinary as quickly as possible. The quicker a diagnosis is made and treatment is initiated, the faster the cat is likely to regain its health.
In emergencies, such as car and other accidents, the breaking of bones, etc. owners should always take their cats to a veterinary.
The most frequent diseases
Only the most important of the very many cats diseases can be mentioned here:
- Feline panleukopenia: Highly contagious viral disease that inhibits the animal’s general well being; vomiting and watery to bloody stool. You absolutely have to take your pet to see a veterinary.
- Cat flu: Highly contagious viral disease; expressed in sneezing and nose and eye excretion as well as the refusal of food and a tendency to contract chronic diseases. You must take your pet to see the veterinary.
- Feline Leukemia (FeLV): Contagious viral disease, considered to be incurable, expressed by fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, changes to the eyes; possibly liver or kidney failure. You absolutely have to take your pet to the veterinary.
- Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV): Contagious disease, expressed by a varied disease pattern, weakening of the immune system, formation of tumors. It is absolutely necessary to take your cat to see a veterinary. This disease is considered to be incurable.
- Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP): Contagious disease, expressed in fever attacks, loss of appetite, apathy. Two forms: the „wet form“ involving an inflammation of the stomach or the pleura („fat belly“) and the „dry form“ involving changes to the organs. It is absolutely necessary to take your cat to see a veterinary. This disease is incurable.
- Ear mites: Caused by mites (parasites), expressed in frequent scratching of the ears and head shaking; the cat will cock its head. Typical brown-black material in the ear. Possibly, you should take your cat to see the veterinary. Treatment necessary (spot-on).
- Cat scabies: Caused by mites (parasites); expressed in pronounced itching, loss of fur, scaling and encrustation often beginning at the head. Take your cat to see a veterinary.
- Fleas: Cause itching and inflammations as well as infections (transmit tapeworms). Ensure prophylaxis. In case of massive infestation, clean surroundings thoroughly, because flea eggs can be hidden in cracks, carpets, furniture and the bedding of the pets.
- Worms: Primarily roundworms and tapeworms. Expressed in loss of weight, diarrhea, swollen bellies, shaggy fur, 3rd eyelid incidence. It is important to worm the cat regularly (3 to 4 times a year).
- Diarrhea: Various causes. In the case of acute diarrhea, do not feed the cat for 24 hours (but give it sufficient water to drink!). Then feed it slowly with small quantities of food divided into several individual portions per day (rice and chicken would be good, if the cat eats it). Then slowly increase the size of the portions. If no improvement is achieved within 1 to 3 days, consult a veterinary.
- Injuries: Primarily caused by rivalry fights and car accidents. Bleeding encrusted wounds; broken bones and internal injuries. Depending on the severity of the injuries (general state of health of the cat), take the cat to a veterinary
Frequent animal protection problems
Generally, in many countries cats are treated well - but this most popular of pets is also abused:
- Sometimes, the decision to acquire a cat is not thought through properly. Many people who acquire a cat or a kitten for the first time make the error of believing that cats have few demands or requirements and are easy to keep. Some of the possible consequences of this are neglect, „deadly“ boredom (this primarily applies to cats kept on their own in apartments), behavioral disturbances (often a lack of cleanliness), being dumped in animal shelters – or worse still – being abandoned.
- Uncontrolled proliferation. Many cats live in outside roaming around and not castrated cats breed rapidly, which leads to overpopulation with all of its consequences: killing of excessive kittens, careless placing, improperly held animals, strays, traffic victims, etc.
- Fatal illnesses. Cats are extremely sensitive to viruses. Some viruses are highly contagious and the danger of their spreading increases proportionally to the cat population.
- Unhealthy humanization. Cats want to be treated like cats and not like human beings. There are several possibilities to spoil them in a species-appropriate manner. Feeding them excessively with delicacies of any kind is certainly not a wise way to spoil them. Overweight cats are pitiable, ill creatures.
- Breeding lapses. Human’s desire to breed new races knows practically no boundaries. Although the breeding of cats is less dramatic or eccentric than the breeding of dogs, there are cat species that should be rejected from an animal protection perspective (cats without tails, without hair; with shortened legs; extremely flat faces; domestic cats crossed with wild cats).
Legal protection of cats
The Animal Protection Act stipulates the following:
- Breeding. The intentional crossing of domestic cats with wild animals is prohibited. Between breeding cycles, tomcats may not be held in enclosures.
- Social contacts. Cats kept alone must have contact with human beings or sight contact with other cats every day.
- Living space. Enclosures must be at least 2 meters high and 7 square meters large. Cats may only be held alone in enclosures on a temporary basis.
- In addition to this, a cat’s living space must have alleviated resting spaces, the possibility to withdraw, appropriate possibilities to scratch and to keep busy as well as one droppings bowl per cat (with sand or other adequate material where the cat may burry the droppings).
These stipulations only cover the absolute minimum requirements that should not prove to be too difficult to fulfill. Consequently, all cat holders are called upon to consider further requirements and what more can be done to ensure the species-appropriate keeping of cats.
Information Sources
Caring for Cats in Kenya www.julieoneill.com
Animal housing issues for cats and dogs www.zuerchertierschutz.ch/en/animal-housing-issues/cats.html
Animal laws at National Level, Africa/Kenya under publications and online www.globalanimallaw.org/database/national/kenya/