Decoding Your Cat's Daily Habits: A Guide to Understand

Every cat owner is familiar with the five key physiological activities that define our feline friends, are you aware of them?

Eating     Food

Eating is a top priority for cats. For a healthy adult cat, it's essential to eat four to six times a day. Cats don't consume large amounts at each meal; they stop eating when they feel full, but this doesn't mean they won't eat again later.

Cats are carnivorous animals, and their food is primarily meat. Since meat doesn't stay in the gut for long, cats are not suited for just one or two feedings a day. Therefore, the concept of "multiple small meals" is just as applicable to them.

So, if you notice your cat eating a few mouthfuls of kibble and then stopping, don't worry—they're simply following their natural eating habits. Just leave the food in the bowl, and they'll eat when they're hungry.

Additionally, when feeding your cat, consider their age and current physiological state. It's important to note that different age groups of cats have different feeding requirements.

Young kittens, pregnant cats, and nursing mothers have high energy demands, so they need more food than adult cats. In such cases, it's okay to provide a bit more food. Remember, as long as your cat isn't overweight, they should have access to enough food every day.

Licking     Fur

Cats are incredibly clean animals, and they maintain their cleanliness by grooming themselves. This ensures their fur is neat and free of odors.

If you see your cat's fur is disheveled and they seem listless, take it seriously—it might indicate they're unwell. Pay close attention to their feces, urine, and eating habits in such cases.

Moreover, cats use grooming to soothe themselves, which can help alleviate boredom. So, if you see your cat licking their fur, they might just be trying to relax.

Sleeping     Resting

Cats are known for their love of sleep, spending most of their day resting. Sleep is crucial for their healthy growth.

Cats will find the safest and most comfortable place to rest, and it's important not to disturb them when they're sleeping for their health.

Patrolling     Territory

Cats have a strong sense of territory. Even in the dead of night or an empty room, they will walk around to patrol their territory.

By patrolling, cats can observe if their territory has been invaded by other cats. Additionally, during this process, they will reinforce their scent in certain areas, possibly by scratching with their paw pads or marking with urine.

So, when you see your cat engaging in these "annoying" behaviors, be patient with them. Cats will also leave urine during "special times" to inform potential mates of their location, helping them find each other for reproduction.

Hunting     Predation

Don't underestimate your pet cat; all cats are natural hunters. For cats, hunting is instinctive, and even when wellfed and provided with regular meals, they will still hunt with toys to practice their hunting skills.

Hunting not only helps cats obtain food but also releases stress and alleviates boredom. When playing with you, cats may switch between roles of predator and prey, jumping around the house, running, and exploring. This is actually them practicing their hunting and evasion skills.

Therefore, it's important for cat owners to interact with their cats and play with them regularly to support their healthy development.

For the wellbeing of your cat, it's crucial to cater to these five habits. Otherwise, your cat may exhibit some unusual behaviors.

When you see your cat running around, jumping, and scratching furniture, remember to view these behaviors through the right lens!