Normal Domestic Cat Behavior

Hunting

With sharp teeth and claws, cats are built to hunt. The instinct to hunt is in all cats, including house cats. You may see your house cats stalking each other with stealth movement or patiently waiting for the perfect moment to attack something dangling in the air. When they do, they react quickly claw unsheathed. This is normal cat behavior.

Cats identify other cats by scent. A cat will spray urine on an area claiming it as his and warning other cats to stay away. They can also mark by rubbing their bodies against objects, leaving behind their scent. Indoor cats don't spray as much as outdoor cats, but if they feel threatened by another cat, even if that cat is outside the home, they may spray to mark ownership. Most cats cover their feces when using a litter box, however if the home has a cat that has taken leadership, this cat may leave her feces on top of the litter without covering it to let the other cat's know of her superiority.

Cats will claim areas as theirs and defend it fiercely against other cats. Dominate cats will claim larger territories while submissive cats will claim smaller areas. For indoor cats, things can be a little different. If they introduced properly, meaning they grew up together or were introduced slowly to each other, they can share the territory without aggression. However, for cats introduced too quickly in a home, the older cats may claim a room and show aggression toward the new cat if he or she tries to enter.

Domestic cats communicate with other animals and humans in many different ways. Body language is a strong indicator of a cat's mood. If a cat arches its back, whips its tail with its ears flat against his head, the cat is most likely angry. If he is purring and running his head under your chin, he is mostly happy and asking for attention. Cats can also growl, hiss and meow to communicate how they feel.

It is normal for a cat to scratch surfaces. It helps keep the claws sharp and trimmed down. A cat can be taught to use a scratching post instead of furniture by placing cat nip on the post.