Cats are undeniably charming and captivating creatures. With over 26 billion views on more than 2 million YouTube videos showcasing their antics—pouncing, bouncing, climbing, and more—it’s clear that cats are a source of endless entertainment. Yet, their peculiar behaviors often leave us wondering, “Why do cats do that?”
Throughout history, cats have evolved as both solitary predators of smaller animals and as prey for larger carnivores. This dual role has ingrained crucial instinctual behaviors in them, which are still evident in both wild and domestic cats today. These behaviors, while sometimes puzzling when observed in our pets, are deeply rooted in their survival instincts.
Your house cat, like Grizmo, might seem perplexing when she climbs to high vantage points, such as the top of a bookcase. However, this behavior is a natural instinct. In the wild, cats use their unique muscular structure and balancing abilities to climb and survey their territory, spotting prey from a distance. Although Grizmo doesn’t need these skills to find her dinner in a food bowl, her instinct drives her to seek out high places.
Wild cats are opportunistic hunters, preying on small animals whenever possible. This requires them to eat multiple times a day, employing a stalk, pounce, kill, and eat strategy. This instinct explains why Grizmo enjoys chasing toys and prefers small meals throughout the day and night. Her behavior mimics the natural hunting patterns of her ancestors.
In the wild, small prey often hide in tiny spaces, prompting cats to explore containers and openings. Grizmo’s curiosity is a reflection of this survival trait, ensuring her species’ continuation over millions of years. Her tendency to reach into small spaces is driven by the same curiosity that helped her ancestors thrive.
Cats in the wild needed sharp claws for climbing, hunting, and self-defense. By scratching surfaces, they kept their claws conditioned, stretched their muscles, and relieved stress. Grizmo’s habit of clawing at furniture is not an act of destruction but a natural behavior inherited from her ancestors to maintain her claws in optimal condition.
As prey animals, cats evolved to avoid detection by predators. Grizmo’s ability to squeeze into small spaces and her preference for a clean, odor-free litter box are survival instincts. A clean environment reduces the risk of attracting predators, ensuring her safety.
One of the most intriguing feline behaviors is purring. Cats may purr for various reasons, including happiness, stress, and hunger. Interestingly, the frequency of their purrs, ranging from 25 to 150 hertz, can promote tissue regeneration. Grizmo’s purring not only makes her a comforting companion but may also have healing properties for her muscles and bones—and possibly yours too.
Cats have developed over time as both solitary predators and stealthy prey, retaining many instincts that allowed them to thrive in the wild. These instincts explain some of their seemingly strange behaviors. To them, our homes are their jungles. But in the eyes of our cats, who are we? Are we big, hairless cats competing for resources, or perhaps just terribly stupid predators they outsmart daily? Or maybe, just maybe, they see us as their prey.
Keep a journal for a week to observe and record your cat’s behaviors. Note down instances of climbing, pouncing, scratching, and purring. Try to connect these behaviors to the instincts discussed in the article. Share your findings with the class.
Design and build a small model of a cat habitat using materials like cardboard, fabric, and string. Include elements that cater to a cat’s climbing, hiding, and scratching instincts. Present your habitat and explain how each feature meets a cat’s natural behaviors.
In groups, create a role-playing game where each student acts as a cat in the wild. Develop scenarios that require you to use your instincts to hunt, avoid predators, and find shelter. Discuss how these instincts help cats survive in the wild.
Choose one specific cat behavior mentioned in the article, such as purring or climbing. Conduct further research on this behavior and create a presentation or poster to share with the class. Include interesting facts and scientific explanations.
Write a short story from the perspective of a cat like Grizmo. Describe a day in the life of the cat, incorporating the various behaviors and instincts discussed in the article. Illustrate your story with drawings or digital images.
Cats – Cats are small, furry animals that are often kept as pets and are known for their playful and independent nature. – Many people love to watch their cats chase after toys and play around the house.
Behavior – Behavior refers to the way an animal or person acts or responds to different situations. – The behavior of a cat can change when it sees a new person or animal in its home.
Instinct – Instinct is a natural ability or tendency to do something without needing to learn it. – Cats have an instinct to hunt, which helps them catch their food in the wild.
Prey – Prey are animals that are hunted and eaten by other animals. – A mouse is often considered prey for a cat, as cats like to chase and catch them.
Curiosity – Curiosity is the desire to learn or know more about something. – Cats are known for their curiosity, often exploring every corner of their home.
Climbing – Climbing is the act of moving upward on a surface, like trees or furniture. – Cats love climbing to high places, where they can see everything around them.
Hunting – Hunting is the activity of searching for and catching animals for food. – Cats enjoy hunting small animals, which helps them practice their skills.
Purring – Purring is a soft, vibrating sound that cats make when they are happy or content. – When my cat curls up on my lap and starts purring, I know she feels safe and relaxed.
Survival – Survival is the ability to continue living or existing, especially in difficult conditions. – Cats have many skills that help them with survival, like hunting and finding shelter.
Exploration – Exploration is the act of traveling through an area to learn more about it. – Cats are natural explorers, often wandering around the house to discover new things.
