Feline behaviour

Question 1

At what age do kittens learn to socialise?

Answer 1

2 - 7 weeks = socialisation period

Question 2

Why do cat fights escalate so quickly?

Answer 2

Due to the lack of ability to show complex visual signals; such as facial expressions, due to the solitary life-style + thus escalating to physical aggression quicker!

Question 3

Give an example of long distance communication?

Answer 3

Scenting

Question 4

Why do cats have such underdeveloped facial muscles?

Answer 4

Because of their solitary behaviour, they do not require the need to use facial expression for communication!

Question 5

Name the 2 reasons that cats stretch, once they wake up

Answer 5

1. Prepare their muscles
2. Sharpen their claws for hunting

Question 6

What type of approach do cats within a group take, with particular spots + times in their territories?

Answer 6

Time-shared approach

Question 7

What is the 2 reasons to why cats use scratch posts?

Answer 7

1. Visually marking their territory
2. Deposit their pheremones to warn off others

Question 8

Why do cats purr?

Answer 8

Because when the kittens suckle the milk from their mum, they purr which tells their mum that they are there + they are well

Question 9

What 2 reflexes are innate from birth in the cat?
+
What is there purpose?

Answer 9

1. Suckling reflex
2. Rooting reflex
   +
   To allow the kitten to find the mother’s milk, from the heat

Question 10

What are the 3 prenatal influences does the father have on the kittens?

Answer 10

1. Boldness
2. Confidence
3. Coat colour

Question 11

What is the prenatal influences does the mother have on the kittens?

Answer 11

Ability to deal with stress

Question 12

State 2 examples of genetic influences on cat behaviour

Answer 12

1. The innate behaviour of Stress = accquired from the mother’s emotional state during pregnancy
2. Breeds are innate, genetic influences on the kitten = more susceptible to different traits

Question 13

Name as many reasons as possible to why play behaviour so important go kitten development?

Answer 13

• It helps introduce, encourage + allow kitten to establish a line of communication or ways to communicate between litter mates
• Communciation essential for comning across strangers, for interpretating + defending territories
• Introduces kittens to sensory stimuli
• Prevents fear in later life
• Encourages exploration
• Development of the senses
• Allows confidence to grow
• Prepares the kitten for catching prey - to maintain calories, energy to survive