Photo by Chen Ur
In our modern day , domestic cats may not need to hunt , but that doesn ’ t stop them from investigating . Have you ever noticed when you bring something new into your home , your cat is immediately checking it out ? That plastic grocery bag or mail order box always piques a cat ’ s curiosity . Is the item a threat , is it prey , or is it simply something that is welcomed so Kitty can rub its face on or lay in it ? A cat ’ s curiosity leads them to investigate everything or everyone new in their domain .
Curiosity helps cats hunt for food in the wild . Since they tend to go after small prey , they eat often . You ’ ll notice cats hiding , waiting to pounce in the grass or leaves as they hunt lizards and rodents . Of course , our indooronly kitties will hide behind furniture then pounce on toy mice or insects that slip in through the door . Our kitties also love their time in the window . One may think cats just love to sun themselves , but many love watching what is going on outside . They enjoy watching birds and bugs and reacting to outdoor critters ’ movement as if they are hunting . Either way , it is instinct , and they continue to carry on like their ancestors .
A cat ’ s curiosity is also driven by their territorial nature . Ironically , they love to have a ‘ bird ’ s-eye ’ view of an area so they can keep a close eye on their domain . If they can ’ t get a clear perspective on the entire area , they will move periodically . When their person is moving from room to room , they will also move so they don ’ t miss any potential changes or items that need investigating .
“ Dogs think they are people ; cats think they are God ."
Our territorial kitties love to learn about everything in their domain , especially their people . Cats want to sniff us , rub on us , and learn our habits . In a cat ’ s mind , if we are part of the cat ’ s domain , then we must belong to them . They really do take notes to get what
38 Life Unleashed