They love to solve puzzles of all kinds.
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Why are cats such curious creatures? Because, for cats, knowledge is power.
Cats who know their prey can outwit them. Cats who know their territory can figure out new strategies. Cats who can figure things out are cats who live to figure things out the next day.
While we might view our cats as enjoying lives of leisure in our home, (and they are,) the cat’s instincts are still motivating them to pursue knowledge as though their lives depended on it.
What does this mean to us as cat caretakers?
Acknowledge it. If we have Alphas, we will have a paw in every box and a nose in every drawer. Alphas are driven to discovery, and must have the means to let this instinct play out.
More than any other type, Alphas need puzzles, play time, and complicated toys to let them figure things out to their heart’s content. Because if they are not provided with such, they will find such.
Encourage it. Gammas have a timid core which tends to focus on the minutiae of objects around them. They are best suited to discover details; the tiny changes that happen when we vacuum their favorite pillow, or the little adjustments in the surface of the freshly cleaned litter box.
We should come up with toys and routines that center on quiet glittery toys, fussing over rituals, and making sure they know when we are approachable for affection.
Indulge it. Betas will discuss changes, and confer with other cats about their meaning. They love to engage us in this process. The more, the truly merrier.
Betas love being asked about what might be in the box or bag, and if we have put something good in there, this is a group activity which cements our bond.
Understand it. While we don’t have to walk our cat like a dog, or clean their tank like a goldfish, we must exercise their mind to keep them cared for and contented.
A daily play session, whether we are hiding something for them to find or dragging something briskly over the floor for them to chase, keeps their mind sharp as much as it keeps their body in tune.
If we don’t come up with something; they will.
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There’s more ways to understand our cat with The Way of Cats than the article you are reading now. See all of my posts on WHY CATS DO THAT.
Coincidentally, today’s Bizarro comic.
Well…that didn’t work. Maybe it will now?
LOL! That link worked.
Coincidence… or Jungian synchronicity?