The Way of Cats

Every cat has several Special Spots. Just as we have different places for different tasks, cats have Designated Areas for their different needs. Making sure the cat has good spots for their security, observation, and companionship routines creates a happy cat.

more animals

The cat has no problem picking out their spots. Sometimes, though, the spots they pick will not suit us so well. If we have a cat who gets in trouble because of the places they choose, they need our help in finding a spot which gives them what they need, yet doesn’t cause difficulties for us.

One of RJ’s favorite spots is at the living room window. The view is one attraction; it looks out at the driveway, the house next door, and the lake with its abundant wildlife. But this is also where Dear Husband sits to work on various art projects. So while RJ is enjoying Fun Things to Watch, he’s also in a perfect position to get a stroke or a sweet word from one of his favorite people. Two buddies, doing things together. For a cat, it doesn’t get any better.

However, there was some negotiation involved before both got what they wanted. At one time, the desk where RJ sits had stuff in that spot. Dear Husband moved the stuff so it wouldn’t get knocked aside; this was his concession to RJ’s ardent desire to be there.

In return, RJ had to learn that he couldn’t play with any of the brushes, little pots of paint, tiny parts, and other tempting objects in the area. To reinforce this, Dear Husband puts small cat toys on the windowsill, so that each of them has something to play with. This makes RJ feel more a part of things, and keeps him from playing with Dear Husband’s tempting toys.

Cats want to be near us.

Here, Mr. Bond shares his Happy Chair with RJ (at a younger age than he is now,) so they can both participate in the movie watching in the living room.

They will cuddle with us on our chairs, but humans tend to get up often for snacks and bathroom breaks. If the cats want to settle in, yet still participate, they will seek out a spot no one else is using.

When we see a cat in one of their areas, we can “bless” the spot they have chosen by petting them and saying how nice a spot it is. This will reassure them that they have chosen a good spot that will not make us unhappy.

We should not take them out of their spot to pet them. Petting In Place is the way we show respect for the spot, and for their comfortable place in it. We like a kiss goodbye if we are still in bed; would we like it so much if we are hauled out of bed to get it?

If a cat chooses a spot which does not please us, we can’t just make the Spot off limits. The cat has chosen it for a reason, and we must provide a good alternative. Cats like places which are off the floor, not too open, and ideally, cushy enough for good stretching and relaxing. Any Spot which has things looming over them or too much traffic and disturbances nearby are not Good Spots.

Anywhere in the house we like to hang out should have a Spot for kitties who want to share this happy time. I’ve had cats who recognize that I spend a lot of time on the computer, and want a Spot nearby to be with me. A cardboard box, lined with a towel, was my way of appreciating their affection, and keeping their tail off my mousepad.

By listening to the cat, and observing their actions, we can find ways of making us both happy.

Together.

Got here from a Link or Search?
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.

Even the most happy and secure cats will seek out hiding places. Perhaps something distressing is going on outside. Maybe a change in the routine has made them want to go off and think. Sometimes it’s simply a desire to have a spot where they can be undisturbed by the usual happenings in the house.

more cat pictures

Cats do “cat nap,” where they keep an ear out for changes in their environment. But for deep sleep, they might want a place where they can shut off their monitors. By lowering their sensory input, they gain serenity and can recharge their mental and physical batteries.

Mr. Bond seeks out the most out-of-the-way places he can find when he needs down time. In a small apartment, that’s not always easy. During a recent closet revamp, my desk and the bookcase behind it got blocked off by boxes. This created Mr. Bond’s latest hiding place.

The closet is getting into shape, and soon this spot will be open and no longer so appealing. Mr. Bond will then seek out another out of the way place where he can feel himself unobserved.

Sometimes, when the cat is not immediately apparent, it’s a good thing to seek them out. So we should learn their favorite hiding places. We aren’t trying to disturb them. We just want to know where they like to be at these times.

If this is a good spot for them, let them know. We can “bless the spot” by speaking quietly to them and then leaving them alone.

It’s good to know their spots.

• When noise or other distressing things are going on, we can reassure them it is nothing to worry about.
• If we have inadvertently startled the cat or stumbled over them, we know where to find them so we can apologize.
• If we suspect the cat is not feeling well, we can locate them to make sure they are getting what they need.

We are only doing it to keep tabs on them and show our care and concern. If we disturb them in their hiding spots too often, they will avoid that spot and find another. So make sure they know why we are seeing them there, and not drag them out or otherwise spoil the spot.

Shy cats have special needs for their security spots. If they are still uncertain about us, don’t go any further than discovering the room they are in. Then sit on the floor, or lie on the furniture, being non-threatening and enjoying ourselves. They will be observing. Seeing us as approachable will help with their socialization.

Different personalities have differing security needs. With RJ, it’s rare. With Puffy, it’s often. But sometimes, like Mr. Bond, it’s just trying something out. He may or may not know how long this spot will be there. But while it’s there, he’s curious about it, in his low key way.

Don’t be hurt when the cat hides. They need their solitude. Once refreshed by their little “room of their own,” they will be ready to rejoin the family.

Got here from a Link or Search?
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.