719-395-2737
DONATE

Cats Are Full of Surprises

Cats Are Full of Surprises
by
January 15, 2026
in Humane Education Column
No Comments
3790

By: Judy Hamontre, AVHS Vice Chair

In our last AVHS Mountain Mail article, Judy Lore shared a few quizzes, one a true-false quiz about cats. She and I must be on a paws-itively similar wavelength after seeing so many adorable cats romping about the Ark-Valley Humane Society cat room, and hearing the pleading mewls from sweet cats wanting to be loved. They inspired us to want to know more about them and their behaviors and share that with you, our readers.

Judy in a fun way, quizzed you about your knowledge of cats, providing answers that might have surprised you. I hope to enlighten you with some other “cat facts” that similarly may amaze you.

Veterinarians and animal behaviorists say that cats are full of surprises, even for the most avid cat lovers. Their unique abilities, complex thinking and communicative behaviors can be viewed as quite astounding.

One unique trait about cats is that they like choice.

According to Dr. Colleen Guilfoyle, a veterinarian with Best Friends Animal Society, “Cats thrive when given choice and control in their environment. They feel safest when they have control. Choices lower their stress.” She advises this can be done by providing them multiple resting spots and scratching posts, which gives them the opportunity to choose. She explains that scratching posts are essential because for them scratching is not meant to be destructive but is communication. They leave both visuals and scents to mark their territory.

Being territorial is instinctual and another normal cat behavior.

Dr. Guilfoyle explains about this instinctual cat behavior, saying: “Cats need outlets for natural instincts and opportunities to display natural behaviors like hunting, scratching, and playing. Toys that mimic hunting (puzzle feeders or toy mice) help satisfy their urge to stalk and chase. These activities keep cats mentally sharp, physically active, and safely entertained.”

Cats like choices, are territorial and need to act out their natural, innate instincts.

Cats also meow which we all know, but according to Dr. Ambika Vaid, an integrative veterinarian and advisor to the pet nutrition brand Badlands Ranch, “They only do this for humans. Cats never meow at each other. It’s a behavior they developed to communicate specifically with people. Have multiple cats at home? Observe them and test it.”

Since I do not have cats, I could not test this. I did more research and learned that adult cats rarely meow to communicate with each other. Meows are reserved for humans. Feline communication is through body language, scent, and other sounds like hissing, growling, and yowling. Kittens meow to their mothers, but as they grow and learn that meowing gets attention from people, they adapt the behavior primarily to humans.

Felines, known to be aloof, really do love you, their humans, and they need regular attention, play and affection from you to stay happy and maintain emotional wellbeing. Dr. Valid says, “Without attention, cats can become bored or lonely, which can lead to anxiety and behavioral or health issues.”

Your furry friends also can distinguish their names from other words, as shown by research. However, their response depends on their mood and motivation. Sometimes they simply do not care to listen, but if you ignore them when they want attention, expect that meow.

When they want to strongly convey their love to you, cats will look at you with their entrancing eyes and slowly blink. It is a gentle eye gesture of deep trust and affection. Look at them and slowly blink back, and you will have a friend for life.

Mentioning life, do cats have 9 lives? Do they always land on their feet? Does a tail wag always mean joy? Is an exposed belly an invitation to rub it? Why do felines have a reputation of being a mysterious and perhaps wicked enigma?

Cats are so full of surprises, there is more to their story and another article to write, but aren’t you tempted to check out the available, purr-fect felines at the Ark-Valley Humane Society. Contact is ark-valley.org, phone – (719) 395-2737.

 

Share

Recommended Posts