Have you ever imagined what activities your kitty undertakes when you lock the door and move out for the day? Unlike dogs, cats are recognized for their independence, which forces many pet owners to be interested in their cats’ actions when left home alone. Though we may occasionally envision them as heroes on amazing quests, the truth is much simpler and more enjoyable. This post will lead you into our feline companions’ unknown world, showing you our cat secret life when we are not around.
The Cats Lazy Myth
First, let’s debunk a common myth: cats sleep their entire day when their owners are away from home. Cats are avid nappers and average around 12-16 hours of sleep daily, but that’s far from their only activity. The cat’s secret world is full of adventure, games, and sometimes even shenanigans.
Exploration: The Heart of a Hunter
The most important among the activities that cats perform is exploration. Your living room is their jungle, filled with strange corners and stone walls yet to be explored. If nothing attracts their attention, the cats thoroughly explore their territory. This behavior has its roots in the ancestral nature of their wild ancestors, who needed to do a comprehensive search for food, threats, and hiding spots. It could be that your cat is up on the bookshelves, or checking closets, or finding that one spot under your bed that you forgot to clean.
Playtime: The Silent Hunter
Playing is an essential part of a cat’s hidden life. Even though we may not see it, many cats keep themselves occupied with toys, whether it’s a traditional mouse from the pet store, a humble ball of yarn, or even everyday objects that weren’t originally designed as toys (like toilet-paper rolls or socks). This is not just recreation; it’s an integral part of their hunting instinct. Leaping on plush toys that act like animal prey helps them hone their hunting skills and keep their bodies fit. Hence, should you ever come home to find children’s toys discarded in remote locations, you will understand the reason.
The Social Life of Cats
Despite the misconception that cats are aloof and independent, they have a very social life, especially if they share a home with other pets. While human presence is not a factor, cats establish intricate social structures, a territory within the house, and social grooming or play amongst themselves. These types of interactions can be anything from the more gentle head bumps and grooming to the wilder game of running and tumbling. For single-cat households, the absence of a feline companion doesn’t equal loneliness; cats take on their human’s smell items (like a used shirt) as toy objects while away.
The Zen Masters: Rest and Watching the Stars
A cat uses quite a large part of its day for an activity that corresponds to an almost meditative contemplation. Cats are astute creatures; they drink in the world from their platforms. A cat can spend hours resting on a windowsill, watching what is going on with birds, people, and cars. This behavior is a form of mental stimulation, as it helps them notice movements and sounds. Thus keeping their senses at work. Moreover, it is the time of relaxation that allows them to rejuvenate themselves before the next spell of action.
Mischief and Mayhem
We must remember the element of mischievousness a cat’s secret life has. Cats are naturally curious, and their curiosity often makes them get into all manner of problems when we are not looking. Swiping objects off the shelves, unraveling the toilet paper rolls or similar pranks are a cat’s way of soliciting attention or simply amusing themselves. Even though it might be a bit disturbing to come home to a slight mess, one should keep in mind a mind in the process of active thinking is a sign of a healthy mind.
Conclusion
Cat’s secret life is a combination of the monotonous and the brilliant. Albeit we envisage our felines conducting the exploit while we are away, the fact is that their activities are meant for exploration, play, and maintaining social ties, either with us or with any other furry members of the household. Knowing about these behaviors increases our understanding of their true nature. We become more careful when dealing with our pets because we know that they are more than just their physical appearance.