You Can Figure Out Feline Behavior
If you want to study the way of Zen or Daoism, get a cat. You can learn a lot about living in harmony with the rest of the universe from observing feline behavior. I've lived with cats more or less for thirty years. Although I know a lot about feline behavior, a lot of it can't be articulated with words. You just pick it up by osmosis from the cat. You will know what you know about feline behavior - but you won't necessarily know WHY you know it.
They're Nocturnal
One of the big things to keep in mind about feline behavior is that these are nocturnal creatures. That means they sleep, on average, eighteen hours a day. Don't expect to go jogging on the beach with a cat. Do expect to have the cat listen attentively about your misadventures stepping on a horseshoe crab after you jogged on the beach. If they are going to get into mischief, they tend to do it when they think you're asleep.
They're Hunters
The domestic cat is responsible for the extinction of at least seven bird species. This is partially due to their incredible hunting skills. The will hunt even when not hungry, so they can store the food for future lean times. They also will bring dying prey to your feet because they are trying to help feed you. This is what the feline behavior books all say. Personally, I think it's because cats like to watch you hit the ceiling.
This is one reason why cats need to be kept indoors, because of the havoc they can wreak on the native wildlife. Also, killing someone's pet rabbit is not going to endear you to the neighbors. A cat will hunt when given the opportunity. They can't help it. Don't give them the opportunity. Keep them indoors with lots of toys and a window to look out of.
They're Carnivorous
One aspect about feline behavior can't be changed or they will die - they have to eat meat in order to survive. Although dogs can become vegetarians and thrive, cats can't. Don't expect your cat to become a vegetarian. And they really shouldn't eat a lot of non-meat items, although rice is great for them, as well as a minor serving of veggies. But unless a cat has an adequate amount of protein, they can die. However, if they don' want to eat for a few days, that's okay. That's normal feline behavior.
