Instructions
Study your cat consistently, noting what is normal for it and what is out of the ordinary. Cats are sensitive to noises, smells and activities, so knowing what the norm is helps you to see small behavior changes that may be important.
Take note of changes in the environment, as they often motivate changes in feline behavior.
Notice if the cat is purring. Purring indicates, generally, that a cat is relaxed. However, cats also purr if they are in pain, to indicate that they need comfort, so always approach a stranger cat with caution, as injured animals under stress can be defensive.
Kittens purr to let their mothers know that they are receiving milk, and the mother purrs, reassuring the kitten.
Notice when the cat brings you things, like toys, or, if it is an outdoor cat, prey that it has caught. Especially female cats will bring gifts like this. Behaviorists believe that the cat is trying to train the human to hunt, as it would train its kittens, by bringing little meals to entice the kitten to start hunting. The cat is not trying to disturb you; it likes you and is trying to train you.
Pay attention when the cat defecates outside of its box. Most cats automatically use their litter boxes, but if there is a change in behavior, the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine suggests that there might be a medical problem, such as a urinary tract infection. Such infections make the cat feel as though it has to urinate all the time, so it will not be able to get to its box.
Take the cat to the vet. It is not angry or trying to misbehave. Also, the box odor or location could be causing problems, so change the litter that you buy or move the box to see what the response is.
Respond to cat aggression by consulting your veterinarian. An aggressive cat may be in pain. Do not hit the cat or try to touch it, as this will often increase the aggression, not decrease it. Rather, try to startle the cat without touching it, using loud noises or a squirt gun.
Never pet the cat or console it right after an aggressive episode, because this will reinforce the aggressive behavior. Aggressive cats flatten their ears and often strike out with their paws or bite.
How to Analyze Cat Behavior
Cats have long been regarded as mysterious creatures, but they are just like other animals in that they have behavior patterns that are readable by humans, letting you know whether the cat is happy, friendly, ill or aggressive. Knowing the basics about analyzing your cat's behavior, especially if you are new to cats, will help you to care for it and avoid misunderstandings.