CAT BEHAVIOUR AND TRAINING

Cat Behaviour, Training and Care

Discover how cats think, communicate and interact with the world around them. Understanding feline behaviour provides valuable insights into how to build stronger relationships, support wellbeing and create environments where cats can thrive.

Every cat has its own unique personality, just as humans do. However, all cats share natural instincts and behavioural patterns shaped by their biology and evolution. By recognising these common traits, you can better interpret your cat’s actions, respond appropriately and encourage positive behaviours.

Develop a deeper understanding of cats and strengthen the bond between humans and their feline companions.

Lesson Structure

There are 8 lessons in this course:

1. Nature and Scope of Cat Psychology
2. Cat Senses and Communication
3. Understanding Natural Behaviour in Cats
4. Behavioural Disorders/Abnormalities
5. Basic Training
6. Obedience Training
7. Cat Behaviour Management
8. Cat Services and Cat Business

Aims

• Understand cat psychology and apply that knowledge to manage and influence the behaviour of cats.
• Describe how cats think, and discuss the relevance of understanding cat psychology to people.
• Explain how cats communicate; and formulate an understanding of possible ways that a human may communicate with a cat.
• Understand behaviours that are natural, hence predictable in cats; and learn to read signals that cats give.
• Explain how cats develop behavioural characteristics throughout stages of their life.
• Describe commonly occurring behavioural problems in cats.
• Describe techniques for training cats
• Implement measures to manage the behaviour of cats.
• Develop knowledge on running your own cat business.

Consider and understand aggression

Aggression is a common problem in cats. However, before deciding a cat is “aggressive”, it is important to consider different factors such as previous behaviour, environment and health. Have they always been aggressive? Is this a new behaviour? Have there been any changes in the cat’s life, such as new member to the family, new pet, moved home and so on? Also consider whether the cat has a medical condition that could be affecting their behaviour.  

When a cat displays aggression, we have to look at why. Who was he aggressive towards? When did it happen? What was happening for a period of time before the cat was aggressive? What was about to happen to the cat?  By looking at these things, we can try to understand why the cat behaved in that way. 

Some health conditions can also cause aggression in cats, including:

• hyperthyroidism
• epilepsy
• toxoplasmosis
• abscesses
• dental disease
• arthritis
• rabies
• injury or trauma
• sensory and cognitive decline in older cats.

If an owner thinks that a cat has any health issues that relate to their aggression, it is important that the cat is taken to a veterinarian so that they can be treated appropriately. If a cat is in pain or distress, they may display aggression if they fear more pain.

Pain and irritation can lead to aggression when a cat is in pain, frustrated or deprived. This aggression can be directed towards other animals, humans and objects. Even normally docile cats can be aggressive when hurt or irritated.  

Do not excuse negative or aggressive behaviour in cats, but instead look at the larger picture if the aggression is not a one-off incident. Cats can also be aggressive if they do not like being petted. Some cats enjoy being petted, hugged and held, whilst others only tolerate it. Some do not like being petted at all. A cat may feel irritated by this and perhaps nip or lightly bite the person petting them, whilst others may simply run off.  This type of aggression is not well understood, but some scientists think that petting can become unpleasant for the cat if it is repeated over and over again; it can cause pain, excitement and even static electricity in the cat.  This aggression type is more common in males than females.  Warning signs that a cat does not want the petting to continue include:

• dilating pupils
• restlessness
• flattening ears
• twitching or flipping tail
• quickly turning head towards person’s hand

Young cats and kittens may play in a rough way.  They may be full of playful intentions, but when the play is directed at humans or objects, it can cause injury or damage.   Playful aggression is the most common type of aggression shown in cats.  It usually involves behaviours such as:

• pouncing
• stalking
• chasing
• swatting
• biting
• fighting
• grabbing
• running

It is thought that cats learn how to inhibit their bites during play with other young cats, so you often find that in this sort of aggression, their claws are sheathed. Other factors that can affect play aggression are when a cat is alone for long periods of time with no opportunity to play or if their owners encourage them to attack people’s hands or feet in play.  

Naturally cats may show aggression when they are fearful or defensive. Their aggression may escalate if they feel they cannot escape. And the more threatening the opponent, the more heightened the cat’s reaction will be.  A cat will display typical body postures, such as:

• pupil dilation
• spitting
• hissing
• growling
• swatting
• biting
• scratching
• crouching
• flattened ears
• leaning away
• rolling onto side

If a cat displays aggression in this way, the best thing to do is to simply avoid them until they calm down. If their aggression is because they feel trapped, approaching them to calm them down could make them worse.  

Why Study Cat Behaviour?

Understanding cat behaviour helps you provide better care, strengthen the bond with your cat, and respond more effectively to its needs.

Ideal for:

• Current and prospective cat owners
• Cat breeders and exhibitors
• Shelter, cattery and adoption centre staff
• Foster carers and rescue volunteers
• Veterinary assistants and animal care professionals
• Anyone interested in feline behaviour, health and wellbeing

Why Study with ACS?

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Study at your own pace, from anywhere, at any time. 

Receive prompt, expert support from our team of committed and friendly tutors.

Your learning is our priority. We are flexible and adaptable to meet your educational needs!