Cats are enigmatic creatures. Their aloofness, independence and mysterious nature have led many cat owners to wonder: do cats think they own the house? If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Research suggests that because of their territorial nature, cats likely perceive their home and family as their own property that they have a right to control and defend.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore why cats seemingly act like they own their home and human family. We’ll cover cat territory and ownership behaviors, look at scientific research on cat psychology and intelligence, and provide tips for living harmoniously with a cat that thinks it runs the place.
Cat Territorial Behavior
Marking Territory with Scent
Cats are amazing creatures that have evolved complex methods of marking their territory. One key way cats mark their turf is through scent. Cats have scent glands around their face, paws, and hindquarters that produce pheromones.
When a cat rubs against objects like furniture or drapes, it is depositing these pheromones to signal “this space belongs to me!” Cats also scratch objects like sofas or carpet to leave both a visual mark and a scent mark from the pheromones on their paws.
By marking territory in this way, cats are sending a message to other felines that may wander into their domain. Some experts believe this territorial marking provides cats with a sense of security and control in their environment.
It’s one of the many fascinating instincts these independent little furballs have retained from their wild ancestors.
Displaying Ownership of Territory
In addition to scent markings, cats communicate ownership of territory through body language and behaviors. An assertive cat may patrol its domain by walking along the perimeter while upright with its tail held high. This sends a clear signal of confidence and authority over the space.
A cat may also claim ownership of specific spots like a favorite chair or windowsill by returning to it frequently and settling in comfortably as if to say “This spot is mine!” Cats are less likely to display these territorial behaviors in shared spaces where they coexist peacefully with other pets.
But when a new animal is introduced to the home, you may see a cat suddenly become more vocal about areas it wants to claim as its own. The message is clear – this is the cat’s domain and it wants to make that evident to any newcomers!
Defending Territory from Intruders
While house cats today don’t need to protect their territory from predators, their strong territorial instincts remain. When an unknown cat ventures into the yard or an intruder comes near the home, a cat may take bold action to defend its domain.
Warning signs like hissing, growling, and swatting often precede an attack to essentially say “back off, this is my turf!” Cats may also arch their backs, fluff out their fur, and puff out their tails to appear larger and more threatening to the encroaching cat or human.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), cat bites account for up to 15% of all animal bites reported every year. This just demonstrates how ferociously cats will fight when they feel their territory is threatened.
Understanding your cat’s possessive nature and territorial cues can help prevent confrontations and injuries when newcomers arrive on their turf.
Cat Psychology and Intelligence
Scent and Spatial Memory
Cats have an incredible sense of smell, with over 200 million odor-sensitive cells compared to humans’ 5 million. This allows them to create detailed “scent maps” of their territory and remember places they’ve been before (1).
For example, cats can return to a preferred sleeping spot after being displaced by scents alone.
Understanding Hierarchy and Their Place
Cats are intelligent enough to recognize social hierarchies and their place within a household. They can discern their owner’s status compared to other humans and animals in the home. Cats tend to act more affectionately and submissively to the dominant member of a household who controls resources like food, territory, and access to desirable areas.
Interpreting Cat Behavior
While cats may sometimes seem mysterious, most feline behaviors stem from primal instincts connected to mating, hunting, territory, and resource acquisition. For example, when a cat brings a “gift” of a dead animal, it’s showing its owner hunting competence, not affection.
Cats also mark territory with scents and allow access to favored spots to those they accept in their social group. So when a cat chooses your lap for a nap, it likely sees you as a resource provider and accepts you into its inner circle.
Understanding the roots of common cat behaviors like kneading, head bunting, and exposing their stomachs can help decode what cats are “saying” through actions. With some insight, we can better interpret our enigmatic furry companions.
Tips for Living With a Cat That Thinks It’s the Boss
Provide Plenty of Vertical Territory
Cats are natural climbers and perchers. Giving them access to high places like cat trees, shelves, and window perches can help satisfy this instinct in a safe way. Providing vertical territory also gives cats a place to observe their kingdom from on high, which can help them feel more secure and confident.
Try placing cat trees and perches near windows with views outdoors –
this can provide excellent entertainment. Just make sure they are securely anchored so your little ruler has a sturdy throne.
Give Them Their Own Private Spaces
Cats are territorial creatures and like having places they can call their own. Giving your cat beds, cardboard boxes, igloos, and other cozy hideouts throughout the house allows them to have a quiet retreat when they need some alone time.
Place comfy beds in sunny spots for napping or hideaways in quiet corners for when your furry friend needs some peace. Having their own space can help cats feel less stressed and more secure.
Respect Their Boundaries
While you may want to cuddle your cat whenever you get the urge, it’s important to respect their boundaries. Forcing unwanted affection on cats can cause them stress. Pay attention to your cat’s body language – if they tense up, swish their tail, or try to wiggle away, they are signaling that they want to be left alone.
Give them space when asked. With time and patience, they are more likely to seek affection on their own terms. Respecting boundaries will lead to a happier, less stressed kitty.
Use Positive Reinforcement
While your cat may think they rule the roost, gentle positive reinforcement can help show them that good behavior gets rewarded. Use treats, praise, pets, and play to encourage behaviors you want to see more of. For example, give them a treat when they use a scratching post instead of your couch.
Avoid scolding or punishments, as these can actually increase unwanted behaviors in cats. Staying calm and using positive reinforcement helps you and kitty see eye-to-eye.
Conclusion
While we can’t get into the mind of a cat, research and observation suggests that cats do think of their home and families as their own territory. This territorial nature, combined with their intelligence and good memories, leads cats to behave as if they have ownership over the home.
By providing cats with plenty of territory, respecting their boundaries, and using positive reinforcement, cat owners can peacefully coexist with their feline overlords.
