Understanding your Kitten - mindset, body language & behavior


Whether you already own a kitten or you are considering welcoming one into your home, it is important to understand the unique traits and behavior that your feline friend can exhibit. Cats are fascinating creatures and can have a wide variety of traits and behaviors that set them apart from other animal species. 

Let´s start at the beginning: The ancestors of modern cats were more like small, primitive carnivores living in the wild. These ancient cats were likely the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica) or the Chinese version of that species (Felis silvestris bieti). These two species are still found in the world today. 

The process of domestication for cats is still a bit of a mystery, but it began in the Middle East around 8000 BC. It is believed that cats started to evolve from hunting small rodents to living with humans voluntarily. Then they were being brought into human households to keep the rodent population down and were provided food in exchange for their services. 

The transition from wild to domestic cats was gradual. Some cats had apparently figured out that living with humans could be beneficial. Over time, they domestic traits evolved, such as a more docile temperament and more affectionate behavior. In addition, as cats became more trusting of humans, the selection process became more selective, favoring cats that were friendlier and more docile. 


Kitten Mindset

Why is it important to know about the descent of cats? Because the original traits still prevail in the domestic form to a certain degree. To put it in a nutshell: Wild cats are solitary (being together only during mating season and while rearing their young) and extremely territorial  hunters as well as prey to other animals. The domestic cats of today have adapted themselves by becoming more social and less solitary. In contrast to dogs, however, they are still a lot more independent, meaning they do not need constant company and sometimes enjoy having time to themselves.