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These mysterious and elegant creatures have walked beside us for centuries, wrapping us around their dainty paws. From ancient Egyptian times, when they were revered as gods, to our modern homes, where they often act like they rule the roost.
As a seasoned cat parent and avid feline enthusiast, I’ve spent countless hours observing and decoding the often cryptic behaviors of these furballs. And I’ve come to a delightful revelation: many of our whiskered companions genuinely believe they’re the bosses of our homes.
Now, you might be thinking, “Surely, not my sweet Mittens?” Well, let’s delve into the world of cat behavior, shall we? Trust me, by the end of this post, you might see your furry friend in a whole new light!
5 Signs Your Cat Thinks They’re The Boss Of The House
Here are five undeniable signs your cat thinks they’re the boss of the house;
1. The High Throne Position
Ever walked into a room to find your cat majestically perched atop the highest shelf, bookcase, or even the fridge? It’s not just a quirk; there’s method to the seeming madness. Cats, by nature, are fond of high places.
This penchant for altitude isn’t just about getting a bird’s-eye view (pun intended) of their territory; it’s deeply rooted in their instincts.
In the wild, elevated spots serve as safe havens, keeping cats out of reach from potential threats on the ground and providing them an excellent vantage point for spotting prey.
So, when Mittens claims the topmost spot of your bookshelf, she isn’t just showcasing her impressive climbing skills; she’s marking her territory and asserting dominance. After all, in her mind, the one who sits on the throne (or in this case, the highest spot) commands the land.
Interestingly, this behavior isn’t exclusive to cats. In the broader animal kingdom, high positions often correlate with dominance and authority.
Think of the mighty lion, often depicted on a raised rock overseeing its territory, or the birds of prey soaring high above, asserting control over vast expanses.
Your feline isn’t just seeking height for fun; they’re channeling their inner royalty, staking their claim as the ruling monarch of your household.
2. Ignoring Your Calls
How many times have you playfully called out to your cat, only to be met with an indifferent tail flick or an unapologetic back turned towards you? It’s not your imagination—cats do possess an uncanny ability for what I affectionately term “selective listening.”
But trust me, it’s not that they can’t hear you; they’re just choosing when and if they wish to acknowledge your existence.
Let’s draw a contrast here. Call a dog’s name, and you’ll often have a wagging tail and eager eyes bounding towards you in seconds. Cats, however, march to the beat of their own drum.
Their ancestors were solitary hunters, relying on stealth and patience. Responding to every rustle or call wasn’t conducive to their hunting lifestyle. Fast forward to domesticated life, and while they might not be hunting in the wild, that independent streak still runs deep.
Here’s a relatable anecdote to set the scene: Picture a cozy evening. You’re nestled on your couch, watching a movie. Your feline companion is lounging on the window sill. “Come here, Whiskers!” you call out, hoping for some cuddle time.
Whiskers, without even a glance in your direction, continues to stare out of the window, thoroughly engrossed in the outside world. Five minutes later, without any prompt, she saunters over and curls up on your lap, purring contentedly. It’s clear: it’s always on their terms in the world of cats.
The beauty of this “aloof” attitude? It’s yet another subtle (or not so subtle) reminder of who truly calls the shots. They’ll come when they feel like it, thank you very much. And honestly, isn’t that assertive independence just one of the many reasons we adore them?
3. The Early Morning Wake-Up Call
For many of us cat parents, there’s a familiar ritual that doesn’t require an alarm clock. The sky is still painted with hues of night, your bed feels exceptionally cozy, and then… “Mrrrrow!” A plaintive meow pierces the quiet, followed by more insistent ones, all delivering the clear message: “Feed me, NOW!”
Yes, that early morning (or sometimes, deep midnight) wake-up call is a classic in the cat playbook. Why wait for breakfast at a reasonable hour when they can have it at the crack of dawn? And if those vocal demands don’t do the trick, they have an arsenal of tactics to ensure you’re up and attending to their needs.
Perhaps your feline friend is of the “knock it over” variety. Those cherished knick-knacks on your nightstand? Fair game.
That glass of water you keep by your bedside? It’s more fun on the floor. Or maybe they’re the more direct type, choosing to sit on your face or knead your chest with their tiny paws until you surrender to their will.
But let’s take a step back and consider what’s happening here. In these moments, your cat is communicating in no uncertain terms that their needs are paramount. The early morning summons isn’t just about hunger; it reinforces their position in the household hierarchy.
Every time you groggily get up to fill their food bowl, it’s a testament to their power: they beckon, and you respond. And though it might sometimes test our patience, there’s something undeniably endearing about their tenacity and determination to be in charge.
4. Claiming Territory
Ah, the art of territory marking — a practice cats have honed to perfection. If you’ve ever wondered why your cat rubs its cheeks against furniture corners, spends hours lounging on your bed, or seems magnetically attracted to your laptop just as you’re about to work, it’s all about staking a claim.
Cats possess scent glands on various parts of their bodies, especially around their cheeks and the base of their tails. When they rub against objects, they’re not just indulging in a pleasant scratch; they’re depositing their unique scent, essentially saying, “This is mine.”
This act of scent marking is deeply ingrained in feline behavior, serving as a way to communicate with other cats and establish boundaries.
Now, let’s explore their favorite household “claims.” Your bed, for instance, is a prime spot. By marking it with their scent, they’re blending their aroma with yours, reinforcing the bond between you two.
The same goes for the couch or any favorite lounging spot. And the laptop? Well, apart from it being a warm place to sit, it’s also an object that receives a lot of your attention. By sitting on it, your cat ensures that it smells more like them and less like, well, an object that doesn’t belong to a cat.
These territorial claims aren’t just about possession. They’re symbolic of your cat’s perceived status in the household.
Every mark, every scent deposit, and every claimed lounging spot is a gentle reminder of their dominant presence. In their world, they’re not just sharing space with you; they’re graciously allowing you to inhabit their domain.
5. Deciding When to Show Affection
If you’ve had the pleasure of sharing your home with both cats and dogs, you’ve likely observed a clear contrast in their approaches to affection. While dogs might wear their hearts on their sleeves, always eager for a belly rub or a cuddle, cats? They operate on a more, let’s say, curated schedule.
Cats are masters of dictating the terms of their social interactions. One moment, they might be purring contentedly in your lap, enjoying every stroke and scratch, and the next, they’re a whisker’s width away, signaling with a swish of their tail that they’ve had enough. It’s not a rejection; it’s just their way of controlling the narrative.
This nuanced dance of affection isn’t mere whimsy. It’s a testament to the intricate power dynamics at play. When a cat chooses to snuggle up or suddenly decides they’d prefer solitude, they exercise their autonomy.
Their unpredictable patterns of seeking affection keep us, their human companions, constantly attuned to their desires. It’s as if they’re subtly reminding us: “I come to you on my terms, and on my terms alone.”
The beauty of this dynamic is that when cats do decide to show affection, it feels genuinely special. It’s an invitation into their world, a sign of trust and mutual respect.
But always remember, in this dance of love and boundaries, the cat is leading the steps, ensuring they remain in control of every interaction.
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