Cats and Behaviour - A Look At The Many Faces

History and Mythology

It is not widely known where cats originated instead, they can be traced back as early as Ancient Egypt. In Ancient Egyptian mythology cats were named as 'Mau' and were highly worshiped as gods and goddesses.

 
Initially Egyptian cats were a wild breed used for domesticated purposes later  graduating into religious icon's that represented fertility and were used for protection of the souls journey into the afterlife. Great statues were placed in temples set nearby burial chambers. Mummified cats were especially popular and remain to be found in the artifact remains of the Egyptian tombs.

Although contrary to the beliefs of the early Egyptians there has been much superstition surrounding the growing mythology on cats. Witchcraft and satanic rituals believed to be associated with the occult and black magic remains shrouded in mystery, whereby witches with black cats were looked upon as evil. Black cats were seen as their familiars.

This predates back to the early Christian era aka the medieval times where witches were hunted and burnt alive. In medieval folklore seeing a black cat was a symbolic meaning of bad luck. Superstitions continue to this day portending these mysterious creatures as ill omens.

Cats being quiet and stealthy creatures create an air of mystery. Though studies show that a cat's behaviour can vary and be quite unpredictable at times. A little psychology goes a long way in finding cues, distinct moods and attitudes. A cat's most prominent feature of expression is thought to be of body language followed by vocal tones and facial expression. 

Behavioural differences depend on upbringing factors such as the environment, socialization and time of weaning. Unless your cat is tame it will not be suitable for domestic households. Feral cats for example are aggressive and wild and will not tolerate humans.  Wild cats learn at an early age from their mother in protecting and fending themselves away from predators.

Other behaviour such as rolling over and exposing the stomach is a submissive sign meaning trust. Purring is a sign of contentment though do not count on it. Purring can also mean other underlying issues that are not necessarily pleasant. For example a cat may be in pain or stressed yet, still purrs. All cats have different personalities and with time through the development of bonding you will learn to discover the personality of your cat and how she/he behaves.

Tails are another way of communication. Flicking the tail is an angry sign whilst holding the tail upright signals your cat is relaxed. Cats may appear to be intelligent as well as sensitive by highly reacting to stress in the environment. 

Whiskers and ears folded back show a cat ill at ease. Sight and smell are highly developed and all play a role in behaviour especially where territorial issues are involved. 

Feral cats behave differently in the wild and have been observed largely mimicking the behaviour of their ancestors. Over time as more research is advanced no doubt we will learn further knowledge in the behaviour of our felines.

Source:
http://www.petfriendly.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=218:cats-in-history-and-mythology&catid=95:articles&Itemid=169
http://www.best-cat-art.com/cat-psychology.html

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