The Rise of Cat Owners in Taiwan: Understanding and Caring for Your Feline Friends
Taiwan has a large number of dog and cat owners. In the past, it was widely believed that dog ownership was growing at a faster rate. However, according to statistics from the Council of Agriculture, from 2013 to 2019, the number of pet dogs in Taiwan actually decreased by 11.7%, while the number of pet cats grew by more than 30%.
Cats are independent and quiet by nature, with relatively low demands for activity and living space. This makes them especially well-suited for urban living and for people with busy lifestyles. As a result, becoming a devoted "cat servant" — someone who happily caters to a cat's unique personality and needs — has become a popular trend.
Although the threshold for keeping a cat may seem lower than that for a dog, cats have distinct and independent personalities. Their preferences, eating habits, drinking routines, and daily schedules still require careful attention from their owners. Without proper care, even cats that are good at taking care of themselves can develop health or behavioral problems due to neglect.
If you have a cat at home, or hope to become a cat owner in the future, this article gathers essential insights into the mysterious world of our feline friends. The more you understand cats, the better you will be able to care for them, keeping them healthy and happy!
Personality Traits of Cats
When it comes to the personality of cats, most people tend to say they are independent, aloof, and proud. In fact, these personality traits are largely related to their ancestors. It is generally believed that the genes of existing domestic cat breeds mostly come from wildcats, a small feline species native to parts of Europe, western Asia, and Africa.
Like other big cats such as tigers, leopards, and lions, wildcats are predators that hunt small mammals or birds. They usually live solitary lives—hunting alone and enjoying their prey alone. Even tigers and lions, which sometimes live in small groups, are not truly social animals. Some research suggests that these small groups form primarily because their large appetite requires cooperative hunting to increase the success rate of capturing larger prey, and over time these groups developed into small social units.
But why were solitary wildcats, which normally prefer to live alone, domesticated into house cats by humans? Unlike dogs, which were actively domesticated and integrated into human society by people, most scholars believe that humans did not actively and successfully domesticate cats. Instead, cats approached human environments on their own due to their interest in the mice inhabiting human grain stores.
Humans, plagued by rodents, accepted the presence of cats, marking the beginning of cohabitation between humans and cats. Animals domesticated by humans, such as cattle, sheep, and dogs, were initially kept for practical purposes like food sources or labor. However, there is no historical record showing that cats were ever used as labor or for other practical roles after entering human environments and becoming house pets.
Therefore, many people believe that humans may have never actually succeeded in truly domesticating cats; rather, it was the cats themselves who "chose" to domesticate to improve their living conditions. If domesticated dogs are considered humans' good friends and helpers, then house cats might be more like roommates. Some studies even suggest that cats have never been domesticated at all, and that modern house cats originated simply because cats chose to live alongside humans for food.
1. The Independent and Proud Personality of Cats
One of the most common personality traits of cats is their independence. Unlike dogs, who constantly crave their owner's attention, most cats only approach when they need food or have other demands. Many cats are naturally aloof and prefer to live on their own. If their owners are often away from home, as long as they have enough food and water, many cats can comfortably live independently for a while.
Understanding the lifestyle of their wild ancestors can help explain this behavior. Cats have always been solitary animals, so they are very accustomed to living alone. For the most part, they rely only on their owners to provide food and water. From an owner's perspective, cats are truly proud and aloof creatures—they can be distant yet suddenly seek affection, switching between hot and cold behaviors that leave cat lovers both adoring and frustrated.
In fact, compared to cats, it is the human "cat slaves" who are often more dependent and in need of their cat's attention!
2. The Timid Vigilance of Cats
Anyone who has a cat knows that cats are quite different from outgoing dogs. While dogs often eagerly engage with people and their surroundings, most cats prefer to hide away. They tend to stay on alert around unfamiliar people, places, and things. Sometimes, you might even find a cat quietly watching you from a corner, carefully observing without making a sound.
This behavior is rooted in their wild ancestry. Unlike social animals that live in groups and can cooperate to spot and avoid predators, cats have traditionally lived solitary lives in the wild. Because of this, they rely heavily on their own vigilance to stay safe. Their natural wariness helps them survive by maintaining a heightened state of alertness.
As a result, cats are born with a strong instinct to be cautious. It often takes a longer time for them to feel comfortable enough to lower their guard around new people or situations. They instinctively seek hidden, shadowy places where they can observe and protect themselves in peace.
3. Fussy Eating Habits of Cats
Many cats are very picky eaters. They may refuse to eat food if it is suddenly changed, if it is not fresh, or if it does not contain a high enough meat content. This behavior can be traced back to their ancestors, the wildcats.
Wildcats, such as the African wildcat, are generally considered to be extremely selective eaters. Being obligate carnivores, they only consume meat, and they prefer to eat freshly caught prey. Typically, they feed exclusively on the animals they hunt themselves, such as mice or other small creatures.
The Preferences of Cats
Most dogs love to please humans (editor's note: except for Shiba Inus!), and can often be persuaded to do many things with treats or other rewards. However, this approach is rarely effective with cats.
Cats have very clear likes and dislikes. If they don't like something or don't want to do it, no matter what temptation you offer, it usually won't work. Conversely, if they like something and want to do it, no matter how much you try to stop them, they will find a way to make it happen.
Generally speaking, cats tend to have a few common preferences:
1. Why Cats Usually Don't Like Other Animals
Cats generally do not enjoy living with other animals. This aversion is not limited to dogs; in fact, cats often dislike other cats as well. As mentioned earlier, wild cats are solitary creatures. Unlike social animals such as dogs or sheep that cooperate in hunting and defending against threats, cats do not collaborate.
According to a report by the BBC, Monique Udell, a biologist from Oregon State University, said, "Even when threatened, cats do not cooperate with other animals. Cats do not believe that numbers bring strength."
If you often see owners keeping many cats and dogs in the same living space and the cats don't seem particularly upset, it's mostly because the cats have simply become accustomed to sharing the space. Among groups of domestic cats living together, their relationships are quite loose—there are no strong bonds, social rankings, or group identities. Simply put, in a cat's world, it's all about themselves!
Furthermore, in the wild, the presence of other cats nearby could mean sharing the prey caught, which is another reason why cats dislike being around their own kind. This is also why some owners who thoughtfully buy cat dolls for their pets often find their cats avoiding these toys at a distance.
2. Why Cats Love Small Spaces
Cat owners who have had cats will definitely notice that whenever a cardboard box appears at home, the cat immediately hides inside it. No matter how small or awkwardly shaped the box is, the cat will find a way to squeeze in. Many studies by cat behavior researchers have shown that cats prefer enclosed spaces. Small, confined areas provide cats with a sense of security and help them feel relaxed.
The ancestors of domestic cats, as well as wild cats, often sheltered in tree hollows or caves. These spots not only kept them warm but also offered excellent hiding places for ambushing prey. Therefore, whether a cat is feeling stressed or anxious or simply wants to find a warm, safe place to sleep, it will seek out narrow spots around the house—such as inside cardboard boxes, shopping bags, under the bed, or even in carriers. Some cats don't like going outside but especially enjoy hiding inside their carriers.
Small spaces provide warmth and a feeling of security, which is why cats are particularly fond of hiding inside boxes.
3. Why Cats Love Vertical Space
Besides enjoying cozy, confined spaces, cats also love to climb high. This preference is closely related to their nature as solitary animals in the wild. When positioned up high, cats have a vantage point to oversee their surroundings and spot any potential dangers. Moreover, if a predator does appear, it is harder for them to harm a cat that is safely perched above. Because of this, being in elevated spots provides cats with a strong sense of security.
This is why many small to medium-sized wild cats—such as leopards, margays, and bobcats—often seek refuge in trees. In contrast, urban apartments usually offer fewer elevated places where pet cats can hide. As a result, domestic cats commonly be found resting on top of refrigerators, bookshelves, and other high surfaces.
Many cat owners provide their pets with cat trees, climbing towers, and catwalks to supply vertical spaces. These structures help satisfy a cat's natural instinct and love for climbing high.
4. Why Cats Dislike Citrus Scents
Cats have a strong aversion to the smell of citrus fruits. Scents from lemons, oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus varieties are particularly unpleasant to them. While humans often find these fragrances fresh and uplifting, cats—with their highly sensitive sense of smell—find them overwhelming and irritating.
Moreover, the citrus oils present in the peels of these fruits can cause discomfort to cats. These oils may irritate their eyes, skin, and respiratory system. In more severe cases, exposure can lead to allergic reactions or inflammation.
Now that you know this, it's best to avoid putting citrus fruit hats, like those made from grapefruits, on cats—especially during festive occasions such as the Mid-Autumn Festival. Keeping your feline friends comfortable and safe is always the priority!
5. The Joy of Chasing and Hunting: Understanding Your Cat's Natural Instincts
No matter how cute or harmless your cat looks, it doesn't change the fact that cats are born hunters. Just take a look at their sharp teeth and claws — hunting is in their nature. This is true even for breeds that have been selectively bred by humans over generations.
When a cat hunts its prey, there are a few key steps involved: chasing, pouncing to catch, and biting the vital spots. Think carefully about how your cat plays with a wand toy — isn't it essentially an adorable version of those three steps?
Because of this instinct, toys that provide a sense of chasing and hunting, and allow your cat to catch and bite the "prey," are the most enticing for them. For example, a wand with a small mouse or ball tied to it needs the owner to continually move it quickly to spark the cat's interest. A toy that just sits still has no appeal to a cat at all.
Some people like to use laser pointers or flashlight beams to play with their cats. While these light sources do trigger the urge to chase and catch at first, they lack a tangible object that the cat can actually bite and enjoy after the pursuit. Over time, cats lose interest in chasing something they can't physically catch. This can even cause frustration and, if frequently played this way, may make your cat increasingly anxious or depressed.
The Habits of Cats
After learning about cats' personalities, preferences, and the reasons behind their behaviors, you should understand that cats are not as easy to train as dogs. You may often hear about dog training schools and dog trainers, but cat trainers are quite rare. The reason is that cats are much harder to motivate to perform specific actions through food rewards, verbal encouragement, or petting, unlike dogs.
Of course, with the help of professionals, some cats can be trained to follow simple commands, such as coming when called or sitting down. However, for the average cat owner, training a cat to consistently eat in a particular place, sleep in a designated spot, or use a specific location as a litter box is very challenging.
Therefore, the best approach is for cat owners to adapt to their cats. Start by understanding your cat's natural lifestyle and habits. Try to accommodate and align your actions with the way your cat prefers to live. This will help ensure your feline companion lives comfortably, stays healthy, and is well taken care of.
1. Understanding Your Cat's Dietary Habits
Before feeding your cat, it's important to understand that cats are obligate carnivores. Similar to leopards, tigers, and lions, cats must obtain essential nutrients from prey and meat sources. These nutrients include animal proteins, taurine, vitamins, and more. Compared to dogs, cats require twice the amount of protein because their bodies are less efficient at utilizing nutrients from plants, vegetables, and fruits.
Due to their hunting background in the wild, freshly caught prey was always the freshest source of food. As a result, cats prefer to eat "warm" meat—that is, meat close to the body temperature of their prey. You might notice that if you take canned cat food directly from the refrigerator, your cat may refuse to touch it! To encourage eating, it's best to let canned or wet food warm up slightly after taking it out of the fridge before serving. If possible, preparing fresh cooked meals for each meal and serving them once they've cooled down to a safe temperature works best.
If your cat is used to eating raw food, make sure to thaw it properly before feeding. Most cats also prefer smaller, more frequent meals. It is advisable to divide the daily recommended feeding amount—discussed with your veterinarian—into two or three meals. Feeding too much at once may lead to leftover food, especially with wet or raw meals. It is very important to discard any uneaten portions immediately rather than storing them or refrigerating them again, as bacterial growth in leftover food could cause your cat to get diarrhea.
The basic nutritional principle for cats is a diet high in meat content and low in carbohydrates. Suitable meat sources for cats include beef, chicken, rabbit, venison, and salmon. Stronger-tasting organs like chicken liver and tuna are favorites for many cats, but they should be fed in moderation.
When it comes to water, cats prefer to drink running water. In the wild, flowing water indicates freshness and cleanliness, while stagnant water often contains bacteria and poses a risk. Using a pet water fountain that circulates water can entice your cat to drink more. Also, try to keep your cat's food and water bowls separate, as food debris falling into the water bowl can discourage your cat from drinking.
In summary, cats need a diet rich in meat, fed in small, frequent portions to best meet their nutritional and behavioral needs.
2. Cat Elimination Habits
Most cats in the wild eliminate their waste in soft, sandy soil and always cover their excrement to avoid being tracked by predators. Therefore, as long as a litter box with clean litter is provided at home, cats usually use the litter box by themselves and will cover their waste with the litter.
Cats typically prefer to go to the bathroom in a private, safe, and dimly lit area. Besides choosing a litter box with a shelter that offers more privacy, it's best to place it in a spot where there is little foot traffic at home.
Cats use scent to divide their living space into different zones for drinking water, eating, and eliminating waste. These three areas should be kept separate as much as possible. Owners can observe where their cats usually prefer to eliminate and try to accommodate this by moving the litter box to those preferred locations. It is also recommended to provide multiple litter boxes; for example, if you have one cat, having two litter boxes is ideal.
Cats are very clean animals. If the litter box is not cleaned regularly, cats will gradually refuse to use it and may start eliminating waste randomly around the house. Therefore, maintaining cleanliness is especially important.
For cats that love cleanliness, in addition to cleaning the litter box frequently, it's also a good idea to disinfect their belongings and toys. However, be sure never to use alcohol or other irritating substances for disinfection!
3. The Daily Routine of Cats
Cats are nocturnal animals. Wild felines typically sleep during the day and begin hunting after nightfall. To ensure they have enough energy for hunting, carnivorous animals sleep for long hours. On average, a cat needs about 16 hours of sleep per day.
So, if you see your feline friend lazily snoozing most of the time, don't worry or assume something is wrong with their health—it's just their natural behavior. However, cats' nighttime activities might disturb family members whose routines are opposite to theirs.
If you want your cat to rest at night like you do, try to keep them active during the day by playing with toys and engaging them in physical activities. Before bedtime, play several hunting-style games with your cat using toys like wand teasers to encourage them to pounce and chase for 15 to 30 minutes. Also, consider giving one of their meals just before bedtime.
After a good "hunt" and a satisfying meal, your cat will naturally enter sleep mode!
Inside the Personalities, Preferences, and Habits of Cats
This is a comprehensive look into the personalities, preferences, and habits of our feline friends. However, the traits described here are general characteristics that most cats tend to share on average.
Each cat's personality may vary depending on factors such as breed refinement and living environment. Therefore, a cat's likes and habits can differ widely from one to another. Cat owners need to patiently observe and get to know their own cats individually.
After all, observing the quirky behaviors and various proud, sometimes aloof expressions of our feline companions is one of the main reasons cat lovers adore having cats in their lives!
