FM1 Pt1-4 The importance of Territory Flashcards
What is the difference between a cat’s territory and home range?
Territory is the area a cat is prepared to defend, while the home range is the area the cat normally uses, which is larger than the territory.
How does the environment affect a wild cat’s home range?
In areas where prey is abundant, a wild cat’s home range is smaller; where food is sparse, the range is larger.
Why do household cats still establish territories despite being fed by their owners?
Cats have a strong drive to establish territories and ranges as these form the basis of their social structure, regardless of being fed by humans.
How do urban, suburban, and rural environments impact a household cat’s territory size?
In urban areas, cats’ territories are smaller due to higher housing density and more cats, whereas in rural areas, territories are much larger.
What ancestral behavior do cats retain when establishing their territories?
Cats retain the solitary stealth hunting behavior of their ancestors, establishing territories based on their individual survival needs.
Why are male (tom) cat ranges typically larger than female (queen) cat ranges?
Male cats’ larger ranges (3 to 10 times bigger) overlap with those of females to increase mating opportunities and help queens rear young securely.
What factors influence the size of a household cat’s range or territory?
The size is influenced by property density and local cat density, with ranges smaller in areas with higher cat populations.
How do cats mark their territories?
Cats mark their territories through scent marking using glands on their lips, chin, head, and tail, as well as clawing trees and fences.
What is the role of the cat flap in a cat’s territory?
The cat flap acts as the transition point between a cat’s safe indoor territory and the riskier outside world, where the cat must approach cautiously.
How does cold weather affect a cat’s use of its territory?
Cats generally use a reduced area outside when it’s cold, spending more time inside during winter.
What behavior do despotic cats exhibit in a neighborhood?
Despotic cats aggressively take over others’ territories, enter houses, attack resident cats, and mark their territory with urine spray.
What strategies can be used to manage a despotic cat?
Neutering the cat, confining it indoors at certain times, providing indoor stimulation, and using an exclusive entry system cat flap.
