Smoky is one of the most interesting cats I've met in a while. It is not often that the first thing a foster tells me is "Smoky CANNOT be adopted without Leopard Mouse." I mean, we've had bonded siblings before, but this is the first time I've had a cat so bonded with his favorite toy, he becomes agitated without it! So Smokey MUST be adopted with his Leopard Mouse. But the good news is, Leopard Mouse doesn't eat much and is content to travel by "mouth" to his new destination. And that Smoky will see to all of his needs for you as long as you promise not to separate them :).
Other things to note about Smoky: he's very high energy, loves to play and likes to be the king of his castle. Don't get us wrong, he's fine with other animals, but he's the type to puff out his chest and strut around so that you know it is HIS domain that he's sharing and not the other way around. He'll even growl at himself in the mirror! Now, I don't know about you, but I just LOVE cats with this much personality. They are such great companions and they are a non-stop laugh every day. And who doesn't need that???
According to www.cat-lovers-only.com, cats have been domesticated for well over 3,000 years. House cat behavior patterns, however, are really not all that different from wild cats. In fact, the basic instincts and resulting patterns of activity and rest are basically the same as they were before domestication. Long before the Egyptians and African wild cats negotiated the original deal with each other of pest control for steady food and shelter, cats were hunting, stalking, and burying their feces in sandy substrate.
Remember that what at first may be seen as bad cat behavior may have a reason behind it. Here's some insight that answers some questions on why your feline friend does certain things a certain way.
The current behavior of today's house cats with respect to chasing mice, grabbing ankles, playing with toys, tearing into arms with back claws, and litter box behavior have their origins in those ancient felines. Stalking and hunting behaviors are deeply ingrained and cannot be trained out of your cat. As feline parents, we act as surrogate mothers for our cats, and we encourage kitten-like dependency and play behavior that lasts into adulthood.
Underneath all that, however, our little bundles of fur are really just wild animals that have become our family members.
A better understanding of cat behavior will allow you to provide better cat care for your little one. Understanding your cat's point of view and her special needs will help you to better enjoy your companion animal and treat your cat more the way she wants to be treated. This can help both of you to live a more enriched life. Embracing your cat's wild nature is essential. Part of that is to refrain from attempting to inflict a human measurement of punishment on your cat for things she can't control. You can't blame your cat for behaviors like the desire to hunt or attack, or for being choosy about the food she eats, or for not using a less than clean litter box. You can't blame her for going through the processes that lead to mating, including wanting to get out and meet other cats.
What you can do, instead, is play to her instincts and needs in order to create a healthy and cat friendly environment. When you do so, you'll find that your furry companion will be much better behaved. It is highly suggested that you set up a cat sanctuary so that your cat has a safe and quiet place to rest and play.
Domestic felines are extremely territorial and will defend their territory very much as they would if they lived in the wild. Cats are opportunists, and while they bond to their people and other animals they live with, they often will go wherever they find better food or amenities. Cats mark their territory with scent glands in various areas of the body, including the face, head, and tail. They may also urine spray to mark territory. Cat spraying behavior can become a real problem if it's happening inside
More about Smoky (and Leopard Mouse) the Kitten
Good with Dogs, Good with Cats, Good with Kids
Smoky (and Leopard Mouse) the Kitten's sister, Calamity Jane the Kitten (adopted) can also be seen on our website.
Video of Smoky (and Leopard Mouse) the Kitten:
Other Pictures of Smoky (and Leopard Mouse) the Kitten (click to see larger version):