Decoding Feline Behaviour: A Key to Avoiding Road Accidents

Understanding cat behaviour is essential for both cat owners and drivers, and this is not just in areas where there are likely high numbers of cats roaming freely, such as densely populated areas. Every year, thousands of cats are injured or killed in road accidents. Yes, implementing laws and spreading awareness will help cats stand the very best chance of survival following an accident, but what if you could prevent the accidents from happening the first place? By learning how cats think and behave, drivers can adopt safer habits and drastically reduce the chances of tragic collisions.

The Importance of Understanding Feline Behaviour

Cats have unique behaviours that can often be misinterpreted by people. Recognizing these behaviours can dramatically lower the risk of accidents, and by understanding what goes through their minds, drivers can be better prepared to avoid collisions in the first place.

Common Feline Behaviours and Their Implications.

Cats are creatures of habit with specific instincts that guide their actions. Here are key behaviours to watch:

Hunting Instincts

Cats are instinctive hunters. A moving object can trigger a quick lock on target and they will appear to zone out and focus in. In that moment of intense focus and anticipation just before the chase or pounce, they are mentally preparing for the capture of their prey. This is a natural part of their hunting instinct where they lock onto their target and become fully absorbed in the moment. They haven't given the road, or any surrounding or oncoming traffic, a thought while letting their curiosity and instincts override everything else. If you see a cat intently watching something, something that could potentially move, slow right down until you pass the cat and predict unpredictable behaviour.

Safety Instincts

Although cats are excellent predators themselves, they are not the apex predators. They know there are predators out there which can do severe damage to them. Although well honed and sharp, a cat’s claws and teeth are not going to deter a big dog, coyote, wolf, fox, bear, etc. no matter how well executed the swipe or bite will be. That means cats have to rely on speed and mobility to out run a potential attacker. However, most of those animals are even faster than a cat, but few are just as nimble. So, to run away from an attacker, cats will wait until the adversary, the car, is close enough to start the attack but not close enough to close the deal. In that moment, a cat will run past or across the path of the attacker (car) just out of reach. The attacker will then have to change direction which means slowing down or stopping. By the time the attacker has changed course an pursuing the cat, the cat has a massive head start towards any defensive position available. The problem with cars is their speed and width exceed anything a cat has encountered before and they time their escape route too late. If you see a cat under a parked car or kerbside watching, prepare for them running out in front of you.

For indoor cats that have escaped, the road may represent an unfamiliar yet enticing escape route due to it being open. The stimulation of new sights, sounds, and scents outside their usual environment can overwhelm indoor cats, prompting them to flee and seek refuge. Some hide under cars or in bushes, others head straight to the most open space in flight mode. Should you see a cat run from a house, expect they may be heading straight into your path.

Territorial Disputes

Cats can sometimes show aggressive behaviour, especially when competing for territory or mates. A large chunk of incidents we hear about are due to two cats suddenly appearing at speed 'from nowhere'. Cats are extremely fast, especially when one is in fight mode and the other in flight mode, leaving no time for a driver to react. Cats are territorial animals and may fight to establish dominance over a particular area, or during mating season, male cats may fight for the attention of females. Depending on where the fighting cats run from, the only way to react in time in these type of situations is to drive slowly through residential streets and come to a stop should you hear any cats fighting, which can be quite loud.

Curiosity

Curiosity drives many of a cat's actions, and we have all heard of that very unfortunate saying... Something new in their environment may entice them to venture onto the street to investigate. Cats are naturally inquisitive creatures and, like hunting prey, they can become so focused on trying to work out what something is or does, surrounding dangers are not considered. With their acute senses, cats may be enticed by a fluttering leaf, a passing bird, or a mysterious sound coming from the other side of the street. This curiosity can override their fear of potential dangers, such as moving vehicles, so even if you see a cat that appears to be sat contently doing their own thing, consider they may have their eye on something they intend to move closer to, or are watching something that could move/blow into the road. Also consider that, due to cats being so focused on something, they might get a fright as your car approaches. Have you ever seen your cat so distracted that they are ignoring you, eventually jumping as you get close or repeat their name a few times as if they had no idea you were trying to get their attention? Apply this reaction to the sudden noise of a car passing they didn't hear or see approaching so weren't expecting it, alongside the worry they may chose flight over fight in that instant.

Misjudging Speed and Distance

Cats, like other animals, misjudge the speed of vehicles. We can see a car coming and make an educated guess on rough speed and the time it will take for that car to reach us, knowing if we have time to chance crossing the road, or not. Cats don't think like that. They see a car in the distance, but do not understand speed and distance. In good weather conditions cats misjudge the distance and speed of oncoming vehicles and can be blinded by headlights, but in bad conditions this is made even worse. People also overdrive their headlights, meaning, they are driving too fast to stop in the distance covered by their headlights. Add in blizzards, heavy rain or heavy fog to this making reaction time significantly lower. These poor conditions also make a cats visibility and reaction times impaired, leaving both cat and driver less likely to be able to avoid a collision. Lowering the beam could help visibility, especially in poor weather conditions.

Irregular Traffic

Have you ever wondered why cats are much more likely to fall victim to a road accident at certain times of the day, strangely when roads are at their quietest? Or wonder why cats still fall victim when they live in areas with nothing but fields around them? One mistake people make is to assume only cats that live on main roads fall victim to the road. Cats tend to mostly steer clear of busy roads when there is a constant flow of traffic. Of an evening and overnight, those same roads become much more quieter and the gaps between cars lull cats into a false sense of security. Earlier, when most cats chose to steer clear of busy streets and congested roads, they now see a quiet emptiness which is free for them to go and explore. Not only will they roam much further than they might at busier peaks, they will also take chances they haven't before because they don't see the continuous danger that they see during the day and at peak times. This also applies to rural areas. Farm and feral cats see a clear, quiet road, and might not expect a car to suddenly appear from nowhere at speed. The same goes for small villages, especially those that have national speed limit roads in and out of them, as drivers sometimes drive through continuing at the speeds they have in the open, leaving rural cats in the predicament on not expecting a car to come, especially potentially doing speeds of 70+. This goes for farm and wildlife that venture onto rural roads too as prolonged quiet periods lead them to think they are safe as they won't understand a car is about to come around the corner at speed.

A key is to slow down around areas with disrupted visibility - corners, parked cars, woodland, and so on.

The Role of Pet Owners in Ensuring Safety

While drivers have responsibilities, pet owners must also play their part in preventing accidents. Cats that are left to their own devises for prolonged periods, such as left out all day when the owners are at work, with no indoor access like a cat flap, are much more likely to wander in search of food, company, shelter, or simply out of boredom. Spaying and neutering will prevent your cat from having urges to wander, as well as limit territorial disputes and fights.

Discourage cats coming to your garden that upset your cat and make them feel like their territory is not safe, as well as discouraging opportunistic cats that have a home but may be crossing roads to get to yours for s second feed. Make attempts to locate an owner but if it's suspected the cat is a genuine stray then speak to your local rescue.

We also strongly encourage owners try to keep their cats in overnight.

Find out more about how you can help keep you car road safe here.

Drivers’ Perspectives: What to Watch For

Drivers need to be aware of feline behaviour to respond effectively. Here are some tips to help:

Slow Down in Residential Areas

When navigating residential streets, it is vital to reduce speed where cats may unexpectedly cross the road. By doing so, drivers provide themselves crucial extra seconds to react. Anticipate cats being anywhere, from under parked cars to hiding behind a garden wall you are passing, and expect animals close by when driving through woodland, areas with thick bush roadside, or as you come around bends. It's much better to anticipate animals near the road, than a sudden panic when one appears.

Watch for Sudden Movements

Be attentive to sudden movements around bushes or parked cars. A swift flick of a tail or a darting shape can signal a cat is about to enter the roadway. This awareness can significantly help in making sound decisions to avoid accidents. You can sometimes see movement in your peripheral vision, so if you think you saw something move then slow down as you likely did. At night, keep a keen eye for eyeshine. Expect eyeshine lower to the ground in urban areas, but also at taller spots in rural spots that could be off animals such as deer or cattle.

Listening for Distress Signals

Rowing cats can alert drivers to their presence by their loud arguing. Being attuned to these sounds and slowing to stop to listen to where the sounds are coming from, could help predict the direction which the cats might run, or what area they presently are.

The Path Forward for Safer Roads

Understanding cat behaviour is essential for preventing accidents. Cats' curious, territorial, and instinctual tendencies can place them in potentially harmful situations, affecting both their safety and that of drivers. A collective effort—including cautious drivers, responsible pet ownership, and community awareness campaigns—can help create safer environments for everyone.

By recognizing and responding to the unique behaviours of cats, we contribute to a comprehensive strategy to safeguard both pets and drivers alike, paving the way for safer roads.

Don't just 'think cat' when driving, think like a cat!