Like all pets, our cats can’t tell us what they’re thinking or how they’re feeling. But there are several tell-tale signs to help you spot when your cat might be feeling playful, shy or frustrated for example. Each feline will engage in activities differently so it’s important to pay attention to your cat’s behaviour in order to establish their “normal.” Let’s take a look at some of the common cat behaviours and what they mean:
P…P…Purring, Meowing, Hisses and More
Purring suggests your cat is relaxed, but it’s also a way for them to communicate and socialise particularly with other cats. Purring also suggests a cat might be feeling stressed or anxious, and by purring they can self-soothe.
When a cat meows it can mean many things. For example, when a kitten meows it’s to communicate with their mum. Adult cats however will meow to communicate with people – to say hello, to ask for something or to tell us when something’s wrong. Perceptive owners can probably tell a cat’s “I’m hungry” meow from its “I’m bored,” or “I’m hurt” meow. It’s worth noting that adult cats don’t usually meow to other cats, instead they use hisses, growls or squeals to communicate.
Belly Up!
When a dog lays on their back with their legs in the air, it’s safe to assume they want some fuss! With cats however, it’s a different story! While a cat showing their belly suggests they’re relaxed and comfortable, it does not always mean they want a belly rub! And some of us learn this the hard way as we’re reprimanded with a sharp scratch or quick bite.
Tail Wagging
When a cat ‘‘wags’’ its tail, it’s usually a sign they’re ready to pounce! This could be a harmless, excitable and playful pounce on a toy or even you, or it could be a warning to stop what you’re doing as they’re getting frustrated and annoyed (and then they may bite too!).
Sleepy Kitty
All cats enjoy a nap, but some love napping so much that it can sometimes be the only thing they do all day. Traditionally, napping is an evolutionary trait to help cats conserve energy before their next hunting expedition! But while the common domestic cat may not hunt much nowadays, it’s still in their nature to preserve their energy ready for their next chase.
While we’re on the topic of napping, igloo beds are very popular among our feline customers. Not only do they provide a private space for your cat, but they’re also incredibly soft and warm – that’s a win-win for your heat-seeking friend!
Knock Down
Playfulness, boredom, attention seeking or an abundance of attitude – these are the most common reasons why your feline friend will purposefully knock things over. Cats typically explore with their paws so it’s not uncommon for them to try and knock over a glass or even bat away at your phone to push it off the table. It can be quite amusing to watch!
Scratching Furniture
Many of us regularly file or clip our nails so that they don’t interfere with everyday life and, believe it or not, your cat will do the same. In fact, among the natural needs of cats, scratching is at the top of the list. To maintain short and sharp claws, cats will regularly scratch their nails on whatever they can find, usually a tree or, unfortunately, your sofa (#RookesRecommends cat owners invest in a scratch post to save their furniture).
There are other explanations as to why cats scratch including:7 marking their territory, burning off excess energy or excitement, or simply because it’s fun and removing frayed or worn-out claws feels good.
Licking
If you’re a cat owner then you’ll no doubt be all too familiar with their frequent licking. When your cat licks you – your hand, leg, or cheek perhaps – it’s their way of showing affection. This behaviour originally stems from when they were a kitten and licked by their mother. Cats will also lick themselves as a way of keeping clean (very rarely will your cat need a bath).
As well as keeping themselves clean, the act of licking also causes the release of endorphins (the feel-good effect). This ultimately gives your cat a natural high so it’s understandable that they may want to do it at every opportunity… even if that means licking you instead of themselves!
Also, bonded cats sometimes show sweet displays of affection by licking one another. They’ll clean each other’s fur and spend a lot of time making sure they’re both purr-fectly clean. This type of grooming is a good sign and suggests the cats are friends.
A Gift for You
It’s very common for outdoor cats to bring home dead animals. Your feline friend is a tiny but mighty predator and, although they have been domesticated for thousands of years, your cat still has a deep-rooted instinct to hunt.
Some cats will bring their conquests home to feast in peace. Unfortunately for you however, this means you’ll have a dead animal either on your doorstep or, worse, in your house! This is very normal cat behaviour though. In fact, some cats will want to bring home the rodents they have killed and gift them to their owners as a way of saying ‘‘I love you.’’ It’s a nice thought Kitty, but we don’t want dead mice on the pillow!
Kneading
Cats knead when they’re happy (it’s part of their feline personality… and it’s adorable). Cats usually knead when they’re perfectly comfortable and content, and if they knead on you then it’s another way of them showing you affection. That said, it might be worth putting a thick blanket on your lap the next time your furry pal decides to come for a cuddle to protect your legs and your sofa cushions!
Going outside the litterbox
Your cat may have litterbox troubles for a number of reasons including medical, an aversion to the litter box itself (its location or the type of litter used), or they could simply have a preference for doing their business elsewhere. Some cats will only go to the toilet in their litterbox if it’s clean, so if you find that sometimes they use it and sometimes they don’t, this could be why.
Biting
It’s pretty well known that cats bite because they’re fearful, stressed or frustrated. They don’t usually bite out of spite or anger and so there’s always a good reason (in their mind) behind their biting behaviour.
Rubbing
This is one of those cat behaviours every cat parent has seen a million times over, but perhaps isn’t quite sure what it means. Cats often rub against objects in the home, but they’ll also rub against you. Not only is this another way for your cat to display affection, but it’s also a way to transfer their scent and claim ownership (also known as marking their territory). Your cat head-butting or nuzzling your face deposits scent from glands in their cheek area. And their weaving through your legs, usually as you prepare to feed them, transfers scent from the sides of their body (and tail) on to you. This behaviour is also an effective way of making sure they have your full attention.
Their bodies may be small, but cats have big personalities! Some cats love to play, pounce and explore while others enjoy nothing more than spending 23 hours a day lounging on the sofa. Some cats are friendly and welcome interaction with other pets and their human-owners, others… not so much!
If your cat has started showing different behaviours to their ‘‘norm’’ and you’re concerned, always contact your vet. For everything else, the team at Rooke’s can help!