There are many odd things that cats do that only cat owners will understand. Being on the receiving end of a lifeless mouse or frequently having your drink knocked off the table, for example, is all part of the experience.
There is still a lot that experts don’t know about cats but we know enough to know that certain behaviors mean your cat is comfortable or that there is something wrong. Read on to get a glimpse into the secret lives of cats and to find out what certain unusual behaviors mean your feline friend is trying to communicate with you.
Demanding Attention
Cats love to interrupt whatever it is you are doing by lying across the area where you are working. Whether you have a book open or are typing away on your laptop, they won’t hesitate to clamber on top.
This is a cat’s way of ordering you to stop paying attention to whatever it is you are doing and to instead pay attention to them. By coming between you and the object you are engaging with, they command you stroke and pet them instead.
Ignoring You
Cats are intelligent beings but they are also undeniably stubborn. When you call a dog’s name, he will come bounding up to you but when you call a cat’s name, they will more likely ignore you altogether.
This is not because they do not understand their name. It is actually because they just don’t want to go to you. They like to show affection on their own terms and will come and say hello to you when they feel like it.
Kneading
When kittens are born, they press on their mother’s mammary glands while drinking her milk. This prompts the mother to produce more so they can keep drinking.
This instinct stays with the cat even after they become fully grown cats. Adult cats often associate the soft parts of your body with the comforts of their mother and so they knead these parts with their paws. Experts generally believe that they do this either when they are content or when they are seeking stress relief.
Sniffing You
Cats are curious creatures and love to get a whiff of those around them. If your cat suddenly gets up close, it is because they want to get a sniff of your unique scent. This could be because they are looking for a comforting, familiar scent.
Your hand and face are an easy place for cats to get a whiff and reminds them that you are there and not a stranger. Breathing in your scent therefore helps cats relax and feel at ease with you.
Chewing on Plastic
If your cat suddenly starts showing an interest in chewing things that aren’t food, it may be time to take a trip to the vet. Chewing plastic is a sign of a condition called “pica”.
Experts believe that cats chew objects as a sign of anxiety and stress or because they are suffering from nutritional problems. If your cat does this frequently, it can be very bad for their digestive system and you should probably seek advice from a professional.
Chattering Sounds
If your cat is eyeing up a bird outside the window, its intense glare may be accompanied by a quick chattering sound. Experts believe that this chattering is a sound of frustration. The cat can see that the bird is there and wants to catch it, but equally knows that the window is preventing the catch.
Other experts, however, believe that this is a natural instinct and that the chattering warms up the muscles of the cat before they chase their prey.
Showing Their Backends
When it comes to human behavior, turning your back and displaying your backend is a definite sign of rejection and rudeness. When your cat does it, however, they are actually displaying their trust and are permitting you to come closer.
When cats lift their tails, they are opening up to you. Sure, the sight is not particularly pleasant but it shows that your cat really is comfortable in your company and is happy for you to stroke them until your heart’s content.
Rolling Around
Cats like to lie down on their backs and roll around. They only do this when they feel comfortable as displaying their belly is a sign of vulnerability. Often when they do this they are stretching but equally, it may be an attempt to engage you in a game. Experts think that cats roll around like this when they want to play.
That said, they might equally just be marking their territory by depositing their scent on your nice new rug.
Crying at Night
While you are fast asleep, your cat is usually prowling around the house. They are far more active at night which is usually not a problem, until they start wailing loudly and wake you up.
These wails occur when a cat is trying to catch prey inside the house. If they cannot find any mice or insects to leap on, they might cry out of frustration.
There isn’t much you can do to stop this wailing other than play with your cat during the day so it gets tired out at night and sleeps when you do.
Playing Hide and Seek
If you have a cat, we bet that you have found it curled up at one point or another in a small hiding place. Whether it’s in a box or under the sink, cats often pick these strange small places over the bigger and more comfortable spots in the house.
Cats do this because it makes them feel safe. In the wild, cats hide in small spaces like caves when they feel threatened. This instinct is still active even when they are domesticated.
Charging in at Top Speed
Occasionally, cats come charging into the room at top speed. This is because cats have an awful lot of energy and it needs to be discharged somehow.
Housebound cats don’t hunt and so they can easily get restless. One way to release their energy is with this sudden burst of intense activity. If your cat is doing this frequently, take the time to play with it a little more so that it can use up some of its restless energy.
Bringing You Gifts
At one point or another, every owner has to deal with their cat bringing a dead bird or mouse at their feet. This is totally gross but it’s also a sweet sentiment. Your cat is actually bringing you a gift.
When your cat was a kitten, their mother would have bought their babies food. This shows them that they have been accepted as a member of the group. When your cat does this for you, it may be saying thank you for the care you give it. It may also just be looking for a bit of attention though.
Lying on Their Backs With Their Legs Open
When cats lie back with their legs open, it is a sign that they are comfortable and feel relaxed in your company. Sprawling their legs out like this makes them vulnerable, especially when their tummy is exposed.
They will only adopt this position when they are absolutely sure that there is no threat around. If your cat does this often, it means they are likely very comfortable in your home and are probably pretty content and relaxed in general. So good job!
Not Covering Up Their Droppings
In the wild, cats instinctively cover up their droppings so that predators cannot track down their scent. They also do this in their litter box, which is handy because it means you don’t have to.
If your cat stops doing this though, it could be a sign of a problem. The problem could be something as simple as the litter box type or it could be that your cat is feeling stressed or anxious. They may even be trying to warn you that there is a problem with their health.
Twitching Their Ears
In addition to communicating with their eyes, cats often communicate with their ears. If they start twitching them back and forth, you should probably back away because your cat is likely feeling agitated.
If your cat points its ears forward, however, it is likely feeling content. This means that you can approach your cat as normal. If they are pointed backwards or flat against their head though, your cat is feeling irritated or defensive. Always watch your cat’s ears if you want to know what kind of mood they are in.
Attacking Your Feet
Another strange thing that cats like to do is pounce on your feet. You can be sitting there doing absolutely nothing when out of the blue, they jump at you.
Although this attack can catch you off guard, it does not mean they are feeling aggressive. Instead, they are just trying to play with you or want to practice pounding. If you don’t like this game, hand your kitty a toy for them to play with instead and they should leave you alone.
Signs Your Cat is Lonely
While we might think of cats as independent, solitary creatures, our feline friends need interaction and stimulation just as much as we do. Cats need the companionship of cats or other humans in order to lead happy, healthy lives.
If you’re worried your cat is suffering from loneliness, there are warning signs you should watch out for. Excessive clinginess, aggression, fur-pulling or litter box issues can all be signs that your kitty needs some extra TLC.
Malnutrition as a Warning Sign
Cats being plump and squishy is more than just an adorable characteristic, it’s a sign that they’re well-fed and healthy. Malnutrition, on the other hand, can be a hidden danger. When a cat isn’t getting the right nutrients, you’ll notice signs like dull fur, weight loss, and lethargy, and that’s all malnutrition at work.
It’s their way of saying, “Help, I need better food!” because ensuring they have the right vitamins, minerals, and proteins can make a world of difference in their vitality and happiness.
Recognizing Their Owners
Unlike dogs whose enthusiastic greetings leave no one in doubt as to whether they love their owners, cats are a little harder to read. However, studies have shown that cats do recognize their humans, even after long periods apart.
Thanks for Reding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!