Cats can be mysterious animals. One moment they may be peacefully sleeping on the sofa, and the next they are running around the house, staring at a wall, or knocking something off a table.
While some cat behaviors may seem strange to humans, most have a reason behind them. Cats communicate through their body language, sounds, scent, movements, and daily habits.
Understanding these behaviors can help you build a stronger relationship with your cat and recognize when something may be wrong.
1. Purring
Purring is one of the most recognizable cat behaviors.
Cats often purr when they are relaxed and enjoying attention. However, purring does not always mean happiness. Some cats may also purr when they are nervous, stressed, or uncomfortable.
Always consider the cat’s overall body language and situation.
2. Kneading With Their Paws
Have you ever noticed your cat repeatedly pushing its paws against a blanket or your lap?
This behavior is called kneading.
Kneading begins during kittenhood when kittens press against their mother’s body while nursing. Adult cats may continue the behavior when they feel comfortable, relaxed, or secure.
3. Rubbing Against You
When a cat rubs its head or body against your legs, it may be showing affection and greeting you.
Cats also have scent glands around parts of their face and body. Rubbing can help leave their scent on familiar people and objects.
It is one way cats establish familiarity and social bonds.
4. Meowing
Adult cats use meowing heavily when communicating with humans.
A cat may meow because it wants food, attention, access to a room, or something else.
Different cats develop different vocal habits, and some are much more talkative than others.
Pay attention to changes in your cat’s normal vocal patterns.
5. Hissing
Hissing is usually a warning.
A cat may hiss when it feels frightened, threatened, irritated, or uncomfortable.
If your cat hisses, give it some space rather than forcing interaction. Hissing can be the cat’s way of saying that it needs distance.
6. Slow Blinking
If your cat looks at you and slowly closes and opens its eyes, it may be displaying relaxed, friendly behavior.
Slow blinking is often described as a form of positive social communication between cats and humans.
You can gently slow-blink back at your cat. It may respond in the same way.
7. Showing Their Belly
A cat lying on its back and exposing its belly can look like an invitation for a belly rub.
But this is not always the case.
Cats may expose their stomach when they feel relaxed, but they can also do it as part of defensive behavior.
Look at the rest of the body. A relaxed cat is very different from one that is tense, with its ears flattened and claws ready.
8. Scratching Furniture
Scratching is completely natural for cats.
They scratch to maintain their claws, stretch their bodies, and leave visual and scent signals.
Instead of trying to eliminate scratching completely, provide scratching posts or pads in convenient locations.