Cat Behaviour Explained

To some – particularly those who aren’t lucky enough to live in a house ruled by felines – cat behaviour can seem odd at times. People speak about them being aloof, stand-offish and even unfriendly. The truth, of course, is that cats have incredibly delicate emotions. They need social interactions, but, unlike dogs, they want them on their own terms – and their social skills are very different to their canine counterparts.

What is Your Cat Trying to Tell You?

A cat’s behaviour can offer all sorts of cues into what it is feeling, what it needs, and how you – their human – should approach. Like us, cats sometimes want to be on their own. They’ll get upset – grumpy even - now and then. They get scared. They sometimes have so much energy that they just can’t sit still. Half an hour later, they are showering you with affection and making sure you know how much they love you.

Of course, each cat is different and will show different behaviours. You know better than anybody else what is normal for your pet – and if something doesn’t feel right, you should always seek medical attention. 

Most behaviours, though, are perfectly normal in the amazing world of cats. Peculiar? Most definitely! Normal? Yes! Just one of the reasons we love cats so much? Absolutely!

Knock It Off!

This is one of those behaviours that – I won’t lie – can be frustrating. It’s also a behaviour that can reinforce some of those not-so-positive perceptions that non-cat owners have about these wonderful creatures. 

So, why does your kitty seem to find so much pleasure in knocking objects off a shelf or a countertop and watching calmly as they fall to the floor?

Well, you know that adage about curiosity and the cat? When your cat knocks things to the floor, they are often being curious – they want to see what happens to said object and how you respond. It can also, however, be a sign of boredom. So, if you find this happening more often than usual in your house, maybe consider investing in some new toys for your four-legged friend.

That’s My Human!

You’re working away on your laptop, and your cat comes and jumps onto the keyboard. Pick up the newspaper and settle down into your comfy chair… here they are again! I mean, what on earth are you thinking, human?! How dare you give something else your attention!

That’s what your cat is trying to tell you when they do this. You’re focussing on something else, and they want all your affection for themselves. They know if they get between you and your book or you and your iPad, they will get attention. They’ll also rub some of their scent on you to make sure that the next distraction knows exactly who is in charge.

Twitching Tail

If you notice the tip of your cat’s tail start to twitch, it often means that they are super focused or excited. They might be “hunting” something around the house – a reflection, a shadow, or something that we mere humans simply can’t see or understand! Whatever it is, once they have caught it and have calmed down, the twitchy tail should soon stop.

It’s Just How We Roll!

When your cat rolls and exposes its belly to you, it’s a sign they trust you. They are comfortable around you. They may also be trying to engage you in a little bit of playtime. This is perhaps the highest form of compliment a human can get from a cat.

Zooooom!

You might be fast asleep, but your cat? They are wide awake and zooming all over the place. What on earth are they doing? It’s 3 am!

Daytime is when we humans get all our ‘jobs’ done. It’s our active time. Your cat, though, will spend much of the day napping, resurfacing once the sun begins to set. By the time you head to bed, they will have an enormous amount of energy they need to burn off – cue the zoomies. They also have a natural desire to hunt, especially at night.

So, is it something you just have to learn to live with? Not necessarily… Feeding your cat shortly before bedtime – your bedtime, that is – can help suppress their desire to hunt. You can also try leaving them some engaging ‘puzzle’ toys to get their minds – and feet – occupied.

Staring Contests

You’re sitting watching your favourite show on the TV. All is still. All is calm. Suddenly, you become very aware that someone – or something – is watching you. You turn to the side, and there is your cat. Staring. Right at you. It’s pretty intense this seemingly one-way staring contest – and you’re not quite sure how to respond…

The competitive part of you might want to rise to the challenge and stare right back. It’s probably not the best idea, though, to stare your cat – or any pet – directly in the eyes like this. It can be seen as a sign of intimidation and, with those razor-sharp claws, it’s a fight that you’re best off avoiding!

At other times, you might find your cat looking at you and blinking slowly. This is the ultimate sign of love from your kitty. They are showing you how much they care and how much they adore and trust you.

I “knead” You!

Who needs to visit a spa when your cat can give you a massage, right?! 

One of my favourite things about being a cat owner is when they hop onto your lap and start kneading you. It’s a sign of trust, and your cat is showing you that they are really happy right now.

If I Fits, I Sits

Search “cat meme” on the internet and, no doubt, you’ll see countless pictures of “if I fits, I sits”. Boxes, bowls, vases… you name it! Yes, cats really do love to squeeze into the tightest of spaces.

Small spaces make your cat feel safe. It also allows them to observe their surroundings from a secure vantage point.

Oh, You Really Didn’t Need to Get Me Anything!

I love nothing more than when a cat brings me a “gift”. I’ve had all sorts and have lost count of the number of times I have had to tease my cats’ prey out from underneath the fridge. Cats, eh? You just gotta love them!

There are many theories as to why your kitty brings you gifts. Most agree that this behaviour is your cat’s way of acknowledging you as part of their ‘pack’. They could also be thanking you for looking after them. 

Whatever the reason, if it’s a behaviour that you’d rather see curbed, try adding a bell to your cat’s collar – this will make sneaking up on prey a little bit trickier for them.

Not Now, Human

It might sometimes feel like your cat is ignoring you. Honestly, they might be! They might be tired, they might need some alone time, they might be upset about that time you came home smelling of another cat (that’s right… they know!).

Sometimes your cat needs space – and this is perfectly normal. As with any behaviour, if it seems out of character or excessive, speak to your veterinarian. 

You Are Mine!

Last but not least, let’s talk about rubbing. 

Your cat is rubbing itself up against you. Eyes closed. Purring. It feels like a little kitty cuddle – and that’s exactly what it is!

Your cat is showering you with affection. They are also rubbing their scent on you – their way of showing the world that you are theirs, and they are very proud about it!

Sandra James

Owner & Founder

The Cat Butler was set up by Sandra James in recognition of the fact that a stay in a cattery can be unsettling for many cats and also their owners.