Feline Behavior

Do you ever wonder what your cat is thinking? Do you notice odd behavior that you just can’t seem to understand? Do you wonder why your cat bites every time you give it a belly rub? Do you notice your cat’s meow seems to sound differently depending on the circumstance? These are just a few of the things that cat owners notice about their beloved pet. Believe it or not, there are many ways that cats communicate with us everyday from purring to scratching and even the sound of their cry can mean a variety of things. On this page you will find information on just a few of the many behavior traits including how cats communicate and why scratching is so important for your feline.

body language

Understanding what your cat is saying to you is very important when building a lasting relationship. Just like a child or spouse, if you don’t take the time to understand and respect them, the relationship simply won ‘t be a strong one. You can learn so much about how your cat is feeling simply by paying attention to their body language and voice. Some cats such as oriental breeds are extremely vocal, while others rarely meow at all. However; if you really want to know what your cat is thinking or how they feel, all you have to do is watch and listen to them. You can find several ‘charts’ online that will show you what to watch for however, here are a few of the more obvious things your cat may be saying.

Posture

There are a multitude of ways that your cat communicates with you from the position of their ears and tail or even the look in their eyes. However, one way that most people don’t even consider is the posture of their cat. The most notable is a cat that is laying on it’s back with a fully exposed belly. This is the sign of an extremely confident kitty that feels at home and safe enough to let their guard down. However, it should be noted that this is not an invitation for a tummy rub, you are likely to be bitten if you try! When a cat lays on either its belly or side with its limbs stretched out, the cat is relaxed. They will often fall into a deep sleep in this position. A cat seen low to the ground, eyes wide, is on the prowl! There might be a mouse, toy or even a passing friend that they are prepared to pounce on! Many cats can be seen curled into a ball, this can be described as a neutral position, as they are just relaxing and/or watching their surroundings. Another position that is often referred to as the ‘Halloween’ pose, is when a cat has their back arched and tail high. When seen in this position, a cat feels threatened and is prepared to protect themselves. These are a few of the many postures a cat may be using to communicate with you. The chart to the left shows a few examples of what your cat is trying to say, just by the way they are positioned. However, the best way to know what your cat is communicating is to simply pay attention to them.

ears

Simply looking at the ears of a cat, you can quickly know if they are scared, happy or ready to attack. A friendly, relaxed cat will have it’s ears upright and slightly relaxed. As a cat becomes more uncomfortable, either by fear or anger, those ears will change. When a cat has their ears turned forward and straight up, they are alert and attentive of their surroundings. This could be a strange noise that has them intrigued or maybe they see a predator in the distance. A cat with its ears lowered like the picture to the right, is uncomfortable and really should be left a lone. Never try to handle a cat that has it’s ears in this position. They are trying to tell you that they want to be left alone. If a cat has it’s ears pinned down to their head, you should absolutely keep your distance. This is a stern warning and the cat is likely to attack!

tail

Like the ears, the tail of a cat can really give out a lot of information. If you see a cat strolling along with his tail up, slightly hooked, like the top photo to the left, they are giving off a friendly greeting. This is a cat that is in a good mood and would probably enjoy some playtime. When a cat tucks it’s tail under it’s body they are nervous, and uncertain of the environment.

However, when reading a cat’s tail you may also need to pay attention to other body language. For instance, if the tail of a cat is straight up, like the bottom photo to the left, it could mean one of two things. Either the cat is confident and content or scared and ready to attack. How do you know which one? Simply look at the cat’s body language. If the cat has an arched back, it is warning you that they are ready to fight. A cat with a straight, relaxed back is happy and friendly.

Another way that a cat will use it’s tail to ‘speak’ to you is by the way they move their tail. Watching a cats tail movement can usually give you a lot of information about the cat. For instance, a cat with a tail that is going back and forth could mean either a fearful cat or a cat focused on an object. The difference is the rate in which the tail is moving. A tail that is whipping quickly back and forth is a warning to keep your distance. However, if the tail is moving in a slow swishing motion, the cat is likely focused on an object and preparing to pounce. Have you ever seen your cat’s tail slightly quiver, like a tiny, almost unnoticeable tail wag? This type of tail movement is a greeting to you, a way to say they are excited to see you. For more information on how to read the movements of a tail wag, visit Catster.com. With all the different ways a cat can speak to you with their tail, the best is when they wrap it around you or another pet. This is equal to giving a hug or wrapping your arms around a loved one. If you have a cat that does this, they truly love you and consider you part of their family!

eyes

One important way that cats communicate with us is with their eyes. However, in order to really understand what a cat’s eyes are saying, you will need to pay close attention to your pet. This is something that will take time to learn, but with patient you will find it to be very beneficial when bonding with your beloved pet.

A cat tells us they have complete trust in us when they close their eyes. If a cat is willing to close their eyes and make themselves vulnerable, they are clearly saying that they trust you wholeheartedly! It is normal for a cat to be on high alert at all times, it is in their Another way that a cat will show their love and trust is with the slow, near closing of their eyelids. This is done over and over as a way for the cat to show love, contentment and pure trust in their caregiver. Many experts compare this to kissing.

When a cat is at full attention, maybe watching a bird outside or in the midst of playing, they will have their eyes wide open. If the eyes are dilated (expanded pupils) the cat is likely nervous, excited or even fearful. When reading a cats eyes, you will always want to consider their body language as a whole. It is important to remember that a cat’s eyes, especially the pupils, don’t always have a clear meaning. Therefore you must pay attention to the rest of the body as a whole, to truly understand how they are feeling.

speaking cat

Believe it or not, cats talk!! A cat will have many different ‘meows’ and if you take the time to pay attention to your cat and the circumstances, you can learn to understand what they are saying to you. Keep in mind that all cats are different, therefore if you have multiple cats, they may use different meows to mean the same thing. Here are just a few of the more noted conversations that a cat might be having with their human, according to Catster.com. When you arrive home after a long day at work, you may hear multiple meows from your cat. This is their way of saying “I’m so happy to see you! Where’ve you been? I missed you!”. When you hear this, be sure to reply with a nice rub or even say hi back. Let them know that you missed them too! Has your cat ever given you a distinct mid-pitch meow when your making dinner or have a treat in hand? This is their way of asking you to share. Cats also use this when they want to go outside and explore. Some cats can be very demanding, especially when it is dinnertime. In this case you might here a long, drawn out meow. Another way that a cat may ‘complain’ is with a low pitch meow. Pay close attention and you will quickly learn when your kitty is unhappy with the service you are providing them. The one sound cats make that everyone recognizes is their high pitch meow, usually when their tail is stepped on or something else has harmed them. This usually results in us humans apologizing profusely! To learn more and see videos about the distinct sounds of a cat, click here.

kneading

Many of our beloved cats can be seen rhythmically altering their paws as they push in and out against a variety of objects. This can include blankets, pillows and all too often us! Most cat owners have experienced the discomfort of their beloved kitty kneading on them. However, many don’t understand exactly why this behavior occurs. Although not all cats knead, it is a common trait and most experts have different views on exactly why this act is so prevalent. Kneading begins at birth when a kitten kneads their mother to help stimulate the flow of milk. Some believe that this simply becomes a habit for most cats into adulthood. Others believe that since kneading starts at such an early age, it brings the feeling of security and helps to calm a cat, a relaxing way for cats to de-stress. Ultimately it seems that this is a behavior that cats simply enjoy. If you get the opportunity to watch a kneading cat undisturbed, you may see the cat slip into an almost trance like state and some will even begin drooling. Another theory is that a cat will knead to mark their ‘territory’, and yes this includes their owner! All cats have scent glands in their paws and many experts believe they use kneading to spread their scent. Cats are very territorial and want others know exactly what is theirs. For more information on kneading, check out the Vetted Kitty Corner!

listen up!

If a cat could talk they would have a lot to tell us! Most importantly they would say that there are so many things they really wish we would stop doing!! Here are just a few of the things you might think your cat enjoys, when in reality they would prefer that you immediately stop!

let me sleep

When you see your cat sleeping, you should really let him be. Cats need an average of 12 to 16 hours of sleep a day. Also keep in mind that often they are doing a light sleep. When in the ‘snoozing’ state, cats can be seen turning their ears towards sounds and even slightly opening their eyes. They can actually fall into this mode of sleep while sitting up. When a cat is in a deeper sleep, they are usually curled into a tight ball. It is extremely import that cats get enough deep sleep in order to keep their bodies healthy. If your cat is in a deep sleep, or even a snoozing state, you should let them wake up on their own. This doesn’t mean you should be tip-toeing through the house, just try not to pick them up, move them or bother them if possible. For more information cat sleeping behaviors, check out Why Do Cats Sleep So Much? 5 Facts about Sleeping Cats.

hands off the belly

Everyone knows that there is a big difference between owning a dog vs owning a cat. However, owners have a tendency to forget that there are things that dogs enjoy while cats don’t. This includes having their belly touched. Most dogs will roll over and invite you to scratch their belly, most cats will roll over, but react with a totally different if you touch their belly. If your cat bites or scratches you when you touch its stomach, don’t take it personally! This is a natural reaction for a species that is often considered to be prey in the animal kingdom. A cat’s stomach is their most vulnerable area therefore, it is natural for them to feel the need to protect themselves.

i will bathe myself

There really isn’t a solid answer to why most cats don’t appreciate taking a bath, but experts have a variety of opinions. Some believe it is because cats simply don’t like change. If your cat hasn’t been exposed to a bath properly as a kitten, it will most likely panic. Others believe that since cats are so particular about their grooming habits, they don’t like us to mess with their coat. The bottom line is that unless it is absolutely necessary, you are best to let your cat groom itself. In the case that your kitty ends up covered in something like dirt from your favorite plant, here is a great website on things to remember when you must bathe a cat.

i love giving you gifts

If you have a cat, especially an outdoor kitty, you are familiar with finding special gifts like dead rodents at your door. Many pet owners are horrified by this horrible ‘habit’. However, this behavior is very natural and actually extremely sentimental. Research shows that spayed female cats are most likely to present these types of gifts. Why? Simply because she wants to show you how to hunt and find food, she is sharing her wisdom! Cats also bring their latest catch to you because they want to ‘share their bounty’. They see you as part of their pack and want to make you happy. For more information on this subject, check out Iflscience.com.

affection eaters

Cats who seem to eat better when they have human company are called “affection eaters.” Affection eaters are often reacting to a scary new environment and the loss of their previous home and/or human companions, in the same way that stress can make humans lose their appetite. In most cases “affection eating” originates from stress and is not a medical condition.

For the first few days at home, confine your cat to a small, quite room. This room should have everything that a cat needs. You will want to visit your cat in this room. Start by sitting quietly and slowly interact with your kitty. Interactive playtime is a great way to help cats relax. Carefully monitor your cat’s eating by always feeding on a schedule and measuring the amount of food you give. DO NOT just fill the food bowl and top it off periodically. Discard uneaten food between meals and wash bowl daily. If your cat is not eating well or not at all, please call your veterinarian. This information and more can be found at SFSPCA.org.

The sound of a cat’s purr is one of the most recognized sounds in the world. It is mesmerizing and will make most people relax and smile. Why a cat purrs may surprise you, many believe that a cat is purring because it is happy and relaxed. Although this may be true, there are multiple reasons that a cat purrs. Here are just a few:

Nursing Moms and Newborn Kittens

A cat will start purring when she goes into labor, many believe that this is to help reduce pain and to reassure the soon to be born babies. Once her babies are born, a mother cat will purr to help her blind and deaf newborn find their way to her. The vibrations of her purr will lead the babies to her body and teats. Kittens will themselves begin to purr at just 2 days old. This is one way that they communicate to their mother and siblings.

Contentment

A happy cat makes for a happy home and many relate to the purr as being a sign of a content cat. If your cat is snuggling next to you and purring, it’s likely that they are happy and feel safe. Experts also believe that a cat will snuggle up to their owner and purr not only to soothe themselves, but their owner as well. This is also believed to be their way of helping us to enjoy their feline company!

Less Than Content

Another way to view a cat’s purr is to equate it to a human’s smile. “People will smile when they’re nervous, when they want something, and when they’re happy, so perhaps the purr can also be an appeasing gesture,” says Veterinarian Kelly Morgan. Cats are known to purr when they are frightened or feel threatened. You should always check the surroundings and look for other signs of anxiety before deciding on why your cat is purring.

Healing Powers

A sick or injured cat will often purr and it is believed that their purr actually has healing powers. Much like a pregnant cat in labor, an injured cat will purr to sooth itself. According to Scientific American, studies have shown that the frequency of a cats purr can improve bone density and promote healing. Many veterinary studies have shown that cats rarely suffer from bone or joint type diseases, include bone cancer. Research has shows that respiratory issues will quickly resolve once a cat begins to purr. For more information on the healing power of a cat’s purr, check out this site.

How do Cats Purr?

How a cat purrs is still under debate and there are many theories out there. However, the most recent studies seem to show that the diaphragmatic and laryngeal muscles are likely involved. Some researchers believe the central nervous system initiates the purr. There is still a lot to learn about a cats purr and exactly how they accomplish such a relaxing and therapeutic sound!

Do all cats purr?

Domesticate cats are not the only cats that purr, but that doesn’t mean that every cat is capable of purring. Actually, cats aren’t even the only animals with the capability to purr! Did you know that the mongoose, civet, genet, raccoons and even guinea pigs can be heard purring? Some wild cats like the cheetah, bobcat, ocelot, lynx, cougar and others can purr. However, the lion tiger, leopard and jaguars can’t purr. Cats that roar are unable to purr and cats that purr can’t roar! This all comes down to the hyoid bone and it’s flexibility.

Why cats scratch

Everyone is aware that cats love to scratch and many people believe that scratching is just a way for cats to tear things up. In actuality, scratching is a normal part of cat behavior and there are many reasons why a cat will scratch. These reasons include during playtime, to help trim down their nails, while stretching or even in order to mark their territory. The good news is that there are several ways to prevent a cat from tearing up furniture, carpet or the drapes.

stretch

Just like us, cats need to stretch. While stretching a cat will flex their claws and often dig them into the surface of whatever they are using to stretch. This is a very effective way for the cat to stretch its back and shoulder muscles. Imagine how good it must feel to be able to fully un-kink those muscles after sleeping in a tight ball. Stretching also wakes up the muscles and readies them for activity. These are not the only reason for stretching, they also use stretching to show affection. If your cat likes to stretch out next to you, it’s shows that he is comfortable around you. Cats will also stretch to prepare for attack. After sleeping or a quick catnap, a simple stretch will prepare them to launch into action! There are many benefits for cats when stretching including lubricating the joints, increase range of motion and flow of oxygen in the body.

Marking territory

When most people hear that a cat is ‘marking their territory’, they immediately panic and assume that the marking involves the spraying of urine. However, a cat has two other distinct ways to mark. One is through scent glands on their face and the other is from scent glands on the pads of their feet. When a cat scratches they are leaving behind two things, a visual mark and their scent. This is a great way to communicate and let other cats know they are claiming that space. The scratch marks, as well as the scent, will let other cats know important information about who did the scratching. In multi cat households, this marking is also a way for them to bond. When a new cat comes into the home, it will immediately know that there are other cats already there. The previous cat will have already left their scent throughout the home, making claims to it and the family.

Fresh manicure

Just like us, cats like to keep their claws looking nice! Scratching is a lot like getting a manicure! They will scratch to remove the old, outer claws and expose the new sharper ones. There are ways to help your cat while protecting your belongings. One way is to do a simple nail trim. As their nails grow they begin to curve, this curve can cause them to get stuck in the carpet or on furniture as they run and play. It is extremely helpful if you are able to trim off the sharp point. To make this easier, you should get your cat used to having their paws touched. Just gently rub their paws anytime they are relaxing on your lap. Over time, increase the pressure to a gentle squeeze. For complete instructions check out the information provided by Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Another option is to apply nail caps. These caps are inexpensive plastic covers that are glued over the top of the claw. If you decide to use nail caps, be sure to watch your cat closely to make sure they don’t chew on the cap while the glue is still wet. One idea is to offer wet food to your kitty when you finish applying the caps, this will distract them swhile the glue dries. Here is a video on how to apply nail caps, courtesy of Dr. Christianne Schelling DVM.

Please don't punish me!

Punishment can be very armful to your relationship with your cat. When used incorrectly, punishment won’t resolve the problem, but can easily cause your cat to be afraid of you. Never punish a cat for bad behavior after the fact, they simply won’t understand. Instead, teach them the appropriate behavior by using the techniques listed above. Also remember that remote punishment would always be best. This involves punishment where you do not directly interact with your cat. Examples include making loud noises such as a whistle or slapping a table. These punishments are more like distractions that will startle the cat and result in her associating the inappropriate scratching with unpleasant results.

Protecting your things

There are many things you can do to protect your home, but please remember that declawing is NOT an option that you should ever consider (be sure to check out our declawing page for more information on the horrors of this procedure). Since scratching is such a complex and vital part of a cat’s life, you will need an effective training method to redirect your cat. You can’t just shoo him away from the sofa. The best thing you can do for your beloved cat is to offer him/her other options. For instance, you can purchase a cat tower that meets the qualifications: appealing texture, tall enough, stable, and placed in a good location. A strong rough texture makes it easy for cats to dig their claws in and get an effective scratch. The height of the scratching post should enable the cat to get a full stretch. If the post is too small, the cat has to hunch over to use it and that does not allow for a good back and neck stretch. A tall post needs a wide base in order to prevent it from toppling over the first time kitty leans against it. Once you have the perfect post, take catnip (either loose or catnip spray) and cover the surface of the item you want your cat to scratch. The catnip will lure them to the item and they will love using it for scratching versus your couch. Having multiple options is always best and locating them around the home makes it even more tempting. When a cat needs to scratch he’ll look for the closest object that meets his needs. Be sure to keep a post where kitty likes to spend time and does most of his scratching. For cats who like to scratch horizontally, there are inexpensive corrugated cardboard scratching pads available at your local pet product store. You can also deter a cat away from the couch, drapes or other item simply by covering with foil, double-sided tape, sandpaper or similar items. For more information on ways to prevent destructive scratching, check out paws.org!