Cats are fascinating creatures that have captivated humans for thousands of years. They have their own unique personalities, preferences, and behaviors that sometimes puzzle us. In this blog post, we will explore 10 mysterious things that cats do and what they mean, according to experts and cat lovers.
1. Purring
Purring is one of the most common and recognizable cat sounds, but it is not always easy to understand why cats purr. Purring can have different meanings depending on the context and the cat's mood. Some of the reasons why cats purr are:
- To express contentment, happiness, or relaxation. This is the most obvious and positive reason why cats purr. They may purr when they are cuddling with their owners, sleeping, or enjoying a nice meal.
- To self-soothe or cope with stress. Cats may also purr when they are feeling anxious, scared, or in pain. Purring may help them calm down and regulate their emotions. Some cats may even purr when they are dying, as a way of comforting themselves and their loved ones.
- To communicate with other cats or humans. Cats may purr to signal their presence, their intentions, or their needs. For example, mother cats purr to guide their kittens to nurse, and kittens purr to let their mothers know they are okay. Cats may also purr to ask for attention, food, or affection from their owners.
2. Showing their belly
Another common cat behavior that may confuse us is when they show their belly. This is often interpreted as an invitation for a belly rub, but that is not always the case. Showing their belly can mean different things depending on the cat and the situation. Some of the possible meanings are:
- To express trust and vulnerability. The belly is one of the most sensitive and exposed parts of a cat's body, so exposing it means that the cat feels safe and comfortable with you. It is a sign of affection and confidence that the cat is not threatened by you.
- To express playfulness or curiosity. Cats may also show their belly when they are feeling playful or curious. They may roll over on their back to invite you to play with them, or to get a better view of something interesting. They may also stretch their legs and expose their belly as a way of relaxing and enjoying themselves.
- To express aggression or defense. Cats may also show their belly when they are feeling angry or defensive. This is a way of warning you to back off or face the consequences. The cat may also use its claws and teeth to protect itself if you try to touch its belly. This is why you should always be careful and respectful when approaching a cat that is showing its belly.
3. Wagging their tail
Unlike dogs, cats do not wag their tail to express happiness or excitement. In fact, a wagging tail usually means the opposite. A cat's tail is an important tool for communication and balance, and it can reveal a lot about the cat's mood and intentions. Some of the meanings of a wagging tail are:
- To express agitation or frustration. A cat may wag its tail when it is feeling annoyed, irritated, or restless. This may happen when the cat is bored, hungry, or wants to be left alone. The tail may flick, twitch, or lash from side to side, indicating that the cat is not in a good mood and may lash out if provoked.
- To express interest or excitement. A cat may also wag its tail when it is feeling curious, alert, or eager. This may happen when the cat is hunting, playing, or watching something interesting. The tail may move in a slow, smooth, or oscillating motion, indicating that the cat is focused and attentive.
- To express indecision or conflict. A cat may also wag its tail when it is feeling unsure, conflicted, or ambivalent. This may happen when the cat is facing a dilemma, such as whether to approach or avoid something or someone. The tail may move in a fast, erratic, or jerky motion, indicating that the cat is torn and may change its mind at any moment.
4. Kneading
Kneading is another common and adorable cat behavior that involves pushing and pulling their paws on a soft surface, such as a blanket, a pillow, or their owner's lap. Kneading is also known as "making biscuits" or "milk treading" because it resembles the motion that kittens make to stimulate their mother's milk production. Kneading can have different meanings depending on the cat and the context. Some of the reasons why cats knead are:
- To express comfort and contentment. Kneading is a behavior that cats learn from their mothers and associate with warmth, safety, and nourishment. Cats may knead when they are feeling relaxed, happy, or sleepy. Kneading may also release endorphins, which are hormones that make cats feel good.
- To express affection and attachment. Kneading is also a way of showing love and gratitude to their owners or other cats. Cats may knead to mark their territory, to bond with their companions, or to ask for attention, cuddles, or grooming. Kneading may also be a sign of trust and loyalty, as cats expose their claws and their scent glands when they knead.
- To prepare a comfortable spot. Kneading is also a way of making a soft and cozy place to rest or sleep. Cats may knead to fluff up their bedding, to smooth out any wrinkles or lumps, or to create a nest or a den. Kneading may also help regulate the cat's body temperature, as it creates air pockets that trap heat or coolness.
5. Knocking things off tables
One of the most frustrating and amusing cat behaviors is when they knock things off tables, shelves, or other surfaces. This may seem like a deliberate and malicious act, but it is actually a natural and instinctive behavior that has several explanations. Some of the reasons why cats knock things off tables are:
- To satisfy their curiosity and explore their environment. Cats are naturally curious and inquisitive animals that like to investigate and manipulate anything that catches their eye. Cats may knock things off tables to see what they are, how they move, and what sounds they make. Cats may also knock things off tables to get a better view of something or to create more space for themselves.
- To stimulate their hunting and playing instincts. Cats are also natural hunters and predators that need to exercise their skills and instincts. Cats may knock things off tables to mimic the action of catching and killing prey, or to create a toy or a game for themselves. Cats may also knock things off tables to attract attention and invite their owners or other cats to play with them.
- To communicate their needs and wants. Cats are also smart and expressive animals that use different ways to communicate with their owners or other cats. Cats may knock things off tables to signal their hunger, boredom, or dissatisfaction. Cats may also knock things off tables to assert their dominance, to mark their territory, or to express their displeasure or frustration.
6. Chattering
Chattering is a distinctive and peculiar cat sound that involves making rapid and high-pitched noises with their mouth and teeth. Chattering is often accompanied by a fixed and staring gaze, a tense and twitching body, and a flicking or vibrating tail. Chattering can have different meanings depending on the cat and the situation. Some of the reasons why cats chatter are:
- To express excitement or frustration. Chattering is most commonly observed when cats are watching birds, squirrels, or other prey animals through a window or from a distance. Chattering may be a way of expressing their excitement, anticipation, or frustration at not being able to catch or reach their prey. Chattering may also be a way of mimicking the sounds of their prey or of trying to lure them closer.
- To express aggression or defense. Chattering may also be a sign of anger, fear, or threat. Cats may chatter when they are facing a rival, an enemy, or a danger. Chattering may be a way of warning or intimidating their opponent, or of preparing themselves for a fight or a flight. Chattering may also be a way of showing their teeth and their readiness to bite or attack.
- To express affection or happiness. Chattering may also be a sign of love, joy, or satisfaction. Cats may chatter when they are interacting with their owners, their mates, or their kittens. Chattering may be a way of expressing their affection, gratitude, or contentment. Chattering may also be a way of communicating their happiness, pleasure, or delight.
7. Rubbing their face
Another common and endearing cat behavior is when they rub their face on objects, people, or other cats. This may seem like a simple and harmless gesture, but it actually has a lot of meaning and purpose. Rubbing their face can have different meanings depending on the cat and the context. Some of the reasons why cats rub their face are:
- To mark their scent and their territory. Cats have scent glands on their forehead, cheeks, chin, and lips that produce a unique and personal scent. Cats may rub their face on objects, people, or other cats to deposit their scent and to claim them as their own. This is a way of marking their territory, their belongings, and their companions.
- To express their mood and their personality. Cats may also rub their face on objects, people, or other cats to convey their mood and their personality. Cats may rub their face to show their happiness, friendliness, or confidence. Cats may also rub their face to show their curiosity, interest, or approval. Catsmay also rub their face to show their displeasure, annoyance, or rejection.
- To express their affection and their bond. Cats may also rub their face on objects, people, or other cats to show their love and their attachment. Cats may rub their face to greet their owners, their mates, or their friends. Cats may also rub their face to cuddle, snuggle, or nuzzle with their companions. Cats may also rub their face to share their scent and their identity with their group.
8. Bringing gifts
One of the most surprising and sometimes disturbing cat behaviors is when they bring gifts to their owners, such as dead or alive animals, toys, or other objects. This may seem like a gross and unwanted gesture, but it actually has a lot of meaning and intention. Bringing gifts can have different meanings depending on the cat and the context. Some of the reasons why cats bring gifts are:
- To express their gratitude and their generosity. Cats may bring gifts to their owners to show their appreciation, their respect, or their kindness. Cats may bring gifts to thank their owners for taking care of them, for providing them with food, shelter, and love, or for being their friends. Cats may also bring gifts to share their bounty, their wealth, or their happiness with their owners.
- To express their pride and their achievement. Cats may also bring gifts to their owners to show their skill, their talent, or their success. Cats may bring gifts to boast about their hunting, their playing, or their finding abilities. Cats may also bring gifts to impress their owners, to seek their praise, or to earn their admiration.
- To express their teaching and their caring. Cats may also bring gifts to their owners to show their wisdom, their guidance, or their concern. Cats may bring gifts to teach their owners how to hunt, how to play, or how to find things. Cats may also bring gifts to help their owners survive, to feed them, or to protect them.
9. Hiding
Another common and sometimes worrying cat behavior is when they hide in various places, such as under the bed, in the closet, or in a box. This may seem like a strange and antisocial gesture, but it actually has a lot of meaning and purpose. Hiding can have different meanings depending on the cat and the situation. Some of the reasons why cats hide are:
- To express their fear and their stress. Cats may hide when they are feeling scared, nervous, or anxious. This may happen when they are exposed to a new or unfamiliar environment, a loud or sudden noise, or a hostile or threatening person or animal. Hiding may help them feel safe, secure, and calm.
- To express their rest and their relaxation. Cats may also hide when they are feeling tired, sleepy, or lazy. This may happen when they are looking for a quiet, cozy, or comfortable place to nap or sleep. Hiding may help them feel warm, snug, and peaceful.
- To express their privacy and their independence. Cats may also hide when they are feeling bored, curious, or adventurous. This may happen when they are looking for a fun, interesting, or challenging place to explore or play. Hiding may help them feel free, stimulated, and satisfied.
10. Headbutting
One of the most adorable and heartwarming cat behaviors is when they headbutt or bump their head on objects, people, or other cats. This may seem like a simple and harmless gesture, but it actually has a lot of meaning and significance. Headbutting can have different meanings depending on the cat and the context. Some of the reasons why cats headbutt are:
- To mark their scent and their territory. Cats may headbutt objects, people, or other cats to deposit their scent and to claim them as their own. This is similar to rubbing their face, but with more force and intensity. Headbutting is a way of marking their territory, their belongings, and their companions.
- To express their mood and their personality. Cats may also headbutt objects, people, or other cats to convey their mood and their personality. Cats may headbutt to show their happiness, friendliness, or confidence. Cats may also headbutt to show their curiosity, interest, or approval. Cats may also headbutt to show their displeasure, annoyance, or rejection.
- To express their affection and their bond. Cats may also headbutt objects, people, or other cats to show their love and their attachment. Cats may headbutt to greet their owners, their mates, or their friends. Cats may also headbutt to cuddle, snuggle, or nuzzle with their companions. Cats may also headbutt to share their scent and their identity with their group.
These are some of the mysterious things that cats do and what they mean. Of course, every cat is different and may have their own reasons and meanings for their behaviors. The best way to understand your cat is to observe them, listen to them, and interact with them. By doing so, you will be able to appreciate and enjoy their unique and wonderful personalities.