Cats are famously misunderstood. Many people ascribe human or even dog behavior to cats, which is incorrect. Felines are unique creatures with their own idiosyncracies and communication methods.
So what you may think is problematic behavior could be something else entirely. As a cat owner or lover, it’s important to understand what a kitty’s actions actually mean. Not only will this help you develop a better relationship with your cat, but it could also help you to keep them safe, healthy and happy.
1. Urination in Inappropriate Places
One of the most prevalent issues we hear from cat owners is that their furry friend is doing their business outside of their litter boxes. This is understandably frustrating for pet owners. But the first thing to acknowledge is that cats don’t do this to annoy us.
If your cat has previously been great at using their box and then suddenly starts urinating or defecating in inappropriate places, this is often a sign of a health issue or stress. If there’s been a major change in their environment, you should certainly address by doing whatever you can to comfort and reassure them. If there hasn’t been a change, then it’s a good idea to get a vet check-up to rule out health issues.
2. Biting or Scratching
Most cat owners have had the experience of being bitten or scratched by their beloved kitty. It can be an alarming and upsetting thing, but it doesn’t mean your cat doesn’t like you. Sometimes it can be that they think you’re a playmate and they’re trying to play-fight. But often it means that they don’t like the way you’re petting them.
Cats can easily become overstimulated from repetitive petting. When you’re petting your feline friend, start very genty and pay close attention to their body language. Usually they’ll show you if they’re enjoying your affections or not.
3. Rubbing Against Your Legs
You might think that your cat is rubbing against your legs to butter you up when they want something, but that’s not the case. It’s more likely a sign of affection and ownership. When they rub against you, they transfer their pheremones onto you – thus marking you as theirs. So next time a cat does this to you, you should consider it a high compliment.
4. Slow Blinking
This is not a sign that your cat is getting sleepy, but rather feline language for, “I love you.” Cats don’t actually need to blink that much, so a slow and full blink is a sign that they are comfortable in your presence. They trust you enough to close their eyes and know you won’t harm them.
6. Exposing Their Belly
When cats lay on their back and exposes their belly to you, they’re not necessarily inviting belly rubs the way a dog might. If you pet them and they respond badly, don’t assume that they’ve set a trap for you. Instead, understand that exposing their belly is another way to show you that they trust you enough to be in a vulnerable position near you.
7. Ignoring You
If a cat is in the same room as you but not directly interacting, you shouldn’t assume that they don’t like you or or ignoring you. Cats don’t always crave physical closeness the way dogs do. If your feline friend is sitting on the other end of the couch with you, they’re choosing to hang out because they like you.
We hope that this will help you understand cats more deeply and have a more accurate understanding of their behavior. When we correctly interpret their actions, we gain greater insight into their health and happiness.
