10 Cat Behaviors to Understand For Better Communication With Your Cat
1/ Purring: Cats often purr when they're content, relaxed, or seeking attention. It can also indicate pain or stress in some situations, so pay attention to the context.
2/ Kneading: Kneading is when cats push their paws in and out against a soft surface. It's a behavior they learn as kittens when nursing and can indicate contentment or a desire for comfort.
3/ Meowing: Cats use meowing to communicate with humans. It can indicate various needs, such as hunger, thirst, attention, or a desire to go outside. Context and accompanying body language can help decipher the specific message.
4/ Rubbing Against Objects/People: Cats rub against objects or people to mark them with their scent. This behavior is a way of claiming territory and expressing comfort and familiarity.
5/ Tail Language: A cat's tail can convey different emotions. A relaxed, straight tail indicates a calm and content cat, while a puffed-up or thrashing tail may signal fear, aggression, or overstimulation.
6/ Hissing or Growling: Hissing or growling is a defensive behavior cats use when they feel threatened or stressed. It's a warning sign that they want to be left alone and may escalate to aggression if not respected.
7/ Bringing Gifts (e.g., Dead Animals): Cats are natural hunters, and bringing their owners "gifts" like dead animals is an instinctual behavior. It's a display of their hunting prowess and a way of showing affection.
8/ Playful Behavior: Cats engage in play to exercise, practice hunting skills, and bond with their owners. Playful behaviors include chasing toys, pouncing, and engaging in interactive games.
9/ Scratching Furniture: Cats scratch to mark territory, stretch their muscles, and maintain healthy claws. Providing appropriate scratching surfaces and redirecting their behavior can help protect your furniture.
10/ Slow Blinking: When a cat gives you a slow blink, it's a sign of trust and affection. It's known as a "cat kiss" and can be reciprocated with a slow blink back to strengthen the bond.
