Decoding 5 Cat Behaviors To Understand Your Feline Better
Cats are fascinating creatures with complex behaviors that can sometimes leave even the most experienced owners puzzled. Humans have lived with cats for over 9,500 years, but many things they do remain a mystery to us. Understanding why
Have you ever wondered why cats knead blankets? Or why do they begin running around the house after a trip to the litter box? This detailed guide will help you decode common feline behaviors and respond in ways that support their physical and emotional needs.
1. Purring: A Multifaceted Melody
Purring is one of the most recognized feline behaviors and is often associated with contentment. When petting or scratching cats in their favorite spot, it’s likely you’ll hear the low rumble of a purr escape.
However, purring can indicate a variety of emotions and states beyond simple happiness. The more researchers uncover about purring, the more is realized that there is a lot to learn.
Why Do Cats Purr?
- Contentment and Relaxation: When your cat curls up on your lap, kneads a soft blanket, and emits a rhythmic purring sound, they’re likely expressing comfort and contentment. This is their way of saying they feel safe and happy in your presence.
- Self-Soothing and Healing: Cats purr when they’re stressed, in pain, or recovering from illness. The vibrations may have a therapeutic effect, helping them to calm down or even promote healing. A 2001 study published in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America Studies found that both domestic and wild cats produce purring frequencies of 25 Hz and 50 Hz, which are ideal for bone growth and fracture healing.
- Communication Tool: Kittens are blind when born, and begin to purr when they are just a few days old to communicate with their mother, signaling they are safe and nursing. Adult
cats continue this behavior to communicate with humans, often as a way of asking for attention or food.
What to Look For In Cat Purring
- Positive Purring: Accompanied by relaxed body language, half-closed eyes, and a soft posture.
- Concerned Purring: Paired with hiding, trembling, or vocalizations like growls, it could signal discomfort or illness.
Action Tip
If you notice unusual purring behaviors, especially when combined with lethargy or changes in eating habits, schedule a veterinary visit. To enhance relaxation, consider using a Feliway Optimum Cat Calming Pheromone Diffuser to maintain a stress-free environment.
2. Kneading: The Happy Paw Dance
Kneading is an adorable behavior where
Why Do Cats Knead?
- Instinctual Behavior from Kittenhood: Kittens knead their mother’s belly to stimulate milk flow while nursing. This behavior often carries into adulthood as a comforting habit. It’s a sign that your cat feels safe and relaxed.
- Territorial Marking: Cats have scent glands in their paw pads, and kneading helps them mark territory. By doing so, they claim ownership of the area or person they’re kneading on, reinforcing their bond with you.
- Relaxation and Comfort: Kneading is often accompanied by purring and is a strong indicator that your cat feels relaxed and happy.
What If Your Cat Doesn’t Knead?
That’s perfectly fine. If you don’t ever see your cat kneading biscuits, it’s nothing to worry about. It’s a behavior they simply may have given up after being weaned from their mother. If your cat has normally practiced a kneading behavior and then suddenly stopped, this could however mean they are not feeling relaxed in their present environment.
When Kneading Becomes Uncomfortable
Some
Solutions for sharp claws:
- Place a soft barrier like the Comsmart Fleece Cat Blanket over your lap to protect yourself while still enjoying the bonding moment.
- Regular nail trims using Shiny Pet Nail Clippers can also help reduce discomfort during kneading.
3. The Zoomies: High-Speed Playtime
The zoomies, or “frenetic random activity periods” (FRAPs), are sudden bursts of energy during which your cat races around the house at full speed. This behavior occurs in both cats and dogs, and most of the time this behavior is playful.
Why Do Cats Get the Zoomies?
- Release of Pent-Up Energy: Cats are natural hunters, and while they don’t need to hunt for their meals in your home, their instincts remain strong. Zoomies allow them to expend excess energy and mimic hunting behaviors, especially around dawn and dusk, the ideal time for hunting. This is especially common in indoor
cats who may lack daily opportunities for exercise. - Playful Instincts: For kittens, the zoomies are often part of play and exploration. For adult
cats , they can occur when they’re feeling particularly energetic, such as after a long nap. - Post-Bathroom Ritual: Some
cats experience the zoomies, sometimes called “poomies” after using the litter box, possibly due to the relief of elimination or the desire to quickly distance themselves from the odor.
Are Zoomies Ever A Cause For Concern?
Most of the time, no. The only time to be worried about the zoomies is if before, your cat was taking too long to relieve itself in the litter box, or attempting to use the bathroom frequently. Check to make sure their stool is normal, and they don’t seem to be struggling with constipation.
Interacting With Cat Zoomies:
Zoomies are a natural part of feline behavior, so a lot of the time it’s fine to let them run wild. If you want to join in on the fun, you can help direct their energy in safe and productive ways with toys and cat trees. Check out our ultimate guide for playtime with kittens!
- Schedule regular interactive play sessions using toys like the GoCat Da Bird Pull Rod & Bird Feathers or Catstages Tower of Tracks to tire them out.
- Provide climbing opportunities with a multi-level cat tree such as the PAWZ Road Large 72 Inch Cat Tree and Tower to encourage exercise throughout the day.
4. Scratching: A Necessary Instinct
Scratching is an essential behavior that serves multiple purposes for
Why Cats Scratch
- Claw Maintenance: Scratching helps
cats remove the outer sheath of their claws, keeping them sharp and healthy. You might find discarded cat claw sheaths around wherever they like to scratch! - Marking Territory: Cats have scent glands in their paws. Scratching leaves both a visual and olfactory marker, signaling ownership to other
cats . - Stress Relief: Scratching can also serve as a way to release pent-up energy or stress, similar to how humans might relieve tension through physical activity.
Support Scratching Habits:
It’s possible to protect your furniture and provide your cat with appropriate scratching surfaces. It’s also possible to stop unwanted scratching without punishment; read more here.
- Scratching Posts: The SmartCat Pioneer Scratching Post is sturdy, tall, and made from durable sisal material that
cats love. - Horizontal Scratchers: Some
cats prefer flat surfaces. The PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge doubles as a scratcher and a cozy lounge.
Pro Tip
Apply catnip like SmartyKat Catnip to the scratching post to make it more appealing.
5. Tail Language: Insight into Their Emotions
While purrs and meows are vocal cues that help us understand what our furry friends are feeling, a cat’s tail is one of their most expressive body parts. Observing your cat’s tail movements can help you understand their mood and intentions.
Common Tail Positions
- Straight Up with a Curved Tip: Your cat is happy, comfortable, and ready for interaction. This is often seen when they greet you at the door.
- Puffed-Up Tail: This defensive posture indicates fear or aggression. Your cat is trying to appear larger to deter potential threats.
- Twitching Tail Rapid, jerky movements often signal irritation or overstimulation.
- Wrapped Around You: A tail wrapped around your leg or another cat is a sign of affection and trust.
How To Respond To Cat Tail Signals
Understanding tail language helps you interact with your cat appropriately.
- Respect their space when their tail is twitching or puffed up.
- Encourage bonding when their tail is upright by offering treats like Feline Greenies Natural Dental Care Cat Treats or engaging in gentle petting.
Final Thoughts
Feline behavior is deeply rooted in instincts and emotions, and decoding these actions helps build a stronger, more fulfilling relationship with your cat. By observing their body language, vocalizations, and habits, you can respond appropriately to their needs and foster trust and companionship.
Whether they’re purring, zooming around the house, or kneading your lap, each action carries meaning that connects to their wild ancestors and their current environment. Equip your home with the right tools—scratching posts, toys, and calming aids—to support their natural instincts and ensure their happiness.
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