5 Common Cat Behaviors Decoded

​     Most people think of cats as aloof creatures who couldn't care about much as long as the food arrives on time.  In reality research has shown that cats are as expressive and as needy as dogs. The problem is when we try and read them like dogs the majority of cat communication is either misinterpreted or entirely missed.

   Every cat I've worked with has had their own unique needs, likes and language. The more cats I work with the more I realize they are needy creatures who just want to be understood.

   From the morning meows of " I'm hungry!" , pawing at my leg because they want attention, or Momo's favorite, head butting my phone when I'm talking. Cats are always trying to get our attention and let us know what they're thinking.

Below are some things you may have already known but I'm sure that, like me, you'll be shocked by how much your cats have been communicating.

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Slow Blinks

Slow blinking at a cat is a great way to communicate that you are a friend.

       Cats are very careful to always stay alert and keep watch on anyone who comes into their domain. Eye contact is something reserved only for those ​precious enough to deserve the cats attention. And blinking is even more rare, as this is a sign of true trust and affection.

"The slow blink really is an acceptance gesture. They do that when they're absolutely comfortable with you, and they do it with other cats as well."
-Gary Weitzman, a veterinarian and author of "How to Speak Cat: A Guide to Decoding Cat Language."

​Try it out!!
    Sit eye level with your cat and make eye contact.  
    Soften your gaze and slowly blink at them.
    A return blink is like a cat kiss !

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Tail Rubs

Cats rub themselves and things they want to claim. What a better way to show their love than to claim you?

​   Cat tails can tell us many things about a cats mood.  A tail up in the air is a sign of a happy cat. Kittens walk this way to greet their mothers. So when your cat does this it their way of saying  
​ " You're back! " " I missed you!"

"When cats are coming back from hunting, what we commonly see in the feral situation is they may spend several minutes rubbing up and down, up and down, against each other. They'll also wrap their tails over each other's backs — it's like a human hug."
 -Sharon Crowell-Davis, a professor of veterinary behavior at the University of Georgia

Try it out!!
    When you get home from work say hello to your cat.
    If they come to you make sure to give them pets and attention
    When they rub their tail on you it's a hug hello !

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Purr Machines

A purring cat getting some nice head scratches tends to really get into it.

     ​Purring is your cats way of overpoweringly telling you they love you. But that is not the only meaning. Research has found cats purr when happy as well as when sick and injured. Purring, it seems, is not just a show of happiness but more a request for attention.

"They haven't got a good way of asking for help — it's not in their language — so they do the next best thing, they do the purring thing," said John Bradshaw, a University of Bristol anthrozoologist and the author of "Cat Sense: How the New Feline Science Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet." ​

Try it out!!
   Next time your cat is purring give them some love.
   If they keep purring or purr louder they appreciate it!

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Kneading You

Kittens knead on their mom's belly to stimulate milk and give her a nice massage for all her work!

     ​Sometimes called making biscuits, most of us have seen our cats alternating their front paws to push in and out of something soft while looking whimsical and happy. Experts believe kneading reminds your adult cat of when they were a baby kneading on their mom's tummy for milk.

 “If your cat is curled up and kneading your lap while you’re petting him, he’s returning the affection and telling you he loves you right back. Unfortunately, this can be quite painful, since the happier he is, the harder he’ll dig in with his sharp nails.”
-PetMD

Try it out!!
    If you see your cat kneading on a blanket
     take the blanket and place it on your lap.
 Any cat will be happy to have a blanket they love & your warmth

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Belly Roll

This is my silly cat that likes belly pets. She will roll over on your lap and demand attention.

    ​When your cat rolls around in front of you they are asking for attention. Presenting you their belly is a way to show trust, as this position leaves them vulnerable. This is reserved only for those they trust and love.

"When a cat throws itself on its side and shows its belly, most people misinterpret this behaviour and think that it wants its belly rubbed but will get grabbed by their hand and the cat will bite them.
What the cat is actually doing is showing a greeting behaviour and showing trust. It is actually an abuse of that trust to stroke its belly. What the cat would rather you do is to give it a slight head rub."
-Nicky Trevorrow, Cat Protection’s behaviour manager

Try it out!!
     When your cat rolls over and shows your their belly.
     Slow blink at them and approach calmly.
     Pet the top of their head, cheeks and chin.
​AVOID THE BELLY - prove them right to trust you.
      Unless you know your cat likes belly pets. one of mine does.

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Learning how your cat communicates can greatly improve your relationship. Understanding what our felines are telling us is key to eliminating problem behaviors. As well as to keeping a happy cat in your home. 

How does your cat communicate most often? Let us know in the comments