10 Most Common Cat Behaviors Explained - What is the deal with all of these different cat behaviors? If you've ever been curious about the reasons behind your cat's behavior, you're not the only one. Cat lovers all over the world are fascinated by the cute and quirky ways their cats interact with them and the world around them.
If you've ever wondered about the reasons behind your cat's behavior, you're not alone. This list of common cat behaviors will give you the scoop on why Fluffy acts that way, so you can better understand and appreciate her actions!.
Table of Contents
- Cats Purr When They're Happy
- Cats Knead When They're Content
- Cats Scratch When They're Marking Their Territory
- Cats Groom Themselves When They're Stressed
- When They are Hungry, Cats Will Meow at You
- When they are Sick, Cats Tend to Hide
- Cats Sleep a Lot Because They Need Rest
- Cats are Curious by Nature
- Cats Like to Play Because It's Fun
- Cats Show Their Affection in a Variety of Ways
1. Cats Purr When They're Happy
Purring is a sign of contentment for cats, and it may even be heard while they are digesting food or giving birth. The pitch of the cat's purr may be used to infer its state of mind: a higher frequency suggests that the cat is happy and comfortable, whereas a lower frequency often indicates that the cat is in discomfort or is angry.
There are a number of hypotheses that attempt to explain why cats purr, but nobody really knows for certain. One hypothesis is that the music causes vibrations in their throats, which in turn aid in the recovery from various illnesses and traumas.
A further explanation is that it is an automatic response to being touched, similar to the way that goose bumps occur. In any event, there is certainly something soothing about being lulled to sleep by the sound of your cat's purring.
2. Cats Knead When They're Content
Kneading is a sign of contentment for cats since it is a soothing activity that takes them back to the time when they were feeding as little kittens. Kneading is also related with the cat desiring something, so be wary if your cat kneads you if this behavior is seen. This behavior may also be seen in cats when they are sleeping.
It's possible that your cat is engaging in this behavior if you awaken to find her lying on top of you with her paws in your tummy. And much like the dog who leaves wet spots on your carpeting or those annoying stains on the couch, cats occasionally leave their paw prints behind by kneading items that they've touched or played with. In this way, they leave their "paw prints."
3. Cats Scratch When They're Marking Their Territory
The act of scratching is a way for cats to establish their territory. When you have a cat in the house, there is a good chance that it will scratch up your furniture and the walls. If you are willing to put in the effort, there are methods to get out of this predicament, even if it may not seem like the best option at the moment.
You may do this in a number of ways, one of which is to provide your cat with an abundance of scratching posts that are safe for your furnishings. You may, for instance, purchase a scratching post for your cat or install carpeting in the area where it most often scratches.
In addition, there is a solution on the market called Scratch Away that may prevent cats from scratching in certain sections of your house without having any impact on the furniture or carpets in those places. You might also try applying an anti-fungal spray or oil to the area where the cat enjoys scratching. This will make the area uncomfortable for the cat, which will cause it to search elsewhere for something to scratch.
Another approach is to use double-sided tape (or another sticky material), which makes the region painful for them and puts up enough resistance that they will ultimately stop attempting to claw there. If you use this method, they will eventually stop trying to claw there. Just make sure that your unfortunate cat doesn't get stuck in any material that is sticky!
4. Cats Groom Themselves When They're Stressed
When they are anxious, cats brush themselves to calm themselves down. This is a method of self-soothing, and it may be a sign that your pet needs more attention from you than they are currently receiving. If you find that they are grooming themselves more often than normal, you should look for any symptoms of sickness or injury and ensure that they have enough clean water and food available to them.
Try paying them a little bit extra attention, even if there is nothing obviously wrong with them. You may accomplish this in a variety of ways, such as by giving them a good brushing, providing them with tasty snacks, and playing with their favorite toy. They won't be long before returning to their regular grooming routine.
5. When They are Hungry, Cats Will Meow at You
When a cat is hungry, it will meow to get its owner's attention so that it may be fed. They are unable to access the cupboard or the refrigerator, so they will meow at you until you open one of those places and give them their food.
Cats will meow when they want something, such as when they want you to stroke them or play with them. They will also meow when they are angry or scared. In addition, it is not uncommon for cats to meow at other cats on occasion. This is a kind of communication in which the cat is letting the other cat know that it is in its area and should be left alone.
If your cat has never meowed before but has started doing so recently, it's possible that he or she is suffering from a medical ailment, such as an illness or tooth issue. If your kitty companion does not stop behaving in this manner, you should take him to the veterinarian.
6. When they are Sick, Cats Tend to Hide
Cats are experts at disguising themselves. They are aware of when they are not feeling well, yet they will do all in their power to conceal this information from you. Cats may often stop eating and refuse to come out of their hiding area, which is typically either beneath a bed or in a closet.
When this happens, you should monitor their behavior closely. If this is how your cat is behaving, you shouldn't freak out since it's unlikely that there's anything really wrong with them. Cats typically hide when they are unwell because they want their disease to go away as quickly as possible and would rather keep it a secret than bother anyone else with their issue.
Additionally, cats would rather keep it a secret than burden anyone else with their problem. If you have also been suffering from symptoms such as coughing or a sore throat, this might very well be the issue! An upper respiratory infection (URI) is the most probable culprit behind your cat's sickness.
7. Cats Sleep a Lot Because They Need Rest
Because they need so much rest, cats spend a lot of time sleeping. They average 16 hours of sleep every day, so if your cat seems to be sleeping all the time, it's probably because it needs to get its rest. Cats, in contrast to people and dogs, do not have a significant need for sleep (they are not narcoleptic).
When they are not hunting at night, cats often sleep during the day and remain active throughout the night. Cats are nocturnal hunters. If your cat stays up all night and sleeps all day, it may have a medical ailment, or there may be something wrong in its surroundings that needs to be addressed. Either way, you should seek medical attention for your cat as soon as possible.
Take your cat to the veterinarian if you suspect that he suffers from a condition such as asthma, arthritis, or anemia. If he does have fleas, you should take him to the veterinarian as soon as possible and carefully follow their advice on how to treat them.
8. Cats are Curious by Nature
Cats are naturally inquisitive animals, which means that they will investigate their environment by climbing on whatever they can get their paws on, jumping on anything within their reach, and climbing on any surface they can discover.
Cats are also incredibly nimble and swift, which means that they have a good chance of getting away with a few naughty moments of exploring when they are out and about. There is not a single thing you can do to prevent your cat from investigating the world around them; rather than trying to stop them, you should cooperate with them.
You might build a little play area with a fence for your cat outside, or you could hide toys all around the house so they can find them. You can also focus all of their energy in a positive way by providing outlets for it in the form of items for them to climb on when they are in your house.
9. Cats Like to Play Because It's Fun
Playing is enjoyable for cats, so they do it often. They could do it so that they can improve their hunting abilities or so that they can get some exercise. Cats that are raised in homes with other animals, such as dogs, will engage in playful interaction with their canine companions as a means of fostering positive social interactions and maintaining positive connections.
In most cases, the temperament of the cat will determine whether it is more comfortable playing alone or with other cats. If you have an outdoor cat that loves to hunt mice, then there is a good probability that he will enjoy running after the small animals on his own time if he is given the opportunity.
If, on the other hand, your feline friend is more of an indoor cat who enjoys lazing about all day and has little interest in exploring the great outdoors, he probably won't be too thrilled about being excluded from the game. It is not possible for cats to maintain their health if they spend all day napping; they need both cerebral stimulation from games and physical activity from interacting with other cats.
10. Cats Show Their Affection in a Variety of Ways
There are several ways in which cats can express their love for their owners. When they desire attention, for instance, you'll often find them stroking against your legs or beneath your arms. Other behaviors include: You could also see that they take pleasure in having a gentle touch down the back and on the top of their head.
They really like it when you reach out to pet not just their chin but also their ears and their tail. Pay particular attention to the kind of reaction you receive from your cat when you touch each location; this will assist you in gaining a better understanding of the manner in which your feline friend likes to be handled.
Some cats really like having someone massage their tummies, while others would much prefer not have anybody touch them there at all. You could try playing with your cat instead of petting it if it doesn't show any interest in being touched at all. If they would rather engage in interactive play than lounge about with you, toys are always a fantastic alternative to consider.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, there is a lot to learn about the reasons behind different cat behaviors. However, by understanding more about your cat's natural tendencies, you can help create a harmonious household for both you and your feline friend. And there you have it! The 10 most common cat behaviors explained. I really hope that you found this information useful, and I appreciate you taking the time to read it. - Bukit Besi Blog