Feline Behavior: What you knead to know

When out cats stare longingly into our eyes, meowing for seemingly no reason, how many of us often say, “I know” without having a clue what they’re trying to tell us? We’d venture to say that most people have had this very exchange with their cat, perhaps even multiple times a day. Part of this response may be a way to comfort our feline friends; to let them know we understand their predicament (even if we don’t) and will provide for their needs. However, the truth is that feline behavior, much like cats themselves, can be mysterious and difficult to interpret. As those responsible for their care and wellbeing, it is upon us to learn what we can about cat behavior and take the time to really listen to them. Because they have things to say.

First, let’s dispel some common cat misconceptions

Cats aren’t as social as dogs

In addition to their enigmatic nature, cats have the reputation of being more aloof than their canine counterparts. However, while cats did not evolve to please their human caregivers, many thrive in relationships with people and other animals, actively seeking contact, play, and tenderness. Some research (Saito & Shinozuka, 2013) even suggests that cats can distinguish their owners from other people using human vocal cues along, which indicates a strong interspecies connection.

You cannot train a cat

While the process may be trickier than it is with dogs, all cats can be trained to perform specific tasks. Cats are intelligent, highly observant, communicative, and adept at training others – especially their own people. Training a cat simply requires you to know them well, including what positive stimuli may reinforce a behavior or motivate them to learn and work.

Ready to try? Start simple and teach your cat to “sit”.

Cats are low maintenance pets

All cats, especially those who live exclusively indoors, need attention and enrichment to stay happy and healthy. They require thoughtful affection, veterinary care, high-quality nutrition, and clean litter boxes to thrive. Even if their basic needs are met, cats can suffer from boredom, anxiety, and depression if ignored or left on their own for too long.

A purring cat is a happy cat

There’s no question that many cats purr when they’re feeling content, but this “tonal fluttering” sound can also be a sign of hunger or pain. In fact, some feline experts and cat behavior specialists speculate that purring may help a cat self-soothe in times of distress. As cats are known for their stoicism in sickness and health, it’s important to be aware of any signs of potential suffering.

Cats are nocturnal

Although it may not feel like it when they’re walking across your pillow at 2am, cats are crepuscular, meaning they’re most often awake at dawn and dusk. This is likely because, in nature, their prey is primarily active during these times of day.

Cat Behavior 101

Now that we’ve covered common feline misconceptions, let’s talk behavior.

Overstimulation

As cats cannot communicate their needs with words, it is important to pay close attention to their body language. Many of us have had the experience of petting a car, only to have them suddenly bite or claw our hand in response. In most cases, this boundary-setting behavior means the cat is overstimulated from too much physical touch, almost like a hug that has overstayed its welcome. Additionally, cat overstimulation can be due to stress, built-up frustration, and physical pain. Other signs of overstimulation include restlessness, tail twitching flattened and/or flicking ears, and skin rippling upon touch.

Have an overstimulated cat? We’ve got tips to manage their big feels and keep your relationship happy and healthy.

Scratching

Scratching is vital, instinctual behavior that helps cats stretch, maintain and groom their claws, mark their territory, and express their emotions including stress and excitement. Providing cats with scratching posts and pads is one way to satisfy this need while protecting your furniture. Frequent nail trims or claw caps, and calming pheromone sprays in your home can also help reduce the behavior, especially in unwanted areas. Declawing, on the other hand, is an incredibly painful, inhumane, and unnecessary practice that should be avoided. In 2017, Denver became the first city outside of California to make declawing cats illegal. As one of the largest animal welfare organizations in the community, we testified for the city council on the harm and lifelong effects of declawing.

Learn more about our animal advocacy work.

Purring

As we mentioned, purring is often thought to signify a comfortable kitty, but in periods of stress, cats may purr as a coping mechanism. Purring can be used to communicate with other cats and is commonly observed between kittens and their mothers during nursing.

Similar to a cat’s meow, if you pay attention to the different tones your cat uses when they purr, you may be able to uncover what they are trying to communicate.

Kneading

Kneading or “making biscuits” is a natural behavior that cats engage in when they feel at ease. The behavior consists of a cat repeatedly pressing and pulling back their front paws into and from a soft surface (including you!), alternating between their right and left limbs. While somewhat ambiguous, making biscuits as an adult cat is thought to stem from early nursing experiences when kneading was used to encourage milk secretion. Cats may also knead to relax, bond affectionately with people, or mark their territory through the scent glands in their feet.

Head butting

Also known as “bunting,” cats engage in this behavior primarily to seek attention and leave their pheromone scent on people, objects, and fellow felines. Cats will bump their heads and rub their cheeks to calm themselves and create a “colony scent” marking someone or something as a safe zone.

Slow blinks

A slow blink from a cat might as well be a valentine. When a cat slowly blinks with you, it means they trust you enough to lower their defenses and close their eyes, even if only for a moment. Slow blinking sessions can feel profound, strengthening the connection between cats and their humans.

For thousands of years, cats have lived in close connection with people, sharing our lives, homes, and communities. It is their elusive, often fussy charm that causes many people to fall head over tail in love with cats. The more we try to understand feline behavior and communication, the more rewarding a life with a cat can be.

Perhaps John Bradshaw said it best when he wrote, “Cats, unlike most dogs, are elusive: we accept them on their terms, but they in turn never quite reveal those terms might be.”