Anyone who has owned a cat for even a short time knows that cats are very independent creatures and that reading the feline mind is nearly impossible. New cat owners may find themselves perplexed by their pet’s unique behaviors and may be unsure whether to encourage these behaviors or try to deter them. Learning about just a few basic cat behaviors can offer new cat owners some valuable insights into feline temperament and feelings towards their owners in certain circumstances.
Rubbing
One of the most common feline behaviors is rubbing. Cats will commonly rub their heads and faces against an owner’s legs, as well as inanimate objects, leaving traces of their scent as a means of marking their territory. Owners should interpret this rubbing behavior as a sign of affection, as the cat is marking the owner as belonging to her.
Kneading
Every once in a while, a cat will jump onto an owner’s lap and begin kneading her paws against an owner’s stomach or legs. Cats will also occasionally exhibit this same behavior on a blanket or comforter, and cats “suckling” on the blanket or owner’s shirt/sweater can also accompany kneading. Kittens exhibit the same behavior with their mothers, kneading the nipples to stimulate milk flow. Owners should interpret kneading behavior in their cats as a sign of contentedness and trust.
Nipping
Owners may experience their cats nipping at them during moments of play or petting. A nip should be interpreted as a sign of feline happiness and is sometimes accompanied by other signs of affection (for example: rubbing against the owner, purring, and licking). If the cat begins to bite, however, owners should be aware that their cat is telling them that they are bored or annoyed with the petting or play. Owners can discourage biting by firmly telling the cat “no” and ignoring the cat for a few minutes.
Tail Movements
A cat’s tail provides her with balance, but owners can also keep a close watch on the tail to determine a cat’s mood. A cat approaching an owner with her tail straight in the air and swishing slightly is akin to the human “hello” and can indicate happiness. If a cat swishes her tail in a wide swath, however, she is likely indicating that she is irritated. And if a cat is walking around with her tail low to the ground, she is expressing fear or caution.
Cats are complex creatures and have a variety of ways to communicate with their owners. If owners understand even a few common feline behaviors (such as the behaviors detailed above), they will be able to foster smoother feline/human relations in their home.
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