Having a cat means you get to witness your feline friend engage in various baffling behaviours. This article will help you decode unusual and common cat behaviours so you can understand and bond with your pet better.
Cat Not Using the Litter Tray
One of the top cat behaviour problems involves the litter tray or rather not using it. There are various reasons why your pet cat will skip doing her business in it:
- She does not like the type of litter you use.
- The litter tray location is undesirable to your pet.
- The litter tray is not clean or as clean as your furry friend wants it to be.
- There is not enough litter in the litter tray.
- The litter tray is too small.
- Another cat or pet is sharing it.
- Your cat has a urinary tract infection (UTI) or feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).
Abrupt Changes in Your Cat’s Behaviour
A sudden change in cats’ behaviour may happen out of the blue. Your pet may be shy or aggressive all of a sudden. Several abnormal behaviours in cats are troubling indicators of underlying issues. These are the most common reasons for such changes:
- This can be responsible for sudden bouts of lethargy or excessive vocalisation. Stressed cats can also be unusually quiet and withdrawn. They may also develop behavioural issues, such as showing aggression towards humans and other pets in the home.
- The energy levels of senior cats are not as high as they used to be. They are also more likely to be affected by various illnesses. As such, they are likely to be more sedentary and may also display sudden behavioural shifts.
- Physical ailments. Gastrointestinal illnesses, dental problems, diabetes, leukaemia, kidney disease, feline immunodeficiency virus, cancer, hyperthyroidism, and parasite infestation can affect cat behaviour.
- Separation anxiety. Although occurring less amongst cats, separation anxiety can make lonely felines vocalise a lot more than usual.
- Cats do get depressed. When they do, they lose their appetite or overeat and become withdrawn. They can sleep too much or be affected by insomnia. In some cases, diseases can trigger feline depression.
When you notice sudden changes in your cat’s behaviour, you should have her checked by the vet.
Cat Showing Her Belly
For instance, if your cat is showing her belly, she is not inviting you to rub it. In some instances, this gesture can mean a sign of friendly approval.
In other cases, it can translate to the cat getting ready to fight. Laying on her back and exposing her belly allows all four paws and claws ready to pounce at potential threats.
Also, the belly display is your cat’s way of stretching out. This is still not a good time to touch her. How would you react if you gave your arms a good stretch and someone tried to pat you on the chest or back?
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Cat Biting
Cats may bite you gently or aggressively. The gentle nibbles are a type of playful cat behaviour dubbed as “love bites.” They are usually done when your cat bonds well with you.
The gentle biting can also be her way of telling you that she is overstimulated (e.g., you are petting her too much).
With the more aggressive cat biting, this is done as a result of fear or territorial aggression. Sometimes, it could be that your cat is playing too roughly with you. She may have not yet learned to gauge her bite strength.
Cat Bringing “Gifts”
Domestic cat behaviour is not compatible with bringing home animal gifts, so you think. However, feline pets do this in imitation of their mother cats, which brought them food when they were kittens.
When your furry buddy drops a small dead rodent or insect at your door, it is just her way of giving back. Your cat may also be doing it so you can help her keep her surplus catch for later consumption.
She may also bring home such gifts because you are her favourite human. Do not be surprised if this grand gesture is accompanied by vocalisations and other showy gestures as the cat is trumpeting her cleverness.
Another possible reason for this cat behaviour—and a brow-raising one too—is that your pet thinks you are a poor hunter. She is doing the hunting duties on your behalf so you do not “starve.”
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Cat Slowly Blinks at You
A cat’s eyes play an important role in displaying her emotions aside from their body posture and gestures. One of the most commonly talked-about eye communication in felines is slow blinking. It is a friendly gesture cats use to make other felines feel safe around their presence.
Humans are often receivers of their furry friend’s slow blinks. If you experienced this, it means your cat is happy to be with you. Returning her gesture of affection helps you forge stronger bonds with her.
In a 2020 study, researchers point out that cats blink back when they receive slow blinks from humans. Moreover, they are more likely to approach an individual after the person gives them slow blinks.
Cat Purring
Cats purr whenever they feel good and relaxed is a common assumption made by many people. Whilst this is true, it is not always the case. Felines emit this type of vocalisation for other reasons, such as when they experience stress or overstimulation.
If your cat feels pain, she may also resort to purring as a way of self-soothing behaviour. Studies have found that purring can act as a healing mechanism, which aids in relieving pain and swelling and promotes bone and tissue growth.
Cat Reaction to Human Meowing
Purring, meowing, and yowling are typical cat behaviours. But when you respond to your cat’s vocalisation in the same manner, she will not be impressed.
That is because cats use meows to talk to humans, not with other felines. Although as kittens they communicate with their mothers by meowing, they use growls, hisses, and squeals with other cats.
Some felines may even chirp or chatter to mimic the sounds of potential prey, such as birds and rodents.
When you meow at your cat, she will not understand what you are saying. If she responds, she is probably remarking, “Cat got your tongue?”
FAQs About Cat Behaviours
1. How Do You Tell If a Cat Is Stressed?
You can tell if a cat is stressed when she vocalises excessively paired with signs of aggression. Being lethargic and acting more withdrawn also indicates that she is suffering from stress. A cat’s tail strongly lashing from side to side is an indicator too.
Identify the stimuli causing this problem and make the necessary changes to minimise or stop your feline friend’s exposure to it. Doing so will reduce her stress levels and bring back her usual self.
2. What Is a Friendly Cat Behaviour?
Friendly cat behaviour denotes that a feline is comfortable with your presence. Slow blinking, headbutting, and kneading are signs that your cat is happy spending her time with you.
3. When Should I Be Worried About My Cat’s Behaviour?
Strange cat behaviours to worry about include low energy levels, inactivity, and sudden displays of aggressive behaviour. Increased vocalisation may hint that something is wrong too. It could mean she is in pain or distress.
Take her to a veterinarian first to rule out potential underlying issues. If your feline friend is confirmed to be free of illness, seek a cat behaviourist to help you decode her uncharacteristic behaviour.
4. What Does It Mean When a Cat Licks You?
When a cat licks you, it could mean that she is showing affection and welcoming you as a member of her family. However, if this behaviour becomes excessive, it is a sign of stress or anxiety.
Conclusion
Cats are communicative creatures. They express their feelings through body language, vocalisation, and puzzling habits. Learning the possible meanings behind these cat behaviours allows you to have a deeper understanding of your pet’s personality.
If you want to get to know your feline friend more, try to decode her meows as well.
