Understanding your cat’s behavior is the key to a stronger bond with your furry bestie. Cats may not have expressive faces like dogs, but they do communicate.
They deliver their messages quietly, and their body language says it all. From ear flicks to rubbing their scent on furniture, clothes and humans, we’ll explore their key signals to help you decode their moods and needs.
What’s a Normal Cat Behavior?
“In ancient times, cats were worshipped as Gods. They have not forgotten this.” Terry Pratchett’s words ring true in every cat-lover’s home. Cats, with their unique charm, seem to demand both our adoration and patience. As far as we worship them, cats behave normally.
And by normally, we mean their odd, odd cat behavior with humans! To make sense of their mysterious ways, every cat parent needs to have normal cat behavior explained. Here’s a list of how “normal” is an unpredictable mix of quirks in a cat’s life.
- Sleeping for long hours: Sleeping for long hours is a typical daily activity for cats. They sleep to conserve energy, an inherited trait from ancestors.
Tip: Create warm spots in the house, and don’t worry if they sleep all day. - Being early birds for no reason: Cats often get the zoomies at dawn because they’re naturally active at that time. They have no reason for such an early wake-up, but it’s best to distance yourself from their early hours.
Tip: Keep a consistent feeding hour for the cats, so they won’t associate their feeding time with your wake-up hour. - Chewing cords and knocking items off: Cats knock things over because they’re curious and playful. They explore with their paws, and the movement of objects sparks their hunting instincts.
Tip: Leave only unbreakable items around. - Scratching furniture: Scratching helps cats in many ways. It keeps their claws healthy, marks their space, releases energy and makes them feel good.
Tip: Add plenty of scratching posts around the house to protect your furniture. - Grooming themselves and licking you: Cats lick their human parents to show affection, just like they did with their mother. Cats also lick themselves to clean and groom their fur.
Tip: You should bathe your cat as rarely as possible. - Sharing their hunt (or toys) with you: Cats bring you toys or prey to show affection and treat you like family. They might also be copying their mothers or thanking you for their food.
Tip: Accept their gift to make them feel appreciated. - Kneading and Making Biscuits: Kneading is a comforting cat behaviour which they use to show affection and create a cozy spot for naps. It’s also a way for them to self-soothe when feeling anxious.
Tip: Don’t interrupt them while kneading their spot. - Meowing and Chirping: Meowing is a cat’s way of talking to humans, with each meow having its own meaning. Chirping usually happens when a cat is excited, hunting, or greeting another cat.
Tip: Don’t ignore a cat’s meow, especially if it’s been ongoing for a few minutes. - Eating Grass: Cats are carnivores that eat grass randomly, and yes, it’s quite a normal thing for them to do. Cats eat grass to soothe their stomach, ease hairballs, get missing nutrients, or enjoy a tasty snack.
Tip: Place non-toxic plants in the house and cultivate cat grass.
Alt text: Nine daily activities as normal cat behaviour explained in illustrations.
How to Spot a Content Cat: Key Happiness Indicators
Cat parents in the USA spend from $710 to $2865, yet many feel their cats love them just for the food. Actually, cats do love us, but they have a different way of saying it. As cat parents, it’s our job to understand cats body language, sounds, and habits. But every cat is unique, with its own quirks and moods. A cat’s behavior can vary based on age, breed, and past experiences. Still, there are some universal signs of happy cat body language, and we’ve highlighted the most important ones below.
Cat Purring
If there’s a sound that warms up the hearts of cat lovers, it is exactly the soft purring when we pet them. Purring is usually a sign of a happy cat, though it’s not always that simple. Cats purr when they’re relaxed and content. It’s the simplest cat behavior with humans when showing their pleasure and connecting with their owners.
Good Self-Care
A happy cat takes care of itself. It grooms regularly, will stretch out, and use the litter box regularly. Happy cats eat well and drink water (which is one of the main signs of a cat’s mood). These signs show they’re comfortable and content at home. When your cat’s in a relaxed state, they’re not just surviving—they’re thriving. So, if you see these habits, you’re doing great as a cat parent.
Tricky Belly Invitations
The most classic cat trick is showing you their belly, and instead of letting you pet them, you get a playful bite. When cats expose their bellies, they’re saying, “I trust you,” but it’s not necessarily an invite for a belly rub. If you try, they might pull back with a scratch. But, if you build trust (unfortunately, yes, by resisting them), you might earn a gentle pet without the bite. Just remember, it’s a trusting gesture from a happy cat, not an invitation for a full belly rub, as most cat parents fall for.
Head Bunting and Rubbing
Cats have scent glands on their heads, so when they head bunt or rub their fur on your clothes, they’re marking their territory. It’s basically saying, “I love you and you are mine.” It’s the way of a happy cat claiming you (and everything around you) as their own. Cats show a sign of affection and ownership when they are happy and relaxed around you.
Happy Cat Body Language
Your feline friend will show you its body movements, so it’s vital to start understanding cat body language. When your cat’s ears are forward, they’re likely curious or paying attention to something moving around. A relaxed, gently swaying tail means they’re calm and content. If their tail flicks or twitches, they’re excited or anticipating something fun. A happy cat will always have an upright tail, relaxed eyes, and soft whiskers. If they roll on their back or ask for a fuss, they’re definitely feeling good.
Add an image as in the example above with illustrations.
Alt text: Signs of a happy cat body language through its eyes, tail and posture.
Unusual Cat Behavior
An unusual cat behavior happens when your furry friend isn’t getting enough mental, social, or physical stimulation. Cats need safe toys and time to play, both alone and with you. They also need quiet spaces to rest when they want. If they can’t reach their essentials like food, water, or their bed without feeling anxious or scared, it can lead to strange cat behavior changes. A cat’s happiness depends on having its needs met in a calm and safe environment. A sudden change in cat behavior means you’re dealing with an unhappy or in pain cat. Signs that your cat is feeling unwell include:
- Excessive scratching
- Eating more than usual
- Spraying (for male cats)
- Low energy all day long
- Hissing and swiping frequently
- Eyes open with wide pupils
- Puffed-up Fur
- Ears to the side or back
- Slow, guarded movement
- Not Using the Litterbox
- Changes in routine
- Inadequate grooming
- Swishing and twitching its tail
Tip: Never shout at your cat—it won’t work! Loud noises including yelling will just get your cat scared from you. Use treats and praise to encourage good behaviour instead. If your cat’s acting out, it could be stressed or unwell, so check with a vet for help.
Add an image here and include some of the signs (better all of them) with a cat showing each sign.
Alt text: Signs of unhappy cat behaviour.
Sad and Stressed Cat Behavior
Cats are more sensitive than most people think, so it’s easy to make them upset and stress them out. Whether it’s a new house, a roommate or another pet, your cat can feel off with the change. If their ears droop, eyes look down, and whiskers sag, your cat could be feeling sad or even depressed.
Also, stressed cats show flat ears, wide-open eyes, and forward or curving whiskers. A puffed-up tail often signals fear or discomfort. If depression creeps in, you’ll notice drooping ears, downcast eyes, and limp whiskers. The body language of cats is the key to their feelings, showing that you need to undo whatever you are doing.
Scared and Anxious Cat Behaviour
Cats can get anxious simply by changing their water bowl and feel threatened by their neighbour’s pet that doesn’t even live in the same house. Their ears may prick up, with one tilting sideways, wide eyes with big pupils, and whiskers pointing forward. If you’re still not sure if you’re dealing with an anxious cat, watch the tail—it might puff up, wag, twitch, or swish slowly.
Beyond an arched posture, anxious cats change their behaviour. They will mainly hide, avoid the litter box, or suddenly attack and become aggressive cats. Sometimes, they become clingy and might follow you everywhere, meow excessively, or groom themselves too much. Changes in appetite, weight, energy levels, or even vomiting are also red flags.
Sick Cat Body Language
The first question from every vet is whether your cat has been eating or not. A loss of appetite is a clear health warning, but other signs appear first. If your cat is loafing with its legs tucked underneath, tail wrapped, eyes closed, ears held low, and head down, it feels vulnerable and unwell.
Excessive meowing, avoiding the litterbox, or vomiting are also cries for attention. Shortness of breath, skin issues, or eye and nose discharge are serious warnings. Hair loss, swelling, sudden weight changes, coughing, mood changes, or increased thirst can also point to illness. If you see these body signs your cat is sick. You should act quickly and consult your vet.
Tips on How to Read a Cat’s Body Language
If cats could talk, they wouldn’t! Cat parents are well aware of how cats enjoy our efforts to get close to them. So, they would still continue to use their highly expressive ears, tail movements and different vocalization. Cats have plenty to say about how they’re feeling and all we need to do is watch them carefully.
- Observe the Tail as a Moodmeter: A cat’s tail is probably its second mouth. A wagging tail means excitement or irritation. A straight-up tail shows confidence, while a tucked tail indicates fear.
- Eye Contact Your Cat to Get a Message: Cats don’t like direct stares. If your cat gazes at you with slow blinks, they’re showing trust. If they stare intensely, they might be feeling threatened. Respect their space and blink back slowly to give them a message of peace.
- Check on Ears Movement and Belly Shows: Ears are like mood indicators, too. If they’re forward, your cat is interested or happy. If they’re flat, your cat may be scared or annoyed. As per belly displays, you should read it twice. It could mean they want a belly rub or they’re ready to defend themselves at any moment.
- Adore Every Sleeping Position: A cat’s sleeping position says a lot. Curled up tight means your cat feels safe. Sprawled out with belly up means they are completely relaxed. Pay attention to how your cat naps.
- Distinguish Your Cat’s Vocalization: Each meow means something different. A short, high-pitched meow usually means hello or asking for attention. A low growl or hiss is surely not a friendly greeting. If you can tell the difference, you will surely talk with your cat one day.
Add images with illustrations about tail moves, eyes, ears, sleeping and meowing.
Alt text: 5 must-read tips on how to understand a cat’s body language
Can You Tell How Your Cat is Doing Now?
We hope we’ve helped you have a clearer understanding of usual and unusual cat behaviors and what they all mean. From their tail movements to their meows, each little gesture reveals how our precious furry babies are feeling.
FAQs
What are some usual cat behaviour problems?
Common cat behavior problems include aggression, not using the litter box, and excessive meowing. Cats may also show signs of anxiety or stress through hiding, over-grooming, or chewing on things they shouldn’t. Behavioral problems are often caused by a lack of stimulation, changes in their environment, or health issues.
Why does my cat meow so much?
Cats meow to communicate with humans. Loud, frequent meowing may indicate various things, like hunger, boredom, or just seeking attention. Cats also meow when they’re feeling anxious, stressed, or in pain. Older cats may meow more due to cognitive dysfunction or medical conditions.
Why does my kitten purr so much?
Kittens purr to express contentment, especially when they’re nursed by their mother or being held by their owner. Purring can also be a sign of self-soothing when a kitten feels nervous or in pain. It’s a natural way for them to communicate warmth and safety.
Why does my cat bite me?
Cats may bite for various reasons, including playfulness, overstimulation, or frustration. But it’s important not to encourage biting, especially for kittens. They, in particular, bite as part of their learning process and teething phase. If a cat bites during petting, it could be a sign that they’ve had enough or are feeling overstimulated. Biting can also occur if a cat feels threatened by other pets.