Cats get a bad rap for being aloof and mysterious. But here’s the truth: while you’re casually living your life, your cat is silently observing, judging, and forming a mental dossier on you. Think you’re the one watching them? Think again. Cats are way more perceptive than we give them credit for, and they’ve picked up on a lot more about you than you might expect.
Here are ten things your cat knows about you—but you probably haven’t realised.
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1. Your Mood Swings Are Their Business
You might think your cat doesn’t care when you’re down in the dumps or bouncing off the walls with joy. Wrong. Cats are emotionally attuned creatures, and they pick up on your vibe more than you know.
When you’re stressed, they’ll often keep their distance—or alternatively, come sit quietly near you, their version of emotional support. When you’re relaxed and cheerful, don’t be surprised if they get a burst of playfulness. You’re basically their emotional weather forecast.
2. Your Daily Routine Is Their Schedule
You thought you were the creature of habit? Cats are absolute pros at clock-watching. They know exactly when you get up, when you feed them, and when you settle down to watch TV. And if you deviate? You’ll get the side-eye or, more likely, an insistent meow chorus until you sort yourself out. Your cat probably knows your routine better than you do—and they rely on it.
3. Who You Like (and Who You Don’t)
Cats are social detectives. They pick up on your body language and vocal tone around different people. They know when you’re excited to see someone and when you’re not-so-secretly dreading that visit from your annoying cousin. Don’t be surprised if your cat avoids someone you’re not fond of—or jumps into the lap of your favourite friend. They’re matching your energy, always.
4. Your Weird Little Habits
You know how you talk to yourself when no one’s around? Or the way you sing badly in the shower? Your cat knows. Oh, they know. And while they don’t judge in the way a dog might (with blind adoration), they definitely clock your quirks. The tapping foot, the hair twirling, the weird way you eat cereal straight from the box—they’ve seen it all and added it to your permanent record.
5. When You’re Faking Sleep
Trying to fake sleep to get out of feeding your cat at 5 a.m.? Good luck. Cats can tell when you’re pretending. They notice the way your breathing changes, the way your body moves ever so slightly. To them, you’re basically an amateur actor in a low-budget production. If you’re trying to play possum, don’t be shocked when they walk across your face in response.
6. When You’re Leaving (and for How Long)
Cats know your “leaving the house” routine—keys jangling, shoes going on, coat rustling. They can tell the difference between a short trip to the shops and the ominous signs of a longer absence (suitcase = betrayal). Ever noticed your cat acting moody or aloof before you’ve even walked out the door for a trip? Yep. They know. And they’re not thrilled about it.
7. When You’re Talking About Them
No joke—cats respond to their name, and more than that, they can pick up on when they’re the topic of conversation. Whether you’re praising them or complaining about the hairball on your pillow, your tone of voice, eye contact, and body language give it away. Your cat might not understand the exact words, but they’re very aware that they’re being discussed. Expect a tail flick of disdain in response.
8. Your “I’m About to Take You to the Vet” Face
You might be able to lie to your friends, but your cat? No chance. They know when something’s up. You walk differently, you make too much eye contact, and you start using your “everything’s fine” voice. Cats are master observers and can sense the shift in your energy the moment you start plotting a trip to the vet. That’s why they vanish under the bed before you’ve even reached for the carrier.
9. Your Smell Tells Them Everything
Humans don’t give enough credit to their own scent—but cats do. Your cat knows your “just got back from the gym” smell, your “I’ve been crying into a glass of wine” scent, and everything in between. Scent is one of their strongest ways of identifying what’s going on with you.
If you’ve been around another animal, they’ll know. If you’ve had garlic-heavy food, they’ll sniff and judge. You are, to them, a walking olfactory report.
10. You’re Hopelessly in Love With Them (And They Exploit It)
At the end of the day, your cat knows they’ve got you wrapped around their adorable, murder-mitten paws. The fact that you still get up at 3 a.m. to feed them, or that you sit uncomfortably for hours because they’ve decided to nap on your lap—yeah, they know. And they work it.
Every head tilt, every slow blink, every little paw tap is calculated to manipulate your soft human heart. And you fall for it. Every. Single. Time.
Final Thought: They Know You Better Than You Know Yourself
So while you’re busy trying to figure out why your cat is staring at a blank wall, they’re quietly taking notes on your every move. They’re little furry psychologists with a side of sass, and they’ve probably got you more accurately pegged than your best mate. The next time your cat gives you that long, slow blink or a twitchy-tailed side-eye, just remember: they know. They always know.
And honestly? You wouldn’t have it any other way.
10 Things Your Cat Will Never Forgive
Cats have a great memory, especially when remembering bad experiences. While still up for debate, most experts believe felines can retain memories for 15 to 20 years!
This practical capability helps them in the wild and allows them to form long-term bonds, recall useful information, and (yes) even hold grudges.
In short, if you’re a first-time fur mom or dad, it’s crucial to remain on their good side, lest you incur the feline’s wrath!
So, here are 10 things your cat will never forgive and you should never do. Some of these are seemingly harmless mistakes, yet have a lasting impact on your cat’s well-being and your relationship.
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10 Myths About Cats You Should Stop Believing
As a long-time cat owner, I’ve found that many of my friends often have misconceptions about cats. Unfortunately, new cat parents may encounter problems because of misinformation on the internet.
Today, we’ll discuss ten myths about cats that you should stop believing. You’ll be surprised by just how much you didn’t know about your feline companion!
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10 Everyday Things That Hurt Your Cat’s Feelings
Think your cat’s upset? Well, it probably is!
Cats can get annoyed, bored, freaked out, or totally zen. Believe it or not, they can also feel hurt. Yep, our feline friends are more sensitive than we realize.
So, here are 10 everyday things that hurt your cat’s feelings, so you’ll know how to avoid them.
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Amanda created and owns The Discerning Cat. A lifelong cat lover she is the proud parent of two Siberian cats, Alexei and Vladimir. She is passionate about understanding cats and different cat breeds.