37 Top Cat Behaviors Explained (2023)

As a cat parent, you’ve probably meowed at your cat at least once, trying to communicate with them in their native language. A few times, it may have worked, and they’ve responded. But why do cats meow back at you?

You don’t need to have one of the smartest cat breeds to know how intelligent these tiny felines are. Any cat owner would know that each pet has its own personality and that you get to learn something new from them all the time. 

And, after 10 000 years of domestication, it’s surprising that they haven’t learned to speak to their owners. Or have they? 

If you’re a cat parent to a kitty that meow’s throughout the night, you may be concerned or simply fed up with getting poor sleep. Otherwise known as night vocalization or night-calling, these midnight symphonies are not uncommon behavior. You’re not alone as many cat lovers are dragging themselves out of bed to quiet a feisty feline.

Either way, when it comes to our fur babies, it’s best to rule out any troublesome causes and rest easy at night knowing they are healthy and happy. So how can you ensure that both you and your cat can have sweet dreams again? Let’s find out.

We often see dogs panting and don't assume that it is a cause for concern. However, cats don't tend to pant often. So what does it mean when they do? And is there anything you can do to calm your cat down when it happens?

Cats have a reputation for being stand-offish and often disinterested. But this reputation can often be very wrong. I have a Siberian cat Alexei and he loves following me around the house. Alexei isn't unique - many cats like to follow their owners around - and even to the bathroom.

So why do they do this? Cats have domesticated themselves so the reasons for them following their owners around tend to be postive.

Here are 13 Reasons why your cat follows you.

We all love our adorable felines - from their purrfect little stares to their rough, bristled tongues that lick us as though we're a tasty snack. But what does it mean when a cat licks you? It's a common question that many cat owners query.

Many assume kitties lick them as a sure sign of love - which isn't that far off. While it's difficult to determine whether cats feel complex emotions such as love, licking is a sign of affection.

Mother cats lick their kittens as part of the grooming process, which continues into adulthood. Cats also designate members to allogrooming - to lick each other.

Let's take a further look below into why cats lick us.

Cats are peculiar and fascinating creatures. Some of their habits, such as your kitty’s soft purrs, are easy for us to understand as affectionate. Other behavioral characteristics of cats are far more confusing.

If you’ve caught your cat intently staring, you might have felt like they were trying to communicate. Perhaps you’ve been woken up to your cat eyeballing you while sitting on your chest. Or, you may have felt their gaze boring into your back.

Whether you’re worried about their well being, curious about your cat’s behavior, or just plain creeped out. You’re not alone in wondering what it means when a cat stares at you. Do these wide-eyed, soul-searing stares mean something specific?

Let’s review what’s known about the topic.

For many cat owners, that luxurious, cheerful purr is one of the best reasons for owning a cat. In fact, studies show that people who have felines have less stress-induced health issues, which may be linked to our kitties’ purrs.

No wonder, then, that you’re upset and asking, “Well, just why doesn’t my cat purr?” I get it; it’d be hard for me, too, to lose out on this adorable trait.

Once you’ve understood the function of purring, you’ll see that there are a variety of reasons for a feline to stop making the sound.

In most cases, there’s absolutely nothing to worry about. Where there is cause for concern, there is treatment. So, let’s take a closer look at the mysterious purr.

You’ve probably seen your cat in this famous Halloween pose. Tail up, back stretched upwards, and just enjoying the moment. But why do cats arch their back?

Cats tend to do very funny things, like claw at us and lick our noses. But one of the most famous and unique cat behaviors is the arching of their backs.

These nimble little creatures are very flexible and get into some interesting positions from time to time. If you’d like to know more about why your cat is arching his back, keep reading!

You’ve probably come across this sweet sight many times—your furry friend curled into a tight ball and sleeping soundly.

Cats take on many different sleeping positions that often leave us wondering why they would sleep in this way. While the curled-into-a-ball position is one of the more normal ways to see a cat sleeping, it might still make you wonder. Why do cats sleep in a ball?

Some owners are concerned that their pet might be sick, cold, or stressed when they find their feline curled up in a ball. To set your mind at rest, let’s take a look at some of the main reasons why your cat would sleep in this curled-up position. 

Cats are an interesting species. They are the epitome of mixed signals. One moment they will be loving, purring, and stroking themselves on you. The next moment you have some tiny teeth digging into your skin. Why do cats purr and then bite you?

It's tough to decipher what cats want from you when they can't tell you. It's not like they speak English (although that would be incredible). So when your cat seems to be enjoying the affection you are giving them and then suddenly turns around and bites you, you are right to be confused.

As a cat lover, you need to make an effort to learn how they communicate with you. Animals have signals that they use to show you how they are feeling. And unless you understand these signals and what they mean, there's going to be a lot of confusion and miscommunication. 

You might even be putting your kitties in a situation they don't like without knowing it.

Our kitties are creatures full of mystery. One moment you'll see your furbaby kneading your stomach, head butting or rubbing up against you, and the next, they act as if they don't know who you are.

They may go from purring little sweethearts to suddenly despise the sight of you.

What causes the switch to flip in behavior from purring, snacking, snuggling kitties to growling ones? Why do cats growl?

Cats have various vocalizations that they use to communicate, and growling or hissing is a common way in which cats express themselves. A cat who growls, spits, or hisses indicates a clear sign they are agitated, angry, or afraid of something.

Although we cannot speak fluent meow, let's look into trying to understand why cats growl.

For many cat owners, that luxurious, cheerful purr is one of the best reasons for owning a cat. In fact, studies show that people who have felines have less stress-induced health issues, which may be linked to our kitties’ purrs.

No wonder, then, that you’re upset and asking, “Well, just why doesn’t my cat purr?” I get it; it’d be hard for me, too, to lose out on this adorable trait.

Once you’ve understood the function of purring, you’ll see that there are a variety of reasons for a feline to stop making the sound.

In most cases, there’s absolutely nothing to worry about. Where there is cause for concern, there is treatment. So, let’s take a closer look at the mysterious purr.

You’re all snug and settled on the sofa, or typing away at your laptop, and suddenly, your adorable kitty jumps onto your lap, curls into a ball, and purrs away peacefully. Many ponder the question, “Why does my cat sit on me?”.

There are many ways to express oneself in cat word. Cats like to sit on laps because they feel secure and safe near you. They may be trying to warm themselves up or are coming to you for attention.

Once they feel satisfied, they’ll often leave to do something far more interesting.

All kitties have unique personalities; some are more loving and keen snugglers; while others may prefer to hang out alone and keep their distance. Then there are the lap cats that are ready to leap onto your legs and blissfully enjoy your company.

Let’s take a look at some reasons why our kitties choose to sit on us rather than curling up on their comfy beds and with their toys. 

If you're a cat owner, you’ve likely wondered why cats rub against one person but not another. Your fluffy companion might greet you at the door and rub against your legs, but be aloof when your partner or friend enters through the same door.

Why do they do this? What does it mean when a cat rubs against you? Are they fishing for affection or coaxing you for a treat? The answer is very simple. You are family! But how does it work?

Why do they do this? What does it mean when a cat rubs against you? Are they fishing for affection or coaxing you for a treat? The answer is very simple. You are family! But how does it work?

Does your kitty like to bump heads with you? Have you ever wandered what it means when it does this? Is it love - or is it anger? After all, a human headbutting a human is definitely not a sign of love!

Find all the theories about what does it mean when a cat headbutts you in my post.

If you’ve ever owned a cat, chances are you’ve been a victim of a scratch or cat bite. It’s not always a violent affair. Cats love to bite gently when playing or to warn you of something. Sometimes, cats will focus on particular parts of your body to attack or bite, like feet. Why do they do this? Why does my cat bite my feet?

Cats bite for lots of different reasons. They also have different kinds of bites. A gentle nibble is a non-aggressive interaction, while a real bite will be born of aggression or fear. In the case of cats attacking your feet, it’s most likely the former.

Even so, there are plenty of reasons why your cat may decide to bite your feet. In this article, we’ll look at a few possible reasons for this behavior and what you might be able to do to change it.

Does your cat like to rub its face on everything? From you to the couch to other animals to soft toys? There are several reasons that cats like to rub their faces on things and they can vary depening on the object being rubbed and the context.

A key thing to know about why do cats rub their faces on things is that cats have several scent glands located across their heads. They rub their heads on objects or "bunt" to leave their scent behind. Cats generally like to choose objects that stand out to bunt and male cats tend to bunt more than females. This behaviour was developed by cats when they were in the wild.

Cats tend to rub their ears and foreheads on items that are quite high to them and then use the bottom of their cheeks to mark objects that are at the same height as their heads. The chin and the throat then rub against lower items. Cats also have scent glands in their tails and their feet.

From pillows to blankets, furniture, carpets, and their servant humans, you’ve probably experienced your adorable little feline massaging or kneading you or items in your household some time or another.Here are eight reasons why cats like to rub their faces on things.

From pillows to blankets, furniture, carpets, and their servant humans, you’ve probably experienced your adorable little feline massaging or kneading you or items in your household some time or another.

Why do cats knead their owners? It’s one of the mysterious, and sometimes charming, quirks our kitties present us with. The push-forward motions of their paws impersonating kneading dough — ‘making biscuits’.

If your kitty does this at times, you may be wondering why do cats knead us? Let’s take a look into some reasons behind why cats make biscuits on our bodies.

Why do cats roll in the dirt? Have you ever looked out into the garden to see your beloved purrfect kitty rolling gleefully in the dirt? The complete opposite of seeing your fur baby neatly sitting, licking themselves clean, or admiring your grooming efforts? What's going on?

While our fur babies have dust baths and we fear for their beautiful silky coats getting dirty, they have good reasons for doing it. It may seem a bit odd, especially with all our caring efforts; however, it's actually a good way for them to care for themselves.

So, unless you have a full-time indoor cat breed, let's take a peek at some reasons why cats roll in the dirt when they get outside. 

Cats are graceful creatures, from their head to their barbed, expressive tail. Even their personalities reflect that sophistication and refinement. So, it can come as a bit of a surprise when your kitty ‘lets one rip’ bad enough to clear the room.

Although most cat parents will never witness their cats pass gas, it does happen. When a cat farts, it’s silent and undetectable in odor. But if you have noticed that your cat is passing gas frequently, that could be a sign of an irritable digestive system.

But don’t hit the panic button just yet. Most causes for your kitties' flatulence are not life-threatening. In this guide, you’ll find the possible reasons why your cat farts so much and ways to help them manage their excessive flatulence.

Seeing your cat shaking may be very alarming for a cat owner. For one thing, it’s an unusual sort of behavior, and your first instinct will likely be to assume the worst. First things first - don’t panic. Try to remain calm - there could be several reasons for your cat experiencing shaking, and not all of them are life-threatening.

Shakes can result from something as innocuous as your cat dreaming, to feeling a bit cold, to an illness or undiagnosed condition. So bear in mind that not all shaking in cats is cause for alarm.

In this article, we’ll look at the most common causes of the question why is my cat shaking and what you can do to alleviate at least a few of the reasons. In all situations, though, consider consulting your vet if the shaking persists.

One of the many reasons why animal lovers are drawn to cats is their curious and independent nature. However, that's only one side to their personality. Cats are also very affectionate and loving. Many new kitty parents may be surprised to learn that their cat wants to curl up next to them at night.

But what if your cat is curling up to you and only you at night? And not your partner? Are you the favorite? Is that even a thing? Well, cats are known for picking favorites, and they even do it in their sleep. It’s more common than you think, so do not feel guilty if you’re the chosen one.

However, if you aren’t the one your cat is running to for a bedtime story and forehead kisses, here’s your chance to finally understand why. You can find the most common reasons for cat sleeping preferences below.

Does your cat like to stick its tongue out? Cats can look quite hilarious and/or quite cute when they stick their tongues out - which is good as they do tend to do it frequently. Unlike with humans, it is unlikely that your cat is being rude to you when it sticks its tongue out - so why do cats stick their tongues out?

It’s one of the sweetest sights...one kitten leans into another and begins to lick its fur. As cute as we think this behavior is, there is actually practical logic behind it.

So, why do cats lick each other? For our finicky felines, licking is key to grooming, which, as any kitty owner knows, cats are obsessed with. They’re not just randomly flinging their tongues across each other but engaging in an elaborate communication system.

Many people think that cats who lick each other are showing their affection. While this is often true, there are many different reasons behind this conduct. And fortunately, if you have only one cat, it is a behavior you can replicate.

Anyone who’s owned a cat carries scars on their hands and fingers. Literally. But that’s normal for feline owners. Almost everyone will talk about how they got those scars with adoration, rather than scorn.

In many cases, cats simply offer claws in return for fingers. Who doesn’t know the sudden claw-first grab after a tummy rub that’s gone on too long? Why does my cat attack me?

Sometimes, however, cats exhibit behavior that is problematic in its aggression. These kinds of attacks are not defensive and can inflict unexpected and occasionally severe damage.

Behaviorists have determined a few possible causes for why cats attack their owners. If you’re finding living with your cat increasingly stressful because of aggressive behavior towards you, keep reading. You may be able to identify one of these as a cause.

For animals with the reputation of being cold and independent, many cats are surprisingly cuddly when it comes to bedtime. Most pet owners don’t question this too much — after all, who doesn’t want a real-life teddy bear?

However, there are specific answers to “why does my cat sleep with me,” and it’s 100% worth learning about these. Understanding why they indulge in this behavior will help you to better care for and bond with your feline.

Many of the factors that drive your fur baby to sit on your lap are the very same ones that lead him to curl up beside you in bed. Let’s take a closer look at this kitty behavior.

Why do cats chase their tails? Does your cat chase its own tail? My cat Alexei certainly does and I always find it very amusing. I didn't realise that cats actually did this until I got my Siberian cat.

However, a cat chasing its own tail can have several meanings - not all of which are fun. Here are some things to think about if your cat is chasing its tail.

However, a cat chasing its own tail can have several meanings - not all of which are fun. Here are some things to think about if your cat is chasing its tail.

Well, you’re not alone. While many cat owners are more than happy to curl up with their kitties, there is often the mystery of why cats enjoy sleeping on their human’s legs. Often your cat will have a beautiful, comfy bed all to itself, but would rather join you in your bed and stretch out over your legs.

So let’s dig a bit deeper into why cats do this, and whether it’s something you should be concerned about, or just thankful for.

As a cat parent, it’s handy to know as much as you can about your feline, such as how best to care for your cat, and even what their different behaviors mean - like why does my cat lay on my chest?

Not many people have stopped to ponder why cats like to lie on their humans, either. There are plenty of theories to discuss when it comes to why your babies may like to lounge around on your chest, limbs, or even your face.

While there are many myths about cats and how they simply use you for room and lodging, they’re simply not true. Cats are loving and loyal, and they show their affection in many ways.

Some of these include bringing you their cat toys, following you around, or even - you guessed it - laying on you.

Let’s dive right into some of the theories surrounding why your kitty may like to lie on you.

All cat parents know how much their felines like to groom themselves. But what happens when your kitty starts to groom you? Why does my cat eat my hair?

There are several possible answers to the question of why your cat is eating or chewing your hair. And if you don't like this behaviour or it is getting out of control there are quite a few ways to discourage this behavior.

Cats have a fantastic reputation when it comes to cleanliness. Their main method of grooming is to use their tongue to lick themselves - starting with their cute faces and then moving to their loges, body and ending at the tail. By why does my cat lick my nose?

The reason that all this grooming takes place is to protect and isolate the cat from high and low temperatures. If their tongue doesn't do the job cats will then use their teeth to finish off their preening.

Kittens are cleaned by their mothers from the day they are born and then come to learn how to clean themselves. This behaviour reinforces the family and social bonds between mother and kitten and siblings.

As your kitty's human you are now their family. This means that no matter how old your cat is it will practice some kitten behaviours in your presence. This is generally why your cat will rub itself against you or jump up on you - it is trying to get to your face.

Indeed one of the reasons that cats like their owners asleep or lying down is that it is their perfect setting (eg everyone is relaxed) for grooming. Your cat will also be looking to exchange odors with us as our smells are comforting to your cat.

Now that you understand why cats practice licking behaviour and its role let's get into the key reasons why your cat is licking your nose.

When my Siberian cat Alexei licks me I take it as a sign of love. However, when he quickly follows the licking up with a bite I begin to think that he might feel otherwise!

I was heartened to discover that this problem is not unique to Alexei and that many other cat owners have asked why does my cat lick me then bite me?

It can be very confusing when your cat displays what seems to be loving behaviour and then behaviour that can actually cause you pain. Is it angry? What have you done wrong? And what should you do?

Here are 5 reasons why your cat may lick you and then bite you - plus some of the other most frequently asked questions in this area.

When humans bite their nails, it’s usually dismissed as a nervous tick or merely a bad habit. At worst, it is thought of as impolite or unhygienic.

Why do cats bite their nails? While it’s generally considered normal, it can sometimes be a cause for concern for reasons we’ll discuss below.

Cats chew their claws as a regular part of grooming - your cat enjoys cleanliness after all. Excessive biting can be a sign of an underlying problem, though. It could be a behavioral issue brought on by stress or anxiety.

But it could also be a medical issue, which may require a visit to your vet. Either way, you’ll want to keep an eye on such behavior, as it may lead to more significant problems if ignored.

Read on to find out why cats bite their nails and when you should be concerned.  

Nothing makes your heart skip a beat like finding your little pussy cat curled up with a paw delicately placed over its face. It’s a cuteness overload few cat owners can resist, and virtually all cats exhibit this behavior in their lifetimes. But why do cats cover their face when they sleep?

Cats spend a lot of time sleeping, after all. So noticing their behavior while they’re dreaming away the day or night is natural for a doting pet parent. You may even notice that your cat tends to cover their face a lot and be curious why.

Is it a bad sign, you might wonder? Or just your cat being a cat? Stress no more, for this article has the low-down on the most common reasons why cats cover their faces while sleeping. Get ready to learn a lot about this cute pose and what it might mean for your feline friend.

Wait, isn’t it dogs that bury their food? As it turns out, canines aren’t the only ones with ancient instincts that compel them to cover up their coveted cuisine. Cats can have a tendency to do this as well — perhaps you’ve even caught them in the act and wondered what they were doing it for. So why does my cat try to bury her food?

Maybe they’re just weird, you might think. But cats have very real reasons for wanting to bury their food. Whether it’s the best dry food money can buy your kitten or sumptuous wet food that makes your cat drool, cats don’t discriminate when it comes to burying urges.

If you need answers now, you’ve come to the right place. Here we’ll discuss the most common reasons why your cat might be burying their food and just how normal it is.  

Many cat lovers would agree that having your cat sleep next to you feels like you’ve hit the jackpot and are being showered with love. But have you ever wondered, “why do cats sleep next to their owners rather than in their own bed?” 

Well, there are many reasons for cats’ sleeping positions and behaviors. You might find your fur baby snoozing next to you because they trust you, or they could simply be seeking warmth. 

To help you understand your cat's behavior a little better, I've put together a list of the most common reasons why cats sleep next to their owners.

Many cats have a habit of kneading and biting blankets. Most owners have seen them do it. It's a hilariously cute activity and never fails to draw a coo of admiration from us. Obviously, the question is why do cats knead and bite blankets?

Common wisdom usually explains it thus: The kneading comes from a kitten's action meant to stimulate milk production in its mother. A kitten will knead a mother's teats in order to assist with getting milk out.

That, you may be fascinated to hear, is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. There are several reasons cats may knead or bite at their blankets, including one or two that may require a closer look. Sometimes, a cat’s biting may be a sign of a problem.

Here's the explanation: