Feline Psychology: A quick guide to some commonly misunderstood Cat Behaviours
As a Sociology major, I’m always trying to make use of my knowledge and understanding of human behaviour, and sometimes it can also apply to the relationships between us and our pets. Even though they don’t always say what they mean, humans can easily express their thoughts through speech, something that our pets haven’t mastered just yet!
Cats are mysterious and fascinating creatures with complex and nuanced behaviors that can be both delightful and confusing for their humans. Whether you’ve just adopted a new feline friend or have been a cat owner for years, it’s important to make the effort to understand the different behaviors your cat exhibits and what they mean.
Here are some of the most common cat behaviors explained:
- Purring — When a cat purrs, it often indicates contentment and relaxation. However, cats may also purr when they are anxious or in pain, so it’s important to observe other cues to understand your cat’s emotional state.
2. Kneading — This behavior is often associated with kittens nursing, but adult cats may also knead when they are feeling happy and relaxed.
3. Scratching — Cats scratch to mark their territory and keep their claws sharp. Provide your cat with a scratching post or pad to prevent them from scratching your furniture.
4. Hissing — A hissing cat is a warning sign that they are feeling threatened or afraid. Give your cat space and try to identify the source of their discomfort.
5. Bringing “murder gifts” — While it may seem gross to us, when cats bring us gifts such as dead mice or birds, it’s actually a sign of affection and sharing.
6. Meowing — Cats meow for a variety of reasons, from seeking attention to expressing hunger or discomfort. Learn to distinguish between different meows to better understand your cat’s needs.
Remember, every cat is unique and may exhibit different behaviors depending on their personality and experiences. By paying attention to your fur baby’s body language and vocal cues, you can better understand their needs, cater to them easier and form a stronger bond.
And now, for a little joke to lighten the mood: What do you get when you cross a cat with a lemon? A sourpuss! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)
In conclusion, understanding your cat’s behaviors is key to helping them live their best life. Observe their actions and body language carefully, and you can better understand your furry baby and build a stronger relationship. And who knows, maybe they’ll even stop bringing you “gifts” in the form of dead rodents.
If you’ve made it this far, you earned a free copy of my “New Cat Owner’s Crash Course” ebook, worth $12. Download it directly from here: https://meow.systeme.io/cat_ebook
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Meow-gnificently yours,
Jules 🎩🐾
