The inner lives of cats: What our feline friends really think like

Domestic cats, in particular, have interested people since ancient times. Cats have elegant and fluid body structures and mysterious and sometimes unpredictable behaviours; in coincidence, cat fans spend a lot of time contemplating their pet’s mystique. Cats have been man’s favourite companions for nearly as long as recorded history, and yet they are still enigmatic creatures. Here, let us consider popular types of cat behaviour, backed with a scientific explanation, and what this knowledge means for us interacting with cats.

The Enigmatic Purr

Of all the vocalizations that cats make, the most familiar of them all is the purring sound. Cats have a way of purring and though most people believe that this is a sign that the cat is feeling happy and comfortable, the real reasons behind the purring are many. Before they are fully weaned, kittens start to purr – this is at around two weeks of age, with the sound being used to communicate with the mother. Pet cats like all cats as well as kittens purr when they are content but they also may purr when they are in pain, or anxious and afraid. It has also been argued for example by various researchers that the frequency of a cat’s purring can help in the healing of bones and tissues. That the purr reaction can mean both ‘I’m okay’ and ‘I need to console myself’ just enriches the enigma of manner that cats exemplify.

The Art of Kneading

Have you ever observed a cat in the act of ‘making its bed’, using its paws for this purpose, as well? This behaviour is also known as “making biscuits”, which consists of a cat systematically patting its paws on a cushioned surface. Odd as it may appear, kneading is not something a cat does on its own; it is an instinct developed during the years when a kitten is still dependent. Regurgitation helps kittens get more food to spoon-feed their mother, and during nursing, kittens use their paws to massage their mother’s belly.

For this reason, as much as these behaviours may seem juvenile, they may persist as adult cats still use them as signals of their comfort and satisfaction. Getting kneaded on a soft blanket or in your lap means that your cat is feeling safe. However, if your cat is unusually vigorous in this behaviour or if it becomes mean when the object of its affection is asleep, then it might be useful to contact the veterinarian to find out if there are any pathological causes.

The Fascination with Boxes

Do you know how your cat can get fascinated with such things as a box? As always with a cat, it does not matter if it is a carton, a bag or even the space under the couch, it will find the latter most appealing. This behaviour has evolved out of their true nature, which is hunters. Domestic cats, in the wild preferred to get small, compact spaces to incubate and ambush their prospective prey.

Despite being indoor animals, domestic cats also like to be in boxes because they make them feel safe while they can easily survey their environment. Moreover, it can provide a comfortable temperature environment to them in an enclosed area to allow them to control their body temperatures. Allowing your cat a location to conceal themselves in such as a box or blanket can thus help to fulfill this aspect of their nature and make them happy.

The Mysterious Slow Blink

Do you remember at times when your cat looks at you and then starts slowly putting its eyes to sleep? This behaviour, sometimes called ‘’okay sure’’, is done to show submission and even affection from the cat. So in the feline community, a slow blink is as close to smiling as you can get or hugging. This might occur when cats are comfortable and familiar with their environment and may be an expression of their relaxed state.

If you’d like to return the sentiment, the best thing to do is to slowly blink back at your cat. This can go a long way in enhancing the bond that both of you share and also is a sign to your pet feline that they are safe.

The Nighttime Zoomies

I think many cat owners are aware of this incredibly frustrating trick known as the ‘zoomies,’ where a cat suddenly runs at top speed through the house at night. This behaviour is most common with cats that are still young and is attributed to the fact that cats are hunters by nature. Cats are crepuscular; this means that they are most active during the dawn and dusk.

The nighttime zoomies can also be an outlet for cats that have a lot of energy that they have not expended during the day. Rawring is more common during the evening and at night; however, everyday play, mental stimulation during the day, and plenty of toys can cause the cat to be more active during the day.

The Tail Language

Cats use their tails a lot as a form of body language; hence, if you pay attention to the tail movement of your cat, you will be in a position to tell whether your cat is happy, sad, or angry. A dog which keeps its tail high is usually showing signs of pride and happiness but when a dog cowers down and tucks its tail it means it is either afraid or a submissive dog. An erect tail points to the fact that your cat is on the prowl or is angered, a slow-wagging tail suggests that your cat is a hunter. When interacting with cats, one has to learn the position and movement of its tail since it shows the kind of temper the cat has.

Understanding Cat Behavior: First, a closer look

1. Grooming Habits: Cats are known to have grooming habits most of the time. They spend a significant portion of their day cleaning themselves, and this behaviour serves multiple purposes: They spend a significant portion of their day cleaning themselves, and this behaviour serves multiple purposes:

• Hygiene: This way helps to wash off the coats reducing accumulation of dirt, debris and most importantly, parasites which may pose serious health threats to the pets.

• Scent Marking: Cats have scent glands on their paw and their face. So when it comes to grooming, they become active especially with the scent marking of the surface to make it familiar.

• Stress Relief: Grooming can be a self-comforting activity. Sometimes cats groom more often, especially if they feel stressed or anxious in some manner, it is almost like a form of comfort for them.

Tip: Daily brushing is beneficial for the cat due to the possibility of preventing hairballs and is also a good chance to interact with the cat.

2. Hunting and Play Behavior: Wild instincts are not truly eliminated even in a household kitty, for example, it still hunts its prey. Cats must play to be able to practice their hunting instincts which are very essential to them.

• Pouncing and Stalking: If a cat plays then they tend to crawl low and then jump towards their toys in what could be termed as stalking. This resembles the ways that they would naturally hunt in the wild.

• Chasing: Most of the cats like running after toys, a laser beam or even little insects. Of course, this kind of conduct not only contributes to the maintenance of an appropriate level of physical working capacity, but it also acts as a form of mental work.

Tip: Interactive play should be performed using feather wands, laser pointers or toys that mimic the prey to formulate interest in the game. It provides for the satisfaction of the hunting urge but also helps build a closer association on your part.

3. Vocalizations and Their Meanings: There are certain sounds probable to be produced by cats: and all of them represent specific something. Understanding these can help you interpret your cat’s feelings:

• Meowing: When it comes to felines, it is a common observation that the meowing is done more to the humans than the other felines. The tone, pitch and frequency can express different feelings, which can range from being friendly, by simply saying ‘hello’ to being commanding by saying ‘feed me!’

• Chirping or Chattering: Such sound can be heard when a cat is observing birds or other small creatures. It can be used to express joy or anger because they automatically imitate the noise of a prey animal.

• Hissing and Growling: Such calls are made in moments of stress, fear or threat of any kind. Thus, it is necessary to leave the cat alone when it displays such sounds.

Tip: Pay attention to the context in which your cat vocalizes, to better understand their needs and emotions.

4. The Importance of Scratching: Scratching is a natural behaviour for cats, serving several important functions:

• Claw Maintenance: Scratching also assists in removing the worn-out covering of the claws and therefore maintains the sharpness of the claws.

• Territory Marking: Cats have some smell glands on their paws, and scratching is done in the sense that it creates objects with colour and smell through which these cats can communicate with one another.

• Stretching and Exercise: If they continually scratch it assists in exercising their muscles and they get to stretch often.

Tip: Offer them several scratching posts or pads at different places in your house so that they can perform this instinct naturally and thus save your furniture.

5. Social Behavior and Bonds: Even though cats are usually considered to be rather independent, most of them appreciate communication and interaction with people as well as with other animals.

• Head Butting: There is nothing more expressive than when a cat has to rub its head on you which is a way of showing that it loves you. This behaviour, known as bunting, is a way that a cat indelibly asserts upon your scent.

• Following You Around: If your cat moves from one room to another trailing you, then it means they like you and wish to be around you.

• Grooming Each Other: Attached cats may engage in grooming each other which is called allogrooming. This action promotes their social interaction and offers them comfort.

Tip: Pet the cat, talk to the cat and play with it… This will assist in building up that relationship while at the same time giving them the security they need emotionally.

6. Understanding Fear and Anxiety: Some cats can easily get threatened or anxious due to changes in the environment. Common triggers include:

• Loud Noises: Hearing is one of the most important senses in cats and shock can be caused by thunder, fireworks or any other extremely loud noise.

• New Environments: Some cats may get stressed when they change their home or where they live or when new pets are introduced in the household.

• Routine Changes: Some of the events that can cause changes in behaviour include changes in feeding schedule, litter box location or a change of routine.

Tip: The next step in helping your stressed cat is to ensure that, there is a stress-free zone for you and your cat. This could be a room with the least noise and movement and a kit with their favourite blanket, toys, and a litter box. 

7. Environment influences as a factor of behaviour: it can be deduced that the environment has quite a great influence on the overall behaviour of cats. If a cat is provided with a stimulating environment then it will be a healthy and happy cat.

• Vertical Space: This has been exhibited by cats who prefer to hop into a higher altitude to gaze at whatever is below them. This instinct can be met by such things as cat trees or shelves.

• Interactive Toys: Treats that are given in puzzle toys will challenge your cat’s mind and will not make her get bored.

• Window Perches: It has also emerged that cats like watching the outside environment. A perch could be installed at a window to give the bird entertainment and stimulation.

Some cats can get bored with some toys and hence it is advisable to take turns with toys now and then and also replace some toys with new ones.

Read Also: Tips to help choose the right pet for you – Factors to Consider

Conclusion

It is worthwhile having some knowledge regarding feline behaviour matters as it is a question of escalating your patience level as well as being keen on the distinctive cat behaviours whenever you are with the cats. Every cat is an individual with its own character and governs it. If you have the patience to decipher such behaviors and their causes you can help your STs provide them with the environment they need for their physical as well as their emotional well-being.

When developing your knowledge about your feline friend, it should be remembered that the role of a cat and a person is to respect and love each other and trust each other. The more you take the weirdness of the cat’s behaviour and accept it, the more enjoyable your time with the cat is going to be. Some of the cats may be cuddling on your lap, playing around, or even sitting still just looking outside the window; any given time with your cat is always time well spent as you get to unravel the mysteries of felines.