What did you mean when you said ‘Meow’? : A Guide to Cat Behaviour

Got a cat but finding it hard to keep up with it? Cats aren’t the most expressive creatures in the animal kingdom but they sure do have a lot to say. How do they say it? Through actions. It isn’t always easy to understand them, especially if you have newly gotten a feline pet. So, this is a 5-item list of most common cat behaviours to make things a bit easier.

1. Rolling onto their backs

A cat laying on its back Photo By: Sampurna Dutta (2022)

You will often find your cat laying on the floor with their belly exposed. Oddly, most of the time, they will do this on top of discarded clothes or personal items. No, it does not mean that they want their belly rubbed like dogs. In fact, touching their belly at any time isn’t a good idea since the belly is the most sensitive part for a cat. This behavior of rolling onto their backs is an indication that they feel comfortable and at peace. If they do this on top of a pile of clothes, it is your scent that they pick up from it that tells them, “Hey, that’s my owner’s. I like them!”. So, next time you walk in to see your cat rolling about, you can be assured that they feel safe with you.

2. Slow-blinks and winks

If you are in the midst of a fun little staring contest with your kitty and they slowly blink or wink slightly at you and look away, don’t be alarmed. It’s not that their eyes are getting tired or they’re challenging you to another one. It is quite the opposite. Slow-blinks and winks are, in reality, their way of saying ‘I love you’. Here’s the best thing to do in such cases: try to blink back slowly, imitating them. It is only polite to return the gesture, isn’t it?

A kitten in a sweater blinking slowly Photo By: Wix Media

3. Raising their butts to you

One of the oddest of behaviours exhibited by cats is the presenting of their butts to your face. It leaves one quite flustered as to what the cat wants from them. Its simple really. The want you to pet them in the spot they like the most. Usually, exposing their behinds with their tail standing straight up is a sign for other cats to sniff their butt as a show of affection. You don’t have to sniff it. Instead a couple of soft pats or gentle pets should suffice.

4. Scratching and kneading surfaces

When a cat kneads their front paws into surfaces like the sofa, carpet, or even your body, it is a learnt action. As kittens, cats often pressure the mother’s belly to stimulate the release of more milk by kneading into the flesh. Them doing this to you does not mean they want food or looking for more milk. It can be considered a muscle memory for the kittens because the soft surface reminds them of their mother’s belly. In full-grown adult cats, this kneading or scratching is another show of affection and contentment and a way of marking their territory.

5. Bunting

A cat rubbing its head on a dog on the field Photo By: Wix Media

Bunting, or head-butting, means ‘I trust you and you’re mine’. This peculiar version of a head-butt is often paired with rubbing their whole body against you or another object. Often, this same message can be conveyed through another action – rubbing the object with their gums. When your cat rubs their gums against an object like your laptop or your finger, they are scenting you. In their gums lie scent glands that, upon rubbing, release certain scents that remain on the surface of the object. In the most adorable yet primal way, they’re claiming you as theirs. How romantic!

As we come to the end of this short but (hopefully) useful list, understanding your feline friend just became easier. To all rookie cat owners, now you can communicate with your cat pal feeling assured that you’re not making any mistakes. Happy bonding!

A cat's paw print in the sand Photo By: Wix Media