Cats are fascinating creatures with unique habits that can sometimes leave their humans puzzled. One moment, they’re purring contently in your lap, and the next, they’re zooming across the house at full speed. Knowing all about your cat’s behavior helps you understand all the bits and pieces of your best friend’s personality.

Every whisker twitch, tail flick, or sudden pounce has meaning. Cats communicate through body language, vocalizations, and instinct-driven actions. Each of these behaviors has significant meaning, something that will be important to note as pet owners.

Let’s talk more about the common cat behaviors you can see in your best friend:

Cat Behaviors About Affection and Comfort

Cats have many ways of showing love and seeking comfort. Some of these behaviors may seem unusual to humans, but they all serve a purpose. If your cat has ever kneaded your lap, purred non-stop, or headbutted you, know that these are all signs of affection.

Here are the common cat behaviors that show affection and comfort:

1. Kneading. Kneading is when your cat rhythmically pushes its paws against a soft surface, such as a blanket, cushion, or even your lap. This behavior originates in kittenhood when nursing kittens knead their mother’s belly to help with milk flow. Cats can also continue this behavior as a sign of comfort and affection.
   
   

2. Purring. One of the most recognizable and common cat behaviors is purring, a soft, rhythmic sound that cats produce when they are content. While cat purring is almost always associated with happiness, there are times when it can have other meanings, such as anxiety and discomfort.
   
   

3. Slow Blinking. When a cat looks at you and then slowly closes and reopens its eyes, it’s a sign of trust and affection. In the feline world, direct eye contact can be seen as a challenge, but a slow blink signals that your cat feels safe and comfortable around you. It basically says, “I love you.” Doing the same is a common response pet owners do.
   
   

4. Head Butting. If your cat bumps their head against you or rubs their face on you, they’re being affectionate and marking you as part of its territory. Cats have various scent glands on their cheeks, forehead, and chin that release pheromones. When they rub against you, they’re leaving their scent behind, essentially claiming you as their own.
   
   

5. Licking. Cats groom themselves meticulously, but they also groom other cats as a sign of bonding. If your cat licks you, they’re engaging in this same social grooming behavior, treating you as if you were another cat in their family. This cat behavior can be a sign of affection, comfort, or even an attempt to "clean" you.
   
   

6. Rolling Over and Exposing Belly. One of the most confusing cat behaviors is when they roll onto their backs and expose their bellies. Many people assume this is an invitation for belly rubs, but it’s actually a deep showing of trust. If a cat shows you its belly, it means that it is comfortable around you and is open to being touched there.
   
   

7. Elevated Butt During Petting. Picture this: you're petting your cat along their back, and suddenly, their rear end pops up in the air. This cat behavior is usually a sign that they’re enjoying the petting, especially if you’re scratching near the base of their tail.
   
   

8. Hiding in Small Areas. Cats have a natural instinct to seek enclosed spaces, which provide them with a sense of security. Domestic cats, which is why they love hiding in boxes, under beds, or inside cabinets.
   
   

9. Napping. Cats nap all the time, taking 12 to 16 hours a day to replenish their energies and bodies. This is why when you see your cat taking good, comfortable naps all throughout the day, you’ll know it’s feeling relaxed.
   
   

10. Staring. If you notice your cat staring at you, it might be asking for something. This can be food, attention, or even comfort. Additionally, staring can sometimes come with slow blinking, which confirms this showing of affection.
    
    

11. Interrupting Calls. If your cat suddenly becomes more vocal, affectionate, and needy while you talk to someone over the phone, it’s a sign of the need for attention. Cats have incredible hearing, which means they can hear the voices but might be confused as to where it’s coming from.

Cat Behaviors About Hunting and Play

Cats are natural hunters, even if they have never set a paw outside. Their instincts drive them to mimic hunting behaviors, such as stalking, chasing, and pouncing. Even well-fed indoor cats will engage in hunting-like activities, often using toys, household objects, or even their human hands as substitutes for prey. 

Here are the hunting and playing behaviors you should know about:

10. Chattering. You might have seen your cat staring intently out the window at birds or squirrels while making a fast, clicking, or chattering noise. In that case, you’ve witnessed a fascinating aspect of feline hunting behavior. A twitching jaw and a focused stare often accompany this sound.
    
    

11. Bringing Gifts. Many cat owners have experienced the surprise of finding a dead mouse, bird, or insect left at their doorstep. This cat behavior is actually a sign of their natural hunting instincts and desire to share food with their family. When a cat brings their owner a gift, they may be treating them as part of their family.
    
    

12. Stalking and Pouncing. If your cat suddenly crouches low, wiggles their hindquarters, and then launches themselves forward in an ambush, they are engaging in hunting behavior. Cats stalk and pounce because these behaviors are deeply ingrained instincts, even for those who have never hunted live prey.
    
    

13. Zoomies. Sometimes, cats will suddenly race through the house at full speed, leaping onto furniture and dashing around corners. These random energy explosions, often called zoomies, are a normal part of cat behavior. Zoomies are often a result of pent-up energy. Indoor cats, especially, need daily exercise and playtime to prevent excessive zooming. 
    
    

14. Knocking Things Over. Cats have a habit of batting objects off tables, shelves, and counters with their paws just to watch them fall. This cat behavior stems from curiosity, boredom, and playfulness. Your cat may be curious about that certain object, or it’s trying to get your attention.
    
    

15. Chewing Cords. Chewing cords is a behavior that some cats exhibit, and it can be both frustrating and dangerous. This can come from boredom, curiosity, and teething. 
    
    

16. Attacking Feet Under the Covers. If your cat suddenly pounces on your feet while you're in bed, it just means they’re hunting and playing. The movement of your feet beneath the blankets triggers their instinct to stalk and attack.
    
    

17. Pawing on the Water. Some cats treat water as a toy, especially if they see ripples or reflections on the surface. They may swat at the water or splash it around simply because it’s fun or because they’re curious. Moving water is also more appealing for them to drink.

Cat Behaviors About Marking

Cats are highly territorial animals, and much of their behavior revolves around marking and defending their space. Even indoor cats, who don’t have to worry about intruders, still exhibit territorial instincts.

Here are the common cat behaviors in terms of territory and marking.

18. Scratching Furniture. Scratching is a completely natural cat behavior, but it can be frustrating when it’s directed at your furniture. Cats scratch to leave a visual indicator to mark their territory. They can also scratch furniture to sharpen their nails and relax their muscles.
    
    

19. Rubbing Against Legs and Objects. When a cat rubs against you, they’re not just showing affection. They’re also marking you with their scent. Cats have scent glands on different body parts, such as the forehead, chin, cheeks, and the base of their tails. Rubbing releases pheromones, confirming that you belong to their family.
    
    

20. Sitting on Things You’re Using. You might have noticed your cat sitting on your things, especially those you use. This can be laptops, books, or even papers. This cat behavior can come from the comfort of the warmth of your laptop or territory marking. Additionally, this can also be a sign of seeking your attention.

    
    

21. Covering Food. When you notice your cat covering its food, it might be overprotective of its food. This comes as an instinct that can also be caused by several cats stealing each other’s food in the household.

Whether they’re purring, playing, or offering a slow blink, cats have countless ways to express their feelings. Their body language is a powerful way to connect, understand, and build trust with them.

- Dr. Sarabjit Singh

Conclusion

Cats are complex creatures with emotions that are sometimes difficult to understand. From simple purring to scratching furniture, we might often wonder what goes on in the heads of our adorable feline companions. Fortunately, the more we learn, the closer we understand our cats’ behaviors and personalities.

By paying attention to your cat’s body language, habits, and signals, you can better understand their needs and emotions. Knowing your cat’s behavior only strengthens your bond with your best friend.