Behavior

Decoding Feline Behavior: Understanding the “Why”

Cats are often misunderstood as “aloof” or “unpredictable” simply because they communicate differently than dogs. Once you learn to speak “cat,” you realize they are constantly communicating their needs and feelings.

Scent: The Hidden Language

Cats live in a scent-based world. Head-bunting (bunting) deposits pheromones from glands on their cheeks, marking you as “safe” and “family.” Scratching furniture isn’t just making claws sharp; it leaves a visual mark and a scent mark from paw pads. Respecting these scent markers (and not cleaning them all away with bleach) helps a cat feel secure.

The Tail Barometer

The tail never lies. A high, upright tail is a friendly greeting. A low/tucked tail means fear. A thrashing tail is a warning of overstimulation. The famous “Halloween cat” puffed tail is an involuntary reaction to terror, making the cat look bigger to threats.

Common “Bad” Behaviors

Most behavior problems are actually just normal cat behaviors expressed in ways humans don’t like.

• Scratching the sofa: They need a sturdy post nearby.
• Peeing outside the box: Usually a medical issue (UTI) or stress, not “spite.”
• Waking you at 4 AM: Cats are crepuscular (active at dawn). Feeding them a heavy meal right before your bedtime can help induce sleep through the night.