Cat Behavior Kneading

Cat Behavior And What It Means

Cats are strange animals. One minute they're purring on your lap, the next they're completely ignoring you. While it might seem like cats are schizo, there are reasons why they behave the way they do.

Signs of Affection

Some forms of cat behavior are simply signs of affection or signs that they are content. Cats love to purr. Cats will purr when they are content, when they want some affection, when they want to play, or to let other cats know they are not a threat. Cats will also massage a lot too. This is when they jump into a human's lap and start kneading their paws. This behavior begins in kittens while they are still nursing, and continues into adulthood as a sign of contentment or affection.

Hunting and Territory

Cats are territorial animals, so a lot of their behavior comes out of their marking their territory. While most cats are domesticated, they still retain some of the traits of their wilder cousins. One form of territorial behavior is rubbing. Cats do this a lot. They'll rub against a human's leg or any other object as a way to rub their scent against it. This behavior establishes their territory and lets other cats know to stay out. So when your cat rubs against you, she's marking her territory on you.

Cats are not only interested in marking their territory, but they're also interested in scents that are new and intense. This explains why cats sneer sometimes whenever they're sniffing something. This is their way of investigating a new odor.

Hunting is an important part of a cat's routine, so cats will often behave in ways that will make them better hunters. When cats play, they are simulating their hunting techniques. For instance, whenever kittens pounce or attack their owner's feet, they are really practicing their hunting skills. Of course, sometimes kitties get a little out of hand and start scratching, so it's always a good idea to find other ways to help them practice in less painful ways.

Ever wonder why cats make chattering noises whenever they see a bird outside a window? They're simply imitating what they'd do when they munch on prey. Cats don't make this sound when they're actually hunting (they don't want to alert their prey that they are about to become lunch), so chattering is also a sign that the kitty knows there's a barrier between herself and her prey---usually a window.

Communication Breakdowns

There are plenty of things cats do that might seem strange or even somewhat aggressive that are actually signs of affection. For instance, when cats butt their heads against a human's arm or leg, they are simply being affectionate. A scarier, but harmless form of affection occurs when a cat bites or nips her owner. This behavior is harmless. Cats do this when they are happy or overexcited and want to show their affection.

Meowing is a form of communication between cats and humans. Cats rarely meow to other cats, unless females are in heat and are caterwauling for potential mates. Cats have different kinds of meows that vary in pitch and cadence. For instance, cats will have certain meows that let their owners know when they want to eat, when they want to be let out of the house, and when they want a little affection.

Links

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/