Cats communicate through a wide array of instinctive behaviours, many of which may seem odd or challenging at first.
Most of these actions are normal, deeply rooted, and help them feel safe, express affection, or stay mentally and emotionally balanced. Misinterpreting these instincts and punishing the natural behaviours not only damages trust, but can cause stress or fear.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from reliable online sources. Punishing natural feline behaviours can damage your cat’s wellbeing and the bond you share.
1. Kneading With Their Paws
Your cat pressing and pushing their paws against soft surfaces isn’t being destructive. They’re expressing contentment. This behavior starts in kittenhood to stimulate milk flow from mom.
Adult cats continue this soothing ritual when they feel safe and happy. If those sharp claws hurt during lap kneading sessions, simply place a thick blanket between you and those busy paws.
The rhythmic motion releases feel-good endorphins for your cat, making this a crucial self-soothing mechanism they shouldn’t be discouraged from practicing.
2. Bringing You “Gifts”
Finding a toy mouse, or worse, a real one, at your doorstep? Your cat isn’t being gross; they’re showing deep affection. This hunting behavior demonstrates trust and care, as they’re sharing their “catch” with their family.
In the wild, mother cats teach kittens to hunt by bringing prey home. Your domesticated hunter is following ancient instincts.
Rather than scolding, acknowledge their effort with gentle praise before discreetly disposing of real prey or celebrating their toy victories.
3. Slow Blinking At You
Those dreamy, slow blinks your cat gives aren’t signs of boredom, they’re kitty kisses. Cat behaviorists call this the “cat kiss,” a universal feline expression of trust and affection.
When cats feel vulnerable, they avoid eye contact. A slow blink signals they feel safe enough to momentarily close their eyes in your presence.
Try returning the gesture by softly blinking back. This simple exchange strengthens your bond and shows mutual respect.
4. Head Bunting And Face Rubbing
That forceful head bump against your leg or face isn’t your cat being pushy, it’s a heartfelt compliment. Cats have scent glands on their cheeks, chin, and forehead that release pheromones marking you as their territory.
This behavior says, “You belong to me, and I trust you completely.” It’s one of the highest forms of feline affection.
Some cats become especially bunt-happy when hungry or seeking attention, combining this loving gesture with practical communication. Cherish these moments of connection.
5. Chirping Or Chattering At Birds
Ever notice your cat making odd clicking sounds while watching birds? This fascinating behavior isn’t frustration, it’s excitement and instinct in action. Some experts believe the rapid jaw movements mimic the killing bite used on prey.
Others suggest it’s a manifestation of hunting excitement when prey is visible but unreachable. The sound resembles a mixture of chittering and teeth-chattering.
This harmless expression of your cat’s predatory nature provides mental stimulation and shouldn’t be discouraged, even if it sounds strange to human ears.
6. Squeezing Into Tight Spaces
Your cat’s obsession with boxes, sinks, and impossibly small containers isn’t odd, it’s brilliant survival strategy. Small spaces provide security, helping cats feel protected from predators on all sides.
The snug sensation also offers warmth and comfort, much like being surrounded by littermates as kittens. Research shows enclosed spaces actually reduce stress hormones in cats.
Far from being quirky or problematic, this behavior helps your cat self-regulate emotions. So keep those empty Amazon boxes coming, they’re natural anxiety relievers.
7. Meowing For Communication
Surprisingly, adult cats rarely meow at each other, they’ve developed this vocal range specifically for humans! Your cat’s meows are a specialized language created just for you.
From short greeting chirps to demanding yowls, each sound conveys different needs. Cats learn which vocalizations get results from their humans and refine their “meow vocabulary” accordingly.
While excessive vocalization might warrant a vet check, normal meowing shouldn’t be discouraged, it’s your cat’s primary way of keeping the conversation going with their favorite human.
8. Scratching Furniture And Surfaces
Before rushing to stop your cat from scratching, understand this behavior serves multiple vital purposes. Scratching removes dead outer layers from claws, stretches muscles, and marks territory through scent glands in their paws.
For cats, scratching isn’t optional, it’s physically and emotionally necessary. The satisfying feeling explains their blissful expressions during a good scratch session.
Rather than punishment, redirect to appropriate surfaces by placing scratching posts near furniture they target, and consider temporary deterrents like double-sided tape on forbidden surfaces.
9. Rubbing Against Objects And People
When your cat zigzags between your legs or rubs against furniture, they’re not just being affectionate, they’re creating a comforting scent map of their territory. Cats have scent glands throughout their bodies, especially along their tails, cheeks, and paws.
By rubbing against objects and people, they deposit familiar pheromones that create a sense of security. It’s like marking their world with invisible “home” stickers.
This behavior helps cats navigate their environment confidently and should be seen as normal social communication, not attention-seeking or neediness.
10. Stretching And Yawning
Those dramatic full-body stretches accompanied by massive yawns aren’t just adorable, they’re essential for your cat’s physical and mental wellbeing. After periods of rest, stretching increases blood flow to muscles and helps cats transition from sleep to wakefulness.
The impressive flexibility showcased during stretching maintains the extraordinary range of motion cats need for hunting and climbing. Yawning increases oxygen intake and brain temperature.
When performed in your presence, these vulnerable positions also signal deep trust. Your cat is essentially saying, “I feel safe enough to be momentarily defenseless around you.”
