Cats know how to be subtle. Everything the cat does is important. A flick of the tail, a slow blink, or a sudden zoom across the living room. Learn about common cat behaviour to better understand your cat’s mood, spot early signs of stress, and connect with them more deeply.
This guide breaks down 15 behaviours that all cat owners should be aware of, whether they have had cats before or this is their first time having one.
1. Slow Blinking
A slow blink at you is a sign of trust and love. It’s sometimes called a “cat kiss.” If you blink back slowly, many cats will do the same.
2. Kneading
When kittens were young, they would knead their mothers to get milk flowing, which is where the rhythmic pressing of paws on blankets or laps comes from. When adult cats are happy and safe, they knead.
3. Purring
Cats purr when they are happy, but they can also do it when they are scared, in pain, or trying to calm down. Context is important; look at both the sound and the body language.
4. Tail Flicking
A tail that twitches or thrashes is usually a sign of irritation or too much stimulation, not happiness. It’s your cue to give your cat some space.
5. Head Bunting
When a cat gently hits you on the head, it marks you with the scent glands on its face to show that you belong to its family and territory.
6. Hiding
Cats hide when they are scared, sick, or just want to be alone. Sometimes hiding is normal, but if your cat hides a lot or all of a sudden, that could be a sign of a behaviour problem that needs to be looked into. This is especially true if your cat is also losing its appetite or feeling tired.
7. Chattering at Birds
People often hear that strange chattering sound at the window when they watch birds or squirrels. It’s thot to be an instinctive response of a predator, sometimes linked to excitement or frustration at not being able to reach the prey.
8. Zoomies
Most of the time, running around the house quickly at nite is a normal way to get rid of extra energy. Regular playtime during the day can help cut down on zoomies at nite.
9. Scratching Furniture
Scratching isn’t destructive just because it’s fun; it keeps claws sharp, marks territory, and stretches muscles. Giving them scratching posts will keep them from scratching your furniture.
10. Bringing You “Gifts”
When a cat drops a toy or, more often than not, a dead bug at your feet, it’s showing that it wants to hunt and sharing what it thinks is valuable with you.
11. Excessive Grooming
Grooming every once in a while is normal, but licking too much, especially in one spot, can be a sign of stress, allergies, or pain. One problem that cat owners often forget to look out for is this one: cats acting up.
12. Following You Room to Room
Cats that follow their owners around the house are usually showing that they are attached and interested, not needy. It’s a sign of a strong bond.
13. Sitting in Boxes or Small Spaces
Cats feel safe and keep their bodies at the right temperature when they are in small spaces. Instead of being a strange habit, it’s a normal, comforting thing to do.
14. Nighttime Activity
It is natural for cats to be most active at dawn and dusk. Adding more playtime in the evening can help their energy level match yours while you sleep.
15. Hissing or Growling
These are clear signs that you are scared or uncomfortable. It helps to find and get rid of the stressor that is causing the behaviour instead of punishing it. This guide is meant to be a general starting point, not a diagnostic tool. If the aggression doesn’t go away, you should talk to a vet or behaviourist.
On top of these instincts, each cat has its own personality, so the best thing to do is to watch for patterns over time. If you want to get to the bottom of what your cat is really saying, this cat behaviour problems guide method of looking at body language as a whole instead of individual signals will give you a much better idea.
Turning Everyday Moments Into Art
After getting to know your cat’s habits and expressions, you’ll probably have a favourite picture of them, maybe in the middle of a slow blink or curled up in their favourite box. That’s the perfect time to turn it into a custom cat portrait painting from Pawstro, which is hand-drawn digitally and printed on archival canvas.
Don’t forget about the dog in the family either. Pawstro can make beautiful custom dog portraits that are just as true to your dog’s personality. Read more about being a pet parent on the Pawstro blog to get tips, stories, and ideas.
FAQs
Q1. Why does my cat suddenly get the zoomies at night?
Cats are naturally most active at dawn and dusk. Nighttime zoomies are usually a release of built-up energy, and can often be reduced with more daytime play.
Q2. Is it normal for my cat to knead blankets or my lap?
Yes, kneading is a leftover instinct from nursing as a kitten and typically signals comfort and contentment in adult cats.
Q3. When should I worry about my cat’s behavior?
Sudden changes, like increased hiding, excessive grooming, aggression, or appetite loss — can signal underlying stress or health issues and are worth discussing with your vet.
Q4. What does it mean when my cat slow blinks at me?
A slow blink is widely considered a sign of trust and affection, often called a “cat kiss.”
