How to Decode Your Cat's Behavior

Engelta owns a cat and is very passionate on writing about pets and animals in general.

Cat Sitting Positions and Behavior Meanings

Just because you and your cat speak different languages doesn't mean you can't successfully communicate with each other! Humans and their pet cats can share a special and complex bond, and your pet cat is able to communicate his or her needs to you using certain physical cues. The look in your cat's eyes, their body language, and their vocalizations all contain vital information—as long as you know what they mean.

Understanding Cat Body Language

Cats are versatile creatures, and they have a lot of different movements! Nevertheless, there are some actions that house cats are liable to do when they're around you. Although it may not seem like it, they are using their body to tell you something! Here are some of the most common phrases in the feline language.

Rolling on the Floor

If your kitty is rolling back and forth on the floor, she is either submitting to you or inviting you to play. If it's the latter, you shouldn't miss it for anything in the world! However, your cat won't want to play for too long before getting upset and turning your fingers into snack food.

Squinty Eyes

Cats squint when they are happy. If they close their eyes slowly while looking, that shows that they trust you. Do not break their trust.

Sticking a Raised Back in Your Face

Your cat finds tail-sniffing normal, so even if it's not your cup of tea, it's your cat’s version of a warm "hello."

Sleeping While Curled Up

Cats curl themselves up into little balls when they sleep so that they produce and maintain enough body heat to feel warm while they're sleeping.

Kneading

Cats would make great bakers since they seem to love alternately pressing their paws against a soft object—usually you! Behaviorists believe this is a leftover trait from when they were kittens, as the kneading would help their mothers produce milk.

Why Do Cats Loaf or Tuck Their Paws Under Them?

Your cat might often tuck their paws under their stomach, making them look like a cuddly and cute loaf of bread. But besides looking cute, what does it mean? Cats do this when they are feeling safe and comfortable—if they're sitting like this, they probably think that they don't need to use their claws anytime soon! They also sit in such a way to conserve body heat. If you see your cat sitting like a loaf, it is definitely a good sign!

“Generally speaking, a cat who is lying with their paws tucked underneath them is considered relaxed. They aren’t preparing to defend themselves or run away.”

— Mikel Delgado, Postdoctoral Fellow at the School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis

Other Cat Sitting Positions and Behaviors

Cat Tail Language

In addition to looking at your cat's ears, mouth, nose, and body movement for indicators of how your cat is doing, you can tell a lot about how they are feeling by the movement of their tail. If it's held high, it means it's happy, and if it's low, it means that it's ready to pounce, so it's important to know what its tail means—it might be a sign that you should move out of the way!

Why Do Cats Sleep on Your Feet?

If they can, cats will often try to sleep next to their owners. This isn't because they want to maul you in their sleep—far from it. It is actually a sign of trust and protection! Your cat wants to relax and be near you, but not necessarily on you. Staying by your feet means that they can easily leave if they get bored or sick of you.

And if your cat likes to only sleep next to your feet, and not next to the feet of anyone else in your family? Well, lucky you. You're your cat's favorite.

Why Does My Cat Hide From Me?

Cats are pretty good at hiding. And though it's easy to say that they just love playing hide and seek, there are a variety of reasons your cat might be trying to stay out of sight.

Though cats are predators, they are usually non-confrontational—when they see something threatening, they are more likely to run and hide rather than stay back and fight; hence the term "scared cat." Check to see if there's something around that might be scaring your cat—this could be another animal, a child, or even you!

In addition, if you've changed something about your home—maybe someone new moved it, or you've got a brand new furniture set—this can cause your cat stress and cause them to hide. Cats like to stick to a routine, so it's important to be especially in tune with your cat's needs when something about their environment has changed.

Why Does My Cat Hide in a Box?

A box, a drawer, a suitcase lying around—cats are known to want to sit in the most random locations. Boxes and otherwise enclosed spaces are comforting to cats; it helps them relax and also protects them from predators. If your cat is stressed, they might also try to find a bag or box to sit in to help ease their anxiety.

Questions & Answers

Question: My cat is non stop meowing. Why is that?

Answer: Maybe you should take the cat to a vet?

Question: My cat is usually a quiet cat but my cat well meow every time he sees me, why?

Answer: He likes you and he’s asking for attention.

Question: Why does my cat like to rub up against my face?

Answer: Your cat wants attention or is just being nice and supportive.

Question: I have two cats, and when I do squats against a wall, both of them stand underneath me, so I have to stop in case I hurt them. Why do they do this?

Answer: Your cats either like to bother you and ask for attention, or they think you’re playing.

Question: Why does my cat love to sit on my shoulder and get rides around the house?

Answer: Cats like to sit in high places. Your cat wants your attention and she/he likes to see what you are doing, also being as close to you as possible, also sitting on your shoulder they're also standing higher than you (their head may be higher than your, or even at the same level, but they feel they're equal to you)

Question: I am about to move with my cat. Is there anything I can do to make his transition easier?

Answer: Create a little space just for your cat, with his/ her things so the change is not too much. Other than that the cat will get used eventually to the new space.

Question: If my cat find paper on the floor, he will step on with both of his front paws and scoot it backwards. Why does my cat play with paper like this?

Answer: It’s a skill!

Question: We took in a stray and when she wants something, she sticks her paw out. Did someone teach this to her?

Answer: Yes, it’s possible.

Question: My cat is hiding under the bed and sleeping is this a good sign?

Answer: Cats usually like higher places to sit, but for sleeping, they like it wherever they feel more comfortable. I don't think that's anything to worry about.

Question: Sometimes my cat will stick his tongue out. It's sometimes when sleeping or even after he gets done playing. Is this a sign of comfort or happiness?

Answer: I think it's a sign of being relaxed, almost like when we yawn.

Question: Why does my cat sit in the middle of my legs when I sit cross-legged?

Answer: My ex's cat used to do this on me, especially when she was little. They feel more supported and warmer.

Question: Sometimes my dog will paw my leg and bite me if I am ignoring him. Does he just want my attention?

Answer: Yes he wants your undivided attention.

Question: How should I pick my cat up when she's in a sleeping position yet not actually sleeping?

Answer: Why would you even bother her? Just pick her up like you would a child, or by her neck like a mother-cat would do.

Question: My two kittens like to suck on the buttons of my shirts, and immediately fall asleep on my chest. Why do they like to do that?

Answer: Maybe they perceive the buttons as the mothers’ breast.

Question: My kitten has a habit of curving his tail to the side of his body and I can’t figure out what it means?

Answer: Well, you should pay attention when it happens, what is your kitten doing or what are you doing when he does that.

Question: Why does my cat snake/fish in the bathtub drain?

Answer: It feels like fishing. It doesn't understand that in fact it is a bathtub, not a very healthy place to stuck its face in. You should teach it to not go there anymore, maybe get a fish tank (no fish inside) and let it play there.

Question: What does it mean when two separate neighbor cats are at my door before I walk in?

Answer: They love you or they want to manipulate you in giving sth to them. Maybe you have cuddled them before? Or you have offered them food?

Question: Why does my cat lay down with both of his rear paws not tucked in?

Answer: He feels better laying that way, or maybe there is some muscle problem you should check with the vet. But, as long as he is not complaining, and keeps sitting that way, then everything's fine.

Question: Why does my boyfriend's cat lay at my feet?

Answer: The cat probably likes you more than she/he likes your boyfriend.

Question: Why is my six-year-old cat by my side day and night?

Answer: Cats are very clingy by nature. They get attached to one family member, and they want to be by their side all the time, they get extremely jealous if they feel like they're not getting attention, or if you are giving it to someone/something else. So in short, your cat just wants to be as close to you as possible.

Question: Why is my cat dragging litter and feces out of his litter box?

Answer: Your cat is capricious.

Question: Why is my cat meowing non-stop and bouncing its rear legs?

Answer: You should take your cat to the vet.

Question: My cat looks at me and makes a whining sound like she is disappointed. Sometimes after her toy gets into a spot she can’t reach, she looks at me and makes the whining sound like how puppy whine when they are sad. Sometimes she just looks at me and made that sound randomly. Does she want my attention or what?

Answer: She definitely needs your attention, either to cuddle her or to find her toy and play with her.

Question: What does it mean when your cat lays down with a flat belly and all four paws extended?

Answer: It wants to cuddle, or is just stretching.

Question: My cat and I love each other, and when we play together, he will bite me and comes close to me whenI'm sitting near my computer. But sometimes, he's very skittish. When I stand up to walk, he acts like he's afraid of me. Why? What should I do so I don't scare him? He's almost 1 year.

Answer: Is the cat adopted? Maybe he has some issues from previous experiences and that's why he's afraid. Or someone else may have misbehaved causing your cat to be afraid of certain actions, even though he has no reason to be afraid of you specifically, it's just the actions may trigger him.

Question: Why does one of my cats lay on her side while waiting to be fed?

Answer: Your cat has learnt, somehow, that she’s fed when she does that, and she knows you understand that sign. It is nothing to worry about

Question: Why does my cat keep looking up?

Answer: Cats have the ability to detect psychic energy. That's why it keeps looking up. There's some psychic activity going on in your house. Not to be afraid though. It happens to everyone.

Question: My cats wont stop sitting on my lap, it was cute when I first got them, but it now just seems like they need to be physically attached to me at all times. It can get pretty frustrating at times. Why do they do this and can I teach them not to?

Answer: You taught them early on, and it created a pattern. I guess you can use a pillow on your lap and they sit there, maybe spray your scent on the pillow and gradually move it away from you. Maybe they will learn to rest on the pillow eventually.

Question: My cat hates being in boxes and other small spaces, we call her a claustrophobic cat. Is it possible for a cat to be claustrophobic?

Answer: Of course!

Question: My cat has recently been coming up to me with his left front paw dangling. I asked my boyfriend if his cat was hurt, but he just thought he was playing with me. Could he have hurt himself and possibly wanted my help? I love cats and I have come very fond with his cat. I just have never seen him act like that before. Any ideas why he's doing this?

Answer: You should get him a vet, maybe he has hurt his paw.

Question: why does my cat sleep at the top of my head?

Answer: Cats like to possess things and people.

Question: Why do cats curl their toes when they stretch, especially if they are asleep?

Answer: Because they are stretching and it feels nice.

Question: My cat hasn't sat on my lap in 5 years, since she was a kitten, but yesterday she sat halfway on my lap. What prompted this sudden change?

Answer: Maybe she feels differently and needs some love now.

Question: When my cat is on your lap it loves to use its tail to swish gently around my neck and face. Why?

Answer: Because your cat loves you and it is showing it.

Question: Our calico occasionally will sit with one paw up. Is it common for cats to sit with one paw up?

Answer: If it has no physical problems, then it is normal. Does it walk normally? If yes, then you have nothing to worry about.

Question: How do I know when my cat is hungry?

Answer: I guess you should have figured that out by now, but you can start feeding your cat whenever you think they need to eat, or you can place the food bowl/water/milk at their place and observe what your cat likes, when, how, etc.

Question: I have two cats who love to sit on my shoulder and head. They will do it when I'm sitting, standing, and walking. This is a mother and daughter. They won't climb on top of my head unless I have a hat on. They both sit on and sleep on my feet too. We have six cats and they all love me but these are the only ones that exhibit this behavior. The daughter loves to even ambush me from behind and climb up my legs and back to get to my shoulder. Why?

Answer: They show their love, plus they seem to be very territorial and attached to you. You know like, you have friends you go out with, with whom you may go out even every day, and then you have best friends. It doesn't matter how much time you spend with your friends, your best friends are the ones that will always be closer to you and you'll feel closer to them.

Question: My cat keeps lying on me and stretching his one paw down my body, what does this mean?

Answer: When you say “stretches his paw” is it like in a cuddling way or he just lies one paw like that.

Question: Why does my cat chews on plastic bags?

Answer: Your cat wants to play.

Question: One of my cats likes to lay beneath the other cats when they are high in a tower or on a shelf. Is this territorial behavior that I should curb?

Answer: You should first consider how your cats relate to each-other or behave towards each other. If the other cats don’t treat this one differently or push him/her away, then I guess there’s nothing to worry about, maybe that’s just the way they like it. Maybe each of them has found their special place to rest, and they’re good. If you feel there’s something going on, maybe try to put the cat with the other ones and see how they behave.

Question: My cat stares at his feet loads. Why does he do this?

Answer: As long as he does not cry or meow more than usual, I guess he finds it funny.

Question: Why does my cat stand with his front legs crossed?

Answer: He likes it that way.

Question: Why does my one-year-old cat eat paper?

Answer: The cat has been taught or learned by itself to do that, because it likes to play. You should help ditch the habit.

Question: My cat likes to sit on me( particularly my legs,) and groom herself while sitting on me. Why is that?

Answer: She likes it.

Question: My cat won't stop wagging his tail even when he is happy what is going on?

Answer: Cats usually wag their tails when they are happy. If he does it all the time, maybe you should pay attention to the patterns of wagging. It may look the same to you, but it may not be exactly the same way of behaving.

Question: When my 8 month old kitten gets "wound up" he will roll up in a ball and start biting, attacking his back legs. He exhibits this behavior after we have played a game of Mommy is trying to make the bed. Should I be concerned?

Answer: No worries. Maybe he’s scratching them, and you perceive it as ‘attacking’. He’s just playing with his own body and getting to know it

Question: My male 9 month old kitten likes to put his chest to my face and rest his head on top of mine. He has yet to be fixed but I was wondering if this is an act of affectionate domination he's showing to my boyfriend or is it just a small quirk of his that I'm just going to have to get used to?

Answer: He’s showing you affection, acception, and trust. Careful because if he gets used to it, you may find it hard to trick him into going somewhere else to rest.

Question: Why does my cat sit with her front legs crossed all the time?

Answer: Very graceful! Nothing to worry about. People sit crossed legs all the time too!

Question: What does it mean when a cat holds their paw up?

Answer: Your cat wants to play.

Question: My cat makes a weird noise and as soon as I put her down she refuses to move and slowly sits down and puts her butt in the air amd will walk a bit and do the same thing, why?

Answer: She may be showing you she needs medical attention. You should see a vet.

© 2014 Ensorcelie

Comments

Anonymous on August 21, 2020:

My cat likes to put his face in shoes. Either smelling them or licking them. Is this normal?

Anonymous on August 18, 2020:

My cat likes to bite my but then immediately lick me after. Is that normal?

Zarra Haseen on August 16, 2020:

My cat siting on her front paws with stands on back paws at the same time when I cuddle her below her throat.

It seems stupif to ask but what does that means?

LaLa on July 06, 2020:

My cat is spread out over the arm of the couch. Not loafed up, nothings tucked away, all 4 paws and a tail are dangling out in the open, on either side of the arm of the couch. Whats up?

Mariah Stallo on June 29, 2020:

Why does my cat when he is made at me flick his back leg at me , is he flipping me off ?

Ensorcelie (author) from Albania on May 28, 2020:

Maybe he / she doesn't feel safe inside or love the outside more than the inside.

Cat person on May 27, 2020:

Why does my cat sit out side my door when I try to shut it my cat paws at the door but does not want to come in

Dan on April 16, 2020:

My cat was cuddling me then started slicing me and my partner up she is 12 months

Kylie on April 10, 2020:

My little girl who ive been raising woth her brother since she was a week old is extremely antisocial. She usually hates to be picked up or petted unless shes laying down. She only sleeps at the foot of my bed on her favorite kneading blanket, on my bedroom floor, or at the top of the cat towers we have. She also only purrs when shes kneading and when our adult cat cleans her. This behavior is opposite to how her brother always was before he went to a new home. She'll be a year old in less than a month so im hopeful that she'll grow out of this but I believe shes like this for a reason. My mother allowed her to spend over a month with my baby aiaters dad knowing that she tortures my kittem and he abused his last cat. What should I do to make sure shes ok for the rest of her life?

Molly on March 23, 2020:

My cat sits with one paw up (right off the floor it looks kinda formal in a way)and one down(on the floor). She declawed in the front paws but not the back. My mother thinks she does this because she’s declawed. Why does she seem to do this? Also everything I read was very helpful!

John on March 18, 2020:

Why does my cat glare at me?

a toy mouse on February 29, 2020:

my cat is only a kitten and 3 months old lol and im already wondering stuff about him lol

Ensorcelie (author) from Albania on February 19, 2020:

I don't think there's need to worry.

Anya on February 18, 2020:

My cat is in a loaf position except her paws aren’t tucked under. Is that good or bad?

Cat liver on October 19, 2019:

I❤️

April on September 24, 2019:

my cat brings me the swifter pads from under neath the kitchen counter and wakes me up and talks in this different sound, not bad, but defenitly not good, i am always asleep when she does this. what does this mean? she use to bring me papers from on top of the counter but i moved them.

Ensorcelie (author) from Albania on September 04, 2019:

Cats have a tendency of jealousy, and because of that, they react in strange ways: show their superior position by bothering the other pets, bothering other people if they love you more and you are giving your attention to others, and they can go as far as taking it on you by being aggressive towards you.

Katherine on September 04, 2019:

Why does my younger boy cat try to sleep on my four year old boys face?

Tina williams on July 28, 2019:

My cat will be laying close to me for a while and all of a s sudden she jumps up and runs under the bed. She does this several time a day........

Ensorcelie (author) from Albania on March 04, 2019:

I guess that was just how she reacted to happiness. People also do cover up their face when they laugh, or may have a non-typical reaction to happiness.

The broken tail? Maybe born with it, maybe she hurt it somewhere before you got her.

kayla on February 28, 2019:

my old cat used to scrunch up her face when she was happy it was cute but i don't get why she did it entirely? she also had a broken tail but could still move around not sure if she was born with it.

Ensorcelie (author) from Albania on November 06, 2018:

go to a vet.

Damini on November 04, 2018:

I have female cat from yesterday she is stretching herself full and touching her belly on ground and keeping her butt in air and pathing both her legs on ground and making painfull sound

Nancy on September 20, 2018:

I guess I'm getting too old I wish my babies were saved babies however I'm speaking to YouTube line I'm not one to lie to text however I just wish my babies was stay babies I have to one's named Sam and the next Tiger he's the one that really Foles is legs for some reason I'm not sure that's why I question however Samuel he's very fluffy he's so handsome he's so soft even when I bathe them he loves water however tiger he really doesn't like water it really frustrates me because I always had them since they were babies a week old and I don't think it will be a different I treat them equally what love but because I work later hours I work over 60 hours at times so I had one of my friends too open the door for them weather it's raining 4 top always keep the AC on even if I'm working I'll worry about them but I just remember they have open door to come in or out so maybe it's me I don't feel happy because they are my babies so sad they're growing up when I'm not there to be real mommy to them so my babies are growing up good night I'm sorry I'm just crying sorry please love your pets

Ranice K Burgess on July 11, 2018:

My cat will be 5 next month she has started to stare at me and meows really loud and puts her paw on my arm usually when someone is here I figured she is jealous she gets attention a lot from me and others

Ains on April 15, 2018:

My older cat has been sleeping a lot and I'm worried he is getting to the end of his life, am I crazy and paranoid or should I look into it with my vet?

Alexa Rain from egypt on December 01, 2017:

enjoyable lens to read, Great hub.

Kristy on August 11, 2017:

I took in a stray cat this morning, so I'm a little Leary about why she's layi g on her side & slowly curling her paws in & out?

jasmine on June 18, 2017:

The cats are so cute!

nancy on April 29, 2017:

when my ragdoll cat uses the litter she will sometimes run through the house like the devil himself was chasing her. Why?

Angeles on March 03, 2017:

HELP!! my cat is eating plastic or whatever he find on the floor and then he start to vomit, he knows he is doing something wrong but WHY?

Man on January 17, 2017:

This helps.

Ensorcelie (author) from Albania on December 30, 2016:

Ever considered or went at the vet?

Novy H on December 26, 2016:

Great info, thank you! Question though- we have two cats and one trills and meows most of the night. I know he is not hungry...would you have an idea why and what we can do to either stop or reduce this? Thanks again :)

Ensorcelie (author) from Albania on November 19, 2016:

No, it's just the law of physics working: inertia :)

emily on November 14, 2016:

thanks, this explains a lot! I just have one question: when my cat jumps up onto his cat post he sometimes bonks his head on the wall because he jumps too far. He doesn't always do this, but does it every once in a while. Should I worry?

Ensorcelie (author) from Albania on May 14, 2016:

Well, you know how kids pretend to cry? It means: they are not really sad, or they don't feel like crying, but they do want to get something or catch your attention. So they choose to cry, even though it is a fake crying!

The same idea goes for cats. You're welcome.

Shirley on May 13, 2016:

Pretend to yawn?! Your kidding me right?!!! LOL.

Ensorcelie (author) from Albania on May 13, 2016:

They won't to be taken care of, maybe a little massage or food.

Sasha the Cat on May 08, 2016:

Why do they meow repetitively at your feet?

Pam on March 15, 2016:

I have a cat that is very vocal. She will come and sit in front of us and cry but we cannot figure out what she wants. Sometimes she just walks around the house crying. She has been extremely vocal since a babe.

Ensorcelie (author) from Albania on March 02, 2016:

They want you to scratch their stomach. They absolutely love it! So it seems to me your kitty just wants to get pampered, a lot! :D

Chelsea on February 25, 2016:

I love this article, good information for every cat owner! I heard that when cats headbut you and arch their back they are either happy or if the do it a lot they are asking for something? My kitty does this constantly, but she has everything she needs... how can I help her? Is she just happy? :)

Ensorcelie (author) from Albania on January 23, 2016:

Thank you for reading and commenting. Now, regarding to your cat behavior, either she does not have enough power to jump to the point she wants to [she wants to play around I guess], or in the worst case scenario, she has brain damage. You would want to check your cat up if you find her sitting in front of a wall, staring at the wall, or just banging her head into it.

Kristen Howe from Northeast Ohio on January 22, 2016:

What a great hub! This explains my cats, twofold. Now can you explain why one of my cats climb and bang on a closet? Or join me on my chair by jumping to the back of it?

Ensorcelie (author) from Albania on May 15, 2015:

Thank you :)

Judy on May 14, 2015:

Wonderful kitten pictures. Thank you.

ana on May 05, 2015:

Foarte dragute si simpatice.

Ensorcelie (author) from Albania on April 09, 2015:

What do you mean?

Margaret Lee on April 09, 2015:

This was excellent. Have been unable to find answer to many questions this articl addressed

Ensorcelie (author) from Albania on July 03, 2014:

pretend to yawn? I do not think they pretend, yawn is a natural thing that you can not stop. They yawn because of stretching after they wake up, or when they are about to sleep.

z7242 on July 02, 2014:

why does she PRETEND to yawn?