What Your Cat's Behaviors, Body Language, and Sounds Mean

What Is My Cat Trying to Say?

Your cat speaks to you in so many different ways that sometimes it’s hard to know what they are saying. To know where your cat is coming from, the first thing you should know is that your cat considers you to be their human, belonging to them in every respect—and all of their actions are based on that fact. So when your cat does something that angers you, keep in mind that they may be trying to tell you something.

This article will break down a whole bunch of commonly asked questions relating to why cats do what they do, what their body language indicates, and what they might be trying to communicate to you when they speak.

What Is Normal Cat Behavior?

Here are a handful of common questions relating to cats and their often puzzling behaviors, along with some answers that should help shed some light why they do what they do:

Why Is My Cat Peeing or Pooping in the House?

Overly full litter boxes can make your cat upset enough to leave smelly presents on your pillow or favorite chair as a hint—meaning it has been too long between cleanings and you need to step up to the plate. Cats like themselves and their environment to be clean. That’s why they are always cleaning themselves. Imagine how you would feel if you were a perfectionist about cleaning and had to walk over your own waste in order to relieve yourself. "Yuck" is putting it mildly.

Why Does My Cat Clean Itself Right After I’ve Pet It or Picked It Up?

If your cat cleans itself right after you pet it or pick it up, it could be due to a few reasons. They might be annoyed that you touched them, for whatever reason, and they are cleaning off the scent—in most instances, that is an insult to you.

It is also possible that you have a scent on you that they do not like. The scent could be perfume, lotion, or even another cat you might have petted. Be aware that strong smells of perfumed items can actually anger a cat. If they ingest a lot of it, it could also make them sick. So if you have cats, keep your arsenal of perfumed items for those special nights and be sure to wash them off before cuddling Fluffy.

Why Does My Cat Reach a Paw Out to Me?

Your cat might reach for you with a paw, claws in or out, to indicate a desire for attention. Or, maybe, they might purposely lie down in your way for attention. They might sit on something they know is off-limits to gain your attention. Cats like their attention, but they also like their toys. If you don't give them several, they might use you or your things instead.

Why Has My Cat’s Behavior Suddenly Changed After Many Years?

As cats get older, sometimes their personalities change. Some cats that start out rambunctious and generally averse to snuggling eventually soften up over the years and turn into super cuddly lap animals that want to be around you all the time. These kinds of gradual changes are totally natural and not all that different from the sorts of changes that humans experience throughout their lives.

If such a shift happens very suddenly and in a fairly unexpected way, however, that might point to a deeper problem with your feline friend. For instance, if they are generally an independent kind of cat but then out of nowhere want to be by your side at all times, that could indicate that they are sick and fearful of being left alone in their weakened state. If you notice a change that seems curiously abrupt and bizarre, it's best to take them into the vet for a check-up to see if anything is wrong.

Why Is My Cat Extending Its Claws?

A cat will extend its claws for many different things, such as to kneed. (When they are content, they might put their paws out, claws extended, and then pull them in rhythmically, which is how they get their mother’s milk to flow.)

A cat might also extend its claws in anger or fear. Claws are also extended for cleaning purposes or scratching, which can mean several things, such as ownership, sharpening claws for a fight, or dominance. Claws can be removed, but please try to refrain from doing this. Instead, you can set up a weekly routine of trimming their claws, and give them plenty of things to scratch.

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Why Does My Cat Rub up Against Me?

Cats will touch you and your things, pee on you or your things (otherwise known as marking), or rub against you or something you own in order to let other cats in the area know that you are theirs. Yup, when they lovingly rub their face against your face, they are leaving their scent all over you. Cats will generally mark a new home to override the scent of another cat. Fixed cats may also mark if the scent is strong or reeks of a full male. Those cat nostrils are so strong that they can pick up a scent from miles away—just like a hound dog, only with less noise.

You also assume a similar answer to the related question of: "Why does my cat put its paw on me?" That is, it's usually just another way of communicating affection. While it isn't always that simple, when your cat does this, it is more often than not displaying its level of comfortability with you.

Cat Behavior Explained

Why Does My Cat Bring Me Dead Animals?

Cats, remember, believe that they own you. And to do a proper job, they must feed you. That is why outside cats will often kill an animal and leave it as a gift on your window or doorstep. As horrid as this may seem to you, it is perfectly natural for your cat.

Another reason for leaving little "gifts" is to show you that they are strong and capable. I have seen cats leave snakes, rats, and even squirrels as gifts. Oh, and just so you know, if you throw the gift away, your cat may be hurt by your actions. If you must—and most of us do—place it in several bags and then bury it in the trash can.

Why Does My Cat Look at Me a Bunch of Times Before It Goes to Sleep?

Your cat is most likely checking to make sure you're still there. It's trying to indicate to you that it's about to sleep and thus will be vulnerable to attack. It wants to make sure you know to protect it and keep an eye out for any predators.

How Do You Tell if a Cat Likes You?

Here's some useful information to help explain what some of your cat's body language might indicate:

What Do My Cat’s Tail Movements Mean?

When a cat walks with their tail straight up, it means that they are relaxed, confident, and want to be noticed. If you don’t notice fast enough, they might get directly underfoot and swirl from one leg to the other. Of course, it is worse if you have something they want, like canned food or milk. They will start to yell if you aren't forthcoming or fast enough for them.

When a cat walks with their tail between their legs, it is a sign that they are afraid of something or might be submitting to a more dominant cat or human. They might also roll over and offer their belly to a dominant cat to show that they are not contesting the dominance. If a cat offers their belly to you, they are telling you that they submit to your dominance. But don’t let that fool you, because they still believe they own you.

If a cat walks with its tail down and dragging, it is trying to be hidden or unnoticed. If that behavior lasts for longer than a day, you might want to take the cat to the vet for a bit of a check-up. A cat might also lay its tail on something showing possession, or flick its tail at something that angers it. They often flick their tail to warn you that you are getting on their nerves, and you probably should stop—or the claws will come out.

A cat that is upset will not only hiss, but their tail will become the biggest bristled bottle brush you have ever seen. Be wary and don't attempt to comfort your cat when they are upset. An upset cat doesn't know the difference and might bite or scratch you in "defense."

Cat Tail Movements Explained