More Feline Behaviours Explained

Biting you while you pet them

If your cat has ever nipped you when you've been contentedly stroking them, you're not the only one. Cats vary in their tolerance of human affection, but most cats will let you know they've had enough in the same way, with a little nip. It's just the cat's way of letting you know they've had enough for now.

Physical contact can become painful for cats, building up a static electricity. Think about it. If something becomes painful for us, we can let people know. The cat only has her teeth.

So let your cat initiate contact, stroke for a short while, then stop. If the cat nudges your hand to continue, you know she's not had enough yet. If your cat doesn't like being stroked at all, don't force affection her that she's uncomfortable with, try tickling her behind the ears.

My Cat nipped me: Leave her alone. Wait for her to come back to you.

Lying on her back with an exposed tummy

When your cat lies on his back with an exposed tummy, it means she completely trusts you, and that she feels relaxed in her home.

Scratching your furniture

What is it with cats? No sooner do you buy a nice, new armchair, your cat is scratching it to ribbons. They're not just doing it for the fun of destroying your furniture while you look on in horror. Cats scratch your furniture for two good reasons, the first of which is territory-marking (again). All the clawed furniture in your home serves as warnings to other cats. But there's a health reason, too: scratching keeps claws sharp, short and ready for the hunt.

My Cat is scratching my furniture: Accept that it's normal behaviour. And buy a scratching post.

Attacking your ankles

Why does your cat launch a stealth attack on your ankles as soon as you walk in the room? Does your cat really hate you and want you dead? No. Your cat just wants to play. Cats play by pouncing on each other. You'll notice that your kitty hardly draws their claws. She's not trying to hurt you. That said, getting home from work, only to be half-mauled by a cat can give you a shock. Avert it by buying some chase toys for your cat, and spend some time playing with your kitty.

Showing you their bum

Why is it that, when your cat climbs up on your knee, their first response is to stick their furry butt in your face. Are they showing your their haemorrhoids? No! They're showing you their love.

According to our furry friends, their behind is their best feature (someone has to have a word with cats). Cats communicate by scent and the butt is where their scent is strongest. She's also showing you that they trust you. Think about it. You have to trust someone to put your bum in their face!

READ How Serious Can A Cat Bite Be?

My Cat is putting their butt in my face: Remind yourself that it's an honour. Or, if that doesn't work, gently reposition them until you've got a prettier view.

Now we've looked at the truth behind some feline behaviours, we can see that cats aren't strange animals. They just act on instinct, and hope we'll understand them. The truth about cats is that they're just a playful and affectionate animal; all they want is a corner of the earth to call their own.