Why Cats Do The Weird Things That They Do
Unlike dogs, cats can be kind of hard to read. One minute they seem like they love and adore you, and the next minute they seem like they want nothing to do with you. Cats love to keep their humans on their toes with their hot and cold behavior, that is why we love them after all. However, each little flick of the ear, long stare, and bunny kick all mean something different.
Cat behaviorists have been studying these little creatures for decades. Inside each one of these fickle little guys, is a complex psyche that explains why they do the things they do. Have you ever wondered why one or two belly rubs is enough, but anymore than that will result in a kick or a bite? It all comes down to certain behavioral traits, and instincts leftover from when these domesticated feline companions were big cats.
Keep scrolling to find out why your cat gazes into your eyes, sits on your chest, and purrs when you talk to them.
Enjoying Some Pets
Most cats thrive off of affection. They will actively greet their owners, and twine around their ankles asking to be petted. The action of petting a cat makes both the human and the cat feel good. Humans get a rush of dopamine and serotonin, the feel good hormones, and cats get to know that their owners love them.
Not all cats love being pet though. Certain breeds like tortoiseshells, and feral cats are known to be aloof. Use your judgement when it comes to cats you don’t know, and only pet ones that seem like they want to be pet.
Love Bites
Sometimes your feline friend will surprise you with a quick little bite. They might have been purring while they do it, which can be a tad confusing. If a cat is being affectionate, and giving you gentle bites, that’s just a token of their affection.
However, if a cat has laid its ears flat against its head, and bites hard, that is not a sign of love. Steer clear of cats that hiss, and try to attack.
The Blink And Stare
In the cat world, the slow stare and blink means one very specific thing. If you think it’s a sign that your cat is deeply in love with you, think again. The slow blink and stare is a cat’s way of judging whether or not another creature is aggressive.
Your own feline friend probably knows you come in peace, but an unknown cat may not. Stare deeply into a new cat’s eyes, and blink slowly at it. This let’s it know that you are aware of its presence, but don’t mean it any harm. That’s how you make a new feline friend.
Loud Purrs
Cats tend to purr for a variety of reasons. The sound of a purr, is similar to that of a lawnmower, but trapped inside of a cat’s throat. The most obvious reason that a cat purrs is because it is happy. Simply talking to your cat, or giving it a scratch under the chin can get the purring started.
There are some instances though, where cats purr when they are scared or in pain. If your cat is purring out of unhappiness, then you should assess the situation and see if your cat needs to see a veterinarian. There could be an underlying health condition that needs to be addressed.