Despite not knowing our language, cats are incredibly adept at communicating, often in ways that leave us baffled.
Cats have a unique language, and learning it might help you bond with your feline companion. This language includes odd marking behaviors and intriguing cooling techniques. Let’s examine some of the most perplexing—and most misinterpreted—cat mannerisms and their true meanings.
Getting up to urinate
Have you ever entered your home and saw a tiny pool of urine on your wall or furniture and wondered, “Oh no, is my cat ill?” Rethink your thought. This conduct is not a coincidence; it is a means of communication. Although unneutered male cats are frequently linked to this behavior, female cats and even neutered cats are capable of marking their territory.
Urine marking communicates with other cats and is frequently done at a higher height, such as on a wall. Establishing boundaries and stating, “I was here,” it serves as a territorial marker. You may see a “remark” to re-establish dominance if another cat changes the scent. It all comes down to the message!
Panting to stay cool
A cat that is panting? It may sound odd, but cats don’t use their tongues to control their body temperature as dogs do. However, cats may begin panting to assist cool themselves in extremely hot conditions, such as the sweltering summer afternoons in Texas. One more ruse they employ? licking their hairs. Saliva evaporation provides a momentary cooling effect, similar to applying a moist cloth to your forehead on a hot day.
rubbing up against you
Not only is it a charming greeting and one of the greatest sensations in the world when your cat rubs on your legs as soon as you get home. It’s a complex activity that involves territorial marking, affection, and recognition.
When a cat rubs against you, it indicates that they feel safe and at ease around you. They are designating you as their secure area.
Pheromone glands, which emit imperceptible “scent messages,” are abundant in your cat’s face, chin, and base of the tail, the places it rubs. Your cat is basically telling you that you are theirs by rubbing against you. Welcome back to my domain. It’s a way to express ownership and show attachment.
Therefore, your cat is most likely just seeking attention when it begins to brush against your legs as soon as you enter the room after a long day. Perhaps it’s hungry, wants to play, or simply wants to be petted.
When it might cause issues
Cats routinely rub against people, objects, and other cats, and this is typically not a reason for alarm.
It’s a good idea to speak with your veterinarian, though, if this habit is new or if your cat has begun rubbing more frequently or forcefully. They can assist in identifying any underlying medical conditions. Aggressive or excessive rubbing may indicate:
Allergies
Fleas
Infection of the ears
Hypersensitivity condition in cats
Brain (neurological) disorders
Eyes narrowed, ears back
Take a hint if your cat is giving you the side-eye, has its eyes half-closed, and its ears pushed back. This is how your cat respectfully expresses that “I’m not in the mood right now.”
They’re instructing you to back off because they’re irritated or agitated. It’s much more concerning if the whiskers are rubbed against their cheeks; this indicates that they’re probably defensive or afraid rather than hostile. For the time being, refrain from cuddling them and respect their personal space.
Foot stomping in front of a lea
Have you ever seen your cat pause motionless, staring at something—a fly, a toy, or even a sock—and then begin stamping its feet as though preparing for a big leap? This is a hunter’s instinct at work, not just a random twitch.
Similar to how an athlete gets ready for a huge move, cats frequently “tremble” or pound the ground before attacking. They twitch their ears, dilate their pupils, and concentrate hard on the object. It’s a custom that demonstrates their innate agility and accuracy and has its roots in their untamed heritage.
Cracking the cat code
Despite their inability to speak, cats are quite good at communicating through body language. From urine markings to frantic paw-stomping, every odd action has a purpose.
You can develop a closer bond with your feline companion and discover a surprisingly abundant realm of communication by learning to decipher these signs. Therefore, keep in mind that your cat is merely attempting to communicate with you the next time it exhibits strange behavior.
