Pets, Places, & Things, Points on Pets

Why Do They Do THAT?? Cats Explained (Well, a Bit … )

by oldtowncrier

By Cheryl Burns

 

Cats are lovely, but often baffling companions. It is rare that a week goes by when I don’t ask Ms. Sweet Potato Bailey Burns (SPBB for short) WHY she is doing something or at least laugh at her silly ways. Some things will always remain a mystery – why that particular toy? why chin scratches above all else? – but some questions do have answers. Or, at least pet experts think they know. Cats are rather adamant in their refusal to speak our language and we haven’t learned theirs!

  • What’s up with the boxes?

I remember the first time we found the late, great Smoky Tiggs tucked in a cardboard box. Being new to cat mom-hood, I was baffled. Laughing but baffled. Turns out, this is very much on brand. And there are several reasons cats love boxes. The confined space feels safe, especially for a creature that’s both predator and prey in the natural world and one that sleeps some 12 to 16 hours per day. It’s also warm – if cats controlled the thermostats, they’d have it in the upper 80s, which few of their humans indulge. (Side note: That may also be why SPBB steals my blankets.) The box is also “theirs,” a special domain that they make their own by leaving their scent.

  • Why do they knead?

Whether on their people or the (stolen) blankets, cats will often knead with their paws, a behavior pet parents call “making biscuits.” This behavior is a carryover from their kitten days when they’d knead their mom’s belly to get milk. As they grow, it’s a sign of contentment and relaxation. The mini-massage is also a big compliment! They’re also marking their territory since they have scent glands in their paws. You might not smell it, but another cat will know you’re theirs!

  • Why do they rub their faces on everything (including mom and dad)??

This follows nicely from that last one. Cats have scent glands in their faces, so rubbing against objects (or their humans) is a way of marking their territory. It’s also a way they simply say hello and show affection. I know SPBB is particularly likely to rub against our ankles at feeding time! Plus, it just feels good. Sadly, their humans are not constantly available to provide cheek and chin scratches.

  • Why do cats sleep with their heads upside down?

There are few things that I find more adorable than a cat sleeping – or wide awake and watching me – with its head upside down. Like many sleeping positions (the loaf, the sprawl, the superkitty), it’s partly that they’re just plain comfortable that way. In particular, turning their head upside down can be a way of keeping warm. It also helps block out noise and makes them feel safe and secure.

  • Why do they love to show off their bottoms?

Cats seem to love displaying the butts for all to see, especially their family. In this case, your cat’s often just saying hi! Cats present their bottoms to each other as a greeting. Offering a quick sniff is just good feline manners. Turning backwards is also a sign of trust. Again, cats are both predators and prey. If they aren’t watching you, they know you’ve, well, got their back.

  • Why do cats purr?

There are few sounds that are more relaxing than a cat’s purr. It’s one way to communicate. Usually, it’s a good thing: a sign of contentment. That said, sometimes they’re trying to self-soothe because they’re scared or in pain. We had a foster cat that never purred as loudly as she did at the vet’s. Interestingly, purring may also be a healing mechanism. Scientists suggest the particular frequency of a purr can relieve pain and even strengthen bones. So, it’s totally justified to say I’m spending my Wellness Day petting my cat till she purrs like a lawnmower, right?

  • And one for the humans: Why do people give pets as gifts?

Look, I’m a pet lover. I get it. Animals bring such joy to our lives, and we want others to know that companionship and love. But please remember that pets are a huge responsibility. Pet adoption is a commitment. It’s a promise to devote time, money, and your heart to an animal for the rest of its life. Don’t give an animal as a gift unless you are absolutely certain that the pet is wanted – something more than a passing comment in the presence of an adorable furball, a true expression of the commitment to all pet parenthood involves.

And while we’re talking about humans, please keep your pet in mind when decorating for the holidays. What looks beautiful to us can be dangerous – even lethal – for our furry or feathered friends. See the article below for details.

Be well and purr on!

Sources:

About the Author: Cheryl Burns is a Senior Legal Editor and Subject Matter Expert with BARBRI, a legal education company. She now resides in quiet Central Pennsylvania, but she’s still a proud King Street Cats supporter (and not just because Sweet Potato Bailey Burns (f/k/a just Bailey) is an alum!).

0.00 avg. rating (0% score) - 0 votes