Why Does My Cat Do That? Common Cat Behaviours Explained
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Why Does My Cat Do That? Common Cat Behaviours Explained
Cats are endlessly fascinating — and endlessly confusing. One moment they are curled up purring on your lap, and the next they are knocking your glass off the table while maintaining eye contact. If you have ever wondered what on earth your cat is thinking, you are not alone.
The good news is that most cat behaviours have perfectly logical explanations rooted in their instincts, emotions, and communication styles. Here is a guide to decoding the most common — and most puzzling — feline habits.
1. Kneading (“Making Biscuits”)
If your cat rhythmically pushes their paws in and out against you, a blanket, or a soft surface, they are “kneading.” This behaviour originates from kittenhood — kittens knead their mother’s belly to stimulate milk flow. In adult cats, kneading signals deep contentment, comfort, and security. Consider it one of the highest compliments your cat can give you.
Some cats also knead to mark territory, as their paw pads contain scent glands.
2. Slow Blinking at You
When your cat looks at you and slowly closes and opens their eyes, they are giving you what is often called a “cat kiss.” Research published in Scientific Reports (Humphrey et al., 2020) confirmed that cats use slow blinking as a positive signal toward humans — a sign of trust and relaxation.
Try slow blinking back at your cat. You may find they return it, deepening your bond.
3. Bringing You “Gifts” (Dead Birds, Insects, or Toys)
If your cat drops a dead mouse, insect, or toy at your feet, try not to be offended — it is actually a great compliment. Cats are natural hunters, and bringing prey to trusted companions is an instinctive social behaviour. In the wild, mother cats bring prey to teach their kittens to hunt. Your cat sees you as family and is sharing their “catch” with you.
If your cat is an outdoor hunter, consider a collar with a bell to give wildlife a fighting chance.
4. Knocking Things Off Tables
This classic cat behaviour is not purely mischievous — though it can certainly feel that way. Cats use their paws to explore the world. Batting objects tests whether they move, which satisfies their predatory instincts. They may also do it to get your attention, having learned that it reliably produces a reaction from you. If attention-seeking is the motivation, the best response is to calmly ignore it rather than react.
5. Chattering at Birds or Insects
That rapid jaw-quivering, clicking noise your cat makes when they spot a bird through the window is called chattering or chittering. The exact reason is debated among animal behaviourists — it may be an expression of excitement and frustration at being unable to reach the prey, or it may mimic the killing bite cats deliver to prey. Either way, it is a completely normal and harmless behaviour.
6. The Midnight Zoomies
Cats are naturally crepuscular — most active at dawn and dusk. In the wild, these are the best hunting times. Even well-fed indoor cats retain these instincts, which is why they may suddenly tear around the house at 2 AM like they are being chased by an invisible predator. This is entirely normal. To reduce nighttime zoomies, engage your cat in active play sessions in the evening to tire them out before you go to bed.
7. Head Bunting (Headbutting You)
When your cat presses their head against your face, chin, or hand, it is called bunting. Cats have scent glands on their face, and bunting is how they deposit their scent on things — and people — they consider theirs. It is a territorial behaviour, but in the most affectionate sense: your cat is claiming you as their person and marking you as safe and familiar.
8. Showing You Their Belly — Then Attacking When You Touch It
A cat rolling over to expose their belly is often misread as an invitation for a belly rub. In reality, it is a display of trust — the belly is the most vulnerable part of a cat’s body, and showing it means they feel completely safe around you. However, it does not necessarily mean they want to be touched there. Many cats have very sensitive bellies and will swat or bite if you reach for them. Read the rest of their body language: a relaxed face and loose tail usually mean they are comfortable; a twitching tail or flattened ears are a warning.
9. Sitting in Boxes, Bags, or Small Spaces
Cats are instinctively drawn to enclosed spaces because they offer security. In the wild, small hiding spots protect cats from predators and allow them to ambush prey. A cardboard box or paper bag provides the same sense of safety indoors. Studies have also shown that access to hiding spots reduces stress in cats, particularly in new environments. If your cat is anxious, providing boxes or cat caves can help them feel more settled.
10. Trilling and Chirping
Beyond meowing, cats communicate through a range of vocalisations. Trilling — a high-pitched, rolling sound — is typically a friendly greeting, often used by mother cats to call their kittens. When your cat trills at you, they are saying hello and are happy to see you. It is one of the most positive sounds in a cat’s vocabulary.
When Behaviour Changes Warrant a Vet Visit
While quirky behaviours are usually harmless, sudden changes in behaviour can signal a health issue. See your vet if your cat:
- Suddenly stops grooming or over-grooms to the point of hair loss
- Becomes unusually aggressive or withdrawn
- Changes their litter box habits (going outside the box, straining, or blood in urine)
- Loses interest in food or water
- Vocalises excessively, especially at night
Cats are masters at hiding illness, so behavioural changes are often the first clue that something is wrong.
Understanding your cat’s behaviour is the foundation of a strong, trusting bond. The more you observe and learn, the better equipped you are to meet their needs — physical, emotional, and instinctual.
At Sauroq Petstore Kenya, we help you give your cat a good quality of life. Explore our range of cat food, or reach out to our team on WhatsApp at +254715 120 807 for personalised recommendations!
Sources: Humphrey T. et al. (2020). The role of cat eye narrowing movements in cat–human communication. Scientific Reports; International Cat Care — Understanding Cat Behaviour; VCA Animal Hospitals — Cat Behaviour.