Answers to Your Top 7 Questions About Cat Behaviour

We’re all guilty of googling our pets. Whether you’re curious about a popular cat breed or wondering why kitties are spooked by cucumbers, it’s normal to want to know more about our fur friends. Felines are such weird and mysterious creatures at times, is it any wonder we have lots of questions about cat behaviour? 

So, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked cat questions to help you better understand your fantastic feline. Read on for Cat in a Flat’s answers to your most burning cat questions. 

Why does my cat knead me?

Kneading can serve a different purpose at different stages of your fur friend’s life. When hungry, a kitten will knead their mum’s mammary glands to stimulate milk production. But it’s very common for kneading to continue into cat adulthood. 

Does your adult cat still love to knead you when sitting on your lap? Often referred to as ‘making biscuits’, kneading is your feline’s way of marking their territory. Mr Whiskers could also be trying to make his chosen nap spot as warm and comfortable as possible–even when it’s on top of you! 

Why does my cat lick me?

Cats spend roughly 30-50% of their day grooming, but what does it mean when Mr Whiskers chooses to turn his tongue on you? All fur parents have been on the receiving end of their kitty’s rough tongue a time or two, so it’s natural to question this typical cat behaviour.

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For felines, licking isn’t just for grooming. Some experts believe this cat behaviour stems back to kitten-hood when a kitten’s mother will lick to both groom and show affection. Our kitties carry this learned behaviour into adulthood. So, the next time your fur friend starts licking you, remember it’s just his way of telling you how much he loves you!

Reasons why your cat likes your hair

This is probably one of the most puzzling cat questions. There can be several reasons why your kitty might enjoy chewing on or licking your hair. If you have longer hair, your cat might just be having fun playing with it—it’s certainly one way for Mr Whiskers to stay entertained! 

Like with licking, playing with your hair can also be a means of grooming and showing affection. Cats who groom each other and sleep together smell alike, and your kitty might be trying to make you an honorary member of their cat clan!

Why does my cat like catnip?

While there is a common belief that catnip is a powerful sort of feline drug, its effects depend on each individual kitty’s genetics. In fact, only around 50% of cats have the gene that allows them to respond to catnip! 

So, what happens when your fur friend has a reaction to catnip? Well, it depends on whether they eat it or smell it. Smelling catnip triggers a receptor in your kitty’s brain that makes them feel happy, while eating it will make them feel calm. 

The occasional catnip treat can be a great way to calm your kitty whenever you’re away from home. However, when you hire a cat sitter make sure to be clear about how much catnip is safe for your furry friend. While it’s unlikely Mr Whiskers can overdose on catnip, eating too much can make him sick. 

Why does my cat like boxes?

This cat behaviour has fascinated us humans for eons. There’s a reason why there are so many amusing videos online of felines, both big and small, sitting in boxes! A frequently asked cat question is, why are our fur friends so obsessed with boxes? 

The simple answer is: safety!  Felines love to hide in places where they aren’t visible, but can still see what’s going on around them. Boxes, and sometimes even bags or containers, are perfect for the task. This instinct dates back 10,000 years to when our furry friends had to hunt for food and hide from bigger predators in order to survive. 

Reasons why your cat purrs

A cat’s purr is probably one of the most soothing noises in the world. Our fur friends share the unique ability to purr with other larger cats such as cheetahs and pumas! While it was originally thought that felines purr when they’re happy, your cat’s purr might be a much more complex form of communication. 

A feline will purr to let you know that ‘all is well’ or to communicate playfully and make friends with other cats. But purring could also be a sign of a distressed or sick cat, so watch your kitty’s other body language to accurately interpret what they are trying to say. 

Why does my cat eat grass?

If your kitty spends time outdoors, you’ve probably noticed they enjoy snacking on grass, only to throw it up later. What’s the secret behind this strange cat behaviour? Some believe it’s related to an evolutionary adaptation. In the wild, kitties might eat grass to purge their stomachs from the occasional spoiled meat. 

For our more domesticated fur friends, the answer to this cat question could be that they’re simply relieving gastrointestinal symptoms. However, be aware that the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease can often be confused with a cat’s enjoyment of eating grass. If you are worried your furry friend eats too much grass, take them to the vet for a health check-up. 

Want to learn more about your kitty? Check out our blog posts on how to tell if your cat is happy, and things cats hate and how to avoid them.