Happy Paws 101: Cat Behaviour Basics

Like us, animals have feelings - they only have different ways of communicating or expressing them. As pet owners, we should learn how to read their behaviour to understand how our furry friends are feeling and, ultimately, be able to look after their needs better so they can live a happy and healthy life. In this article, we will focus on cat behaviours and what they mean.

Over thousands of years, animals have adapted their behaviour for ensuring their survival against predators. As we have studied them, we have learned they too can be bored, playful, shy, defensive, or excited. Have you ever wondered why do they do what they do?

What motivates an animal’s behaviour?

An animal's inherited characteristics (genetics), often referred to as “inborn”, “innate”, or “instinctive” characteristics, decide its behaviour in response to certain situations. For example, cats across the world are typically independent and curious by nature but are cautious, quick, and nimble around new things as they do not have the safety of relying on ‘pack strength’ unlike other animals would.

Experience is another motivator for their behaviour. Behaviour is often learned through past experiences. For example, if a rescue animal isn’t used to human interaction, they’re less likely to feel trusting around humans.

So, what does this mean for your cat?

We’ve compiled a list of cat behaviours and their meaning so you can better read into how they’re feeling.

Kneading

When a cat is kneading, it means that they are comfortable with their surroundings. Cats begin to knead as a kitten, and as they get older, kneading is comforting to them, just as being rugged up in a blanket might be comforting to you.

Twitching Ears

When a cat twitches their ears, it means they are feeling agitated or anxious. It is often best in this situation to give your cat the space and independence it is looking for and allow them to come back to you in their own time.

Twitchy Tail

If the tip of your cat’s tail is twitching, this is a sign that they are feeling excited and focused – this generally happens when cats are hunting for prey.

Exposing Its Belly

If a cat exposes its belly to you (lying on its back with its legs up in the air) it means they trust you. They feel safe around you to be completely open and want your attention.

Low Tail

If your cat’s tail is laying low, it means that they are feeling scared or guilty. Your cat may be frightened by an unknown visitor or could have done something they know would upset you – such as scratching up your favourite pillow.

Animals are intelligent creatures, and they have a reason for almost everything they do.

Understanding your pet’s behavioural cues is vital in developing an understanding of what motivates certain behaviours and provides us with detail about their requirements, likes, dislikes, and internal states. By learning about these behaviours, you can strengthen your connection with your pet and look after them a lot better.

Creating connections between people and animals is at the core of what we do at Happy Paws Happy Hearts. We have seen the benefit of the interaction between humans and rescue animals. By teaching all about animal behaviour in our programs, our participants learn about the best ways to work with animals in shelters like the RSPCA so that we can help them become more “adoptable” and be ready to find their fur-ever homes.

For more information about our animal care programs, call us at 1300 077 984 or fill out our contact form.