Although there's a common belief that dogs can be a lot easier to read, or a lot more vocal about their feelings, we can still pick up on cues and signs from a cat that will allow us to read them and know what traits are instinctive to our feline friends.
As with any pet you welcome into your home, as time passes you will start to notice little quirks about them. For example, you may have discovered which of the best dry cat foods your cat likes best by how excitable they are when you fill up their food bowl. You also might have found a special spot they like to take themselves to when they are after some peace and quiet.
If you'd like to further your understanding of cats and learn what makes them such a wonderful and unique pet to own, clinical feline behaviorist known as the Kittysitty Cat Behaviourist, has shared 8 interesting facts that will explain why your moggy acts or does certain things on a daily basis.
She shares her 'Sixty seconds of cat ed' in a Tiktok video below where you can listen to her insightful snippets of knowledge and cat tips or read on to find a full list of them underneath.
@kittysittycatbehaviour ♬ Life With Pet_Fluffy, Dog, Cat, Puppy, Kitten, LOL, LMAO, Funny, Cute, Vacation, Holiday #DogsOfTikTok #CatsOfTikTok(1210533) - Ney
1) Draping of the tail
If you've ever noticed your cat draping it's tail over you while you're watching tv on the sofa or sat at your desk, this can be an act of warmth from your cat rather than he or she trying to distract or annoy you. "It's a really nice act of friendship," shares the Kittysitty Cat Behaviorist.
2) Sleeping in dirty laundry
It can be a little off putting seeing your cat snuggle up into a pile of your dirty laundry but the motive behind it is surprisingly endearing. The Kittysitty Cat Behaviorist said in her list of cat tips that they actually like sleeping in your laundry piles or pillow because the scent reminds them of you. Kind of cute, kind of gross but it's nice to know they feel that form of home in you.
3) Washed hair
If you notice your cat is drawn to your hair, perhaps they even try and lick your hair, it's probably correlated to your shower routine. According to the Kittysitty behaviorist, "Cats absolutely adore the smell of freshly washed hair". At least you'll know your luscious locks are in need of a wash just by a lack of attention from your moggy.
4) Male cats and catnip
"Male cats are most likely to be triggered by the smell of catnip," explains the Kittysitty behaviorist, "Kittens under three months old, however, they don’t react to it at all". Some male cats may respond overly excitable to catnip and sometimes aggressive. If you are testing out catnip in a multi-cat household it's a good idea to introduce your male cat to it in a separate room to gauge their reaction.
5) They dream
Just like humans, cats dream too. They have rapid eye movement (REM) too, this is when we tend to dream most. If you see them twitching or being vocal in their shut-eye time it's highly likely they are dreaming about playing with the best cat toys or when they're next meal is.
6) Vibrating tails
"If your cat or any cat runs toward you with a straight tail that’s vibrating, it means they’re really really happy to see you," explained the Kittysitty behaviorist. It is such a joy seeing your pet excited to see you when you arrive home or even when a random cat approaches you on the street. This tail language can be a great way to detect if they are keen to make friends with you or not.
7) Naughty behavior
As the Kittysitty behaviorist puts it, some cats are criminals. While your cat may be an angel under your roof, you sometimes will have no idea what they get up to when they are out exploring. "They go thieving from other places, washing lines, into other people’s houses," she shared, "They’ll come back with anything, could be a feather duster or it could be a pair of pants, socks whatever. It’s anything that reminds them of prey."
8) Hissing
Generally speaking, if a cat hisses it's a defence mechanism rather than the aggressor. Hissing can be a way for them to express fear and is a means of telling whatever is causing this feeling that they aren't comfortable. It can be used as a sign that they will bring out aggressive behavior if whatever is scaring them doesn't stop.
Any cat owners reading this can probably relate many of their feline experiences to the Kittysitty behaviorist's list. They are such special creatures with personalities and habits unique to them. If you want to learn more cat facts why not read our fascinating facts about Siamese cats or find out the 10 best indoor cat breeds.
