Cats can be mysterious right? One minute, they are purring in your lap and the other minute they are swatting at you. But what are they trying to tell us? Every cat owner, once in their life, wishes their pet could talk or at least they know what’s going on in their pet’s mind.
But animals can not speak but they communicate through their body language. Cats, in particular, are the master of communication, but their way of expressing themselves can be pretty confusing.
So, if you are a cat owner or often find yourself in these situations, you are at the right spot. Our cat behavior chart can help you understand your cat better. With this chart, you can learn the different behaviors of cats, what they mean, and how to respond to them.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Cat Behavior Chart
Have you ever wondered what truly drives your cat? From the way they flick their tails to the way they pounce on toys, cat behavior is a wonderful thing.
Cats communicate in a variety of ways, from vocalizations to body language. And when it comes to socialization, some cats are extroverts while others prefer to keep to themselves. Cat behavior can vary from one individual to another.
But when you put many cats together in a small space, things can get interesting. You may see some really intense interactions such as hissing, growling, and fights when resources like food, water, and attention can become insufficient.
So, whether you’re a seasoned cat owner or just a feline fan, understanding cat behavior is important to build a happy and healthy home for your feline friend.
Our Cat behavior chart with pictures helps to figure out what our little furry friends are trying to tell us. Here is a brief breakdown of some cat behaviors, their description, possible meanings, and some examples:
| Behavior | Description | Possible Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purring | A low, continuous rumbling sound | Contentment, relaxation, sometimes pain or discomfort | A cat purring while being petted |
| Kneading | Pressing paws alternately against a soft surface | Comfort, showing affection, reminiscent of nursing | A cat kneading a blanket or its owner |
| Head-Butting (Bunting) | Rubbing head against objects or people | Marking territory, showing affection | A cat rubbing its head against your leg |
| Slow Blinking | Closing eyes slowly and then opening them | Trust, affection, non-threatening communication | A cat blinking slowly at its owner |
| Tail Up | Tail held high in the air | Confidence, happiness, friendly greeting | A cat walking towards you with its tail up |
| Tail Twitching | Rapid, sharp movements of the tail | Irritation, excitement, hunting focus | A cat’s tail twitching while watching a bird |
| Hissing | A sharp, prolonged sound | Fear, aggression, warning | A cat hissing at another cat or person |
| Arched Back | Back arched with fur standing up | Defensive posture, feeling threatened | A cat arching its back when confronted by a dog |
| Chirping/Chattering | High-pitched, repetitive sounds | Excitement, frustration, hunting instinct | A cat chattering while watching birds outside |
| Licking/Grooming Excessively | Constant licking of fur or body | Stress, anxiety, skin irritation | A cat licking the same spot repeatedly |
| Hiding | Seeking out secluded, dark places | Fear, illness, need for privacy | A cat hiding under the bed during a storm |
| Scratching | Using claws on surfaces like furniture or scratching posts | Marking territory, sharpening claws, stretching | A cat scratching a post or couch |
| Spraying | Spraying urine on vertical surfaces | Marking territory, sexual maturity, stress | A cat spraying on walls or furniture |
| Piloerection (Hair Standing Up) | Fur standing on end, especially along the spine | Fear, aggression, arousal | A cat’s fur standing up when encountering a strange animal |
| Meowing | Vocalizing with various sounds | Communication (hunger, attention, greeting) | A cat meowing at the door or food bowl |
| Biting | Using teeth to nip or bite | Play, overstimulation, aggression | A cat biting during play or when petted too long |
| Rolling Over | Lying on back and exposing belly | Trust, seeking attention, playfulness | A cat rolling over in front of you |
| Pacing | Walking back and forth repeatedly | Anxiety, restlessness, excitement | A cat pacing near the door to go outside |
| Ears Flattened | Ears laid back against the head | Fear, aggression, irritation | A cat flattening its ears when approached by another animal |
Normal Behavior of a Cat
Cats are free souls and they have their way of doing things. Some behaviors may seem strange for first-time cat owners, but they are perfectly normal. Normal cat behaviors include a variety of actions that are important for their mental and physical well-being. Some of the normal behaviors of cats include:
- Rubbing
Cats rub and knead to show comfort and affection.
- Grooming
Cats groom themselves and their surroundings to stay clean and tidy.
- Tail up
When a cat holds its tail high, it means it is friendly, happy, or confident.
- Scratching
Cats use scratching to maintain their nail health, mark their territory, and stretch.
- Rolling over
When a cat is rolling and exposing its belly, it is seeking attention or showing trust.
- Meowing
Meowing is a cat’s way of communicating their needs and wants. They may meow for many reasons including hunger, attention, pain, or greeting.
- Chattering
Cats chatter when they are unable to hunt their prey. It is a cat’s hunting instinct. Cats also chatter to express their feelings.
- Kneading
Kneading is like a happy hug from your cat. They press their paw into their owner and massage them back and forth. Cats normally do this because they feel happy and safe around their owner. You can consider it as a compliment.
- Knocking things over
Cats are naturally curious. In case of curiosity and boredom, they easily knock things off and watch them fall. It is just for their entertainment.
Also read: Cat Emotions Chart
Abnormal Cat Behavior
Changes in the usual behavior of cats can be worrying. It can be an indication of mental, physical, or emotional stress that needs to be taken care of. Some of the abnormal cat behaviors are
- Hissing
A sharp, extended hiss can show aggression, fear, or a warning. If a cat is hissing, give space and leave the cat alone.
- Aggression
Sudden or extreme aggression can be a sign of illness or pain.
- Excessive licking or Grooming
Excessive licking or grooming can be a sign of anxiety, stress, or skin irritation.
- Hiding
It’s normal for cats to seek privacy, however excessive hiding and avoidance can be an indication of illness or fear.
- Lethargy
If a normally active cat becomes lethargic, it can be due to illness.
- Spraying
Spraying is normally a territory behavior, but it also indicates stress, frustration, or anxiety.
- Kitty litter fail
It is also known as inappropriate elimination. When a cat is urinating or defecating outside the litter box, it can be a sign of a medical or behavioral issue.
- Eating non-edible items
If your cat loves to eat non-food items such as plastic, clothes, metal, sticks, etc, it can be a sign of Pica. Pica is a rare condition in cats that can occur due to the deficiency of minerals, anemia, genetics, boredom, and stress.
- Ear Itation
If your cat’s ears are twitching back and forth then it’s a sign to back off. It’s a sign of agitation and anxiety.
If they are lifted slightly up then they are just focused or listening.
These behaviors are not normal, so if you notice any of these behaviors in your cat it’s better to visit a veterinarian to prevent serious problems.
Also read: Cat Tail Meanings Chart
Friendly Cat Behavior
Cats are the masters of non-verbal communication. Their way of showing love can be different from other pets. Understanding these lovely gestures can improve your bond with your feline fellow.
Friendly cat behaviors indicate that your furry fellow is comfortable and feels secure in the environment. Here are some of the friendly behaviors shown by cats.
- Head Butting
Head butting is a cat’s act of rubbing their head against you. It shows affection and a gesture to mark their territory.
- Slow Blinking
Slow blinking indicates trust and affection. It is a non-threatening way of communication. If a cat blinks slowly at you, consider it as a compliment.
- Rolling Over
A cat rolling in front of you is a sign of trust, seeking attention, and a playful mood.
- Purring
Purring is a happy and content sound. Purring indicates joyfulness and happiness.
- Tail up
If a cat holds its tail high it means the cat is friendly, happy, or confident. So if you see a cat coming towards you with its tail held high, she is happy around you.
Also read: Cat Petting Chart
When To Worry About Cat Behavior
Unfortunately, cats can not speak, that’s why they can not tell us what they are feeling. Fortunately, they can communicate with their behaviors.
Sometimes cats behave very normally but sometimes their behavior indicates that they are under the weather or stressed out. Keep an eye on your cat if she exhibits the following traits,
- Change in appetite
A sudden change in appetite or weight loss indicates health issues your feline fellow may be facing.
- Vocal change
If there is an increase or change in the tone of meowing, the cat is distressed.
- Excessive sleeping
Excessive sleeping or lethargicness indicates illness.
- Frequent hiding
Frequent hiding can be a sign of fear or health problems.
Bottom Line
If you are a cat owner, it is essential to understand the different behaviors of cats. It is important to keep an eye on both normal and abnormal behaviors of cats. When you notice something is off it’s better to visit a vet for a consultation.
So, whether you are a new cat owner or an individual seeking knowledge about cat behaviors, a cat behavior chart is an excellent guideline for you.
By following these guidelines you can develop a happy and healthy relationship with your cat. So use this cat behavior chart and decode the language of your cat’s behavior.