A guide to understanding cat behaviour

From rubbing their head on doorways to taking a nap on the kitchen counter, your cat’s behaviour might sometimes leave you feeling confused. But there’s usually an explanation behind their actions, which can give you clues to how they’re feeling.

Here’s a rundown of some common cat behaviour, plus some abnormal behaviours to watch out for.

Cats often rub their heads and cheeks on all kinds of things: doorways, furniture and even people! Also known as bunting, this behaviour helps cats mark their territory using the scent glands on their cheeks and forehead.

When your cat rubs their head on you, it can also be a sign of affection or a way to ask for attention.

If your cat shows you their belly, it usually means they’re feeling safe and comfortable. Even though it might be tempting to give your cat a belly rub, that’s not generally what this behaviour means. While a few cats might enjoy having their belly touched, most cats don’t.

Sometimes called ‘making biscuits’, this characteristic cat behaviour involves a rhythmic back-and-forth motion of your cat’s front paws. Cats often knead when sitting on something soft, like a blanket, or when they’re sitting on your lap. Often, they’ll purr at the same time.

Kneading is a self-soothing action, and typically means your cat feels comfortable and content. It’s thought this movement is a throwback to kittenhood, when kittens knead their mother’s tummy to stimulate milk flow. If your cat purrs and kneads while sitting on your lap, take it as a compliment. If their claws feel a little sharp, try adding a thick blanket to protect your legs.

Hunting is an instinctive behaviour – cats love to stalk, chase and pounce. And while it used to be thought that cats were bringing their owners ‘presents’, the current theory is that they often bring prey back to their core territory where they feel safe, which is generally the home.

If your cat lives indoors, they still need an outlet for this natural behaviour, so providing lots of interactive games – a fishing rod toy, or cat-safe self-play toys such as a toy mouse or a kicker toy – is ideal. Even if your cat spends time outdoors, they still need interactive play sessions to keep them happy and healthy.

If you’d like to try and reduce your outdoor cat’s hunting habits, research shows that giving cats short play sessions can reduce this instinct, as can feeding a quality protein-rich diet. Some owners also choose to put a bell on a quick-release collar – although the results can vary, as some cats are still effective hunters even while wearing a bell.

Keeping your cat inside overnight and during dawn and dusk – when small mammals and birds are most active – can also help. This not only benefits the wildlife, it also reduces the risk of your cat being involved in a road traffic accident.

Cats explore with their paws, so if they see something unusual, they’ll often touch it to see what it is.

While playing with a leaf in the garden or batting a toy mouse around is harmless, your cat pushing items off of surfaces indoors can result in breakages. The sound and movement this creates, plus your reaction, can also sometimes reinforce this behaviour.

To discourage it, avoid keeping any breakable objects within your cat’s reach.

Cats love small, cosy spaces because they make them feel safe, warm and secure. Sometimes, a discarded box or small hiding spot under the bed helps your cat feel protected, while also being able to observe what’s going on around them.

If your cat loves sitting in these small spaces, place a few options around the house for them to enjoy. Choose a covered cat bed or even a selection of cardboard boxes with blankets inside. Having a place to hide is important for every cat, even the super-confident ones!

Cats love lying in warm spots, whether that’s in a sunny spot in the garden or on your laptop. They also like to leave their scent on items around the house, so they might choose to lie on a pile of freshly washed laundry or a new book, as a way of claiming these items as part of their territory and feeling safe.

If your cat sometimes has a burst of intense energy, they’ve got the zoomies. Officially known as a frenetic random activity period (or FRAP) this cat behaviour usually lasts around 30 minutes, and might involve your cat running around, playing, pouncing on toys or attacking things.

In the wild, cats need to hunt their prey and stay alert to potential predators. But with regular meals and safe homes, domestic cats aren’t under the same kind of pressure as their wild ancestors – though they still have plenty of energy. A case of the zoomies usually means your cat has too much energy, and they’re looking for a way to use it up. A quick play session or some trick training will usually help calm your cat down.

Cats spend up to half their waking hours grooming, so it’s no surprise that owners usually spot this cat behaviour. Grooming doesn’t just keep your cat’s coat clean; it’s a way for them to stay cool in warm weather and reduce stress.

In multi-cat households, it’s also a way for cats to strengthen the bonds between them. But sometimes, cats can start grooming themselves far more than normal. Excessive grooming can be a sign of stress, skin allergies or other health conditions. If you notice your cat has irritated skin or bald patches, it’s best to speak with your vet for advice.