What Causes a Cat's Personality to Change? Key Reasons Explained

Cats are beloved companions known for their unique personalities, independent nature, and endearing quirks. From curiosity to purring, cats exhibit a wide range of behaviours that are often misunderstood or misinterpreted by their human counterparts. This article explores some of the most common cat behaviours and their underlying meanings, shedding light on the fascinating world of feline communication.

Kneading

One of the most common and endearing cat behaviours is kneading, also known as ‘making biscuits’. This involves the cat alternately pushing their paws in and out against a soft surface, which can be your lap, a blanket, or even the air. Kneading is a behaviour inherited from kittenhood, when kittens knead their mother’s belly to stimulate milk production. In adult cats, it’s usually a sign of contentment and comfort, a throwback to those early, safe moments.

Headbutting and Bunting

When your cat rubs their head or face against you, this behaviour is known as bunting. It’s a way of marking you with their scent from facial glands, essentially claiming you as part of their territory. It’s a sign of affection and trust. Similarly, when your cat headbutts or bumps their head against yours, it’s a display of affection. This behaviour is your cat’s way of saying, ‘I trust you and I feel safe with you.’

Slow Blinking

If your cat looks at you and slowly blinks, they’re communicating trust and affection. This is often called a ‘cat kiss’. You can try to return the gesture by slowly blinking back at your cat. It can be a sweet way to communicate with your feline companion and strengthen your bond.

Chattering

Have you ever noticed your cat making a rapid chattering or twittering sound, usually while watching birds outside the window? This is believed to be an expression of excitement and frustration, as the cat is stimulated by the prey they cannot reach. Some experts also suggest that this behaviour might be an instinctive mimicry of the sounds made by the prey, intended to lure them in.

Tail Behaviour

A cat’s tail can be a great indicator of its mood. A tail held high usually indicates that your cat is happy and confident. A puffed-up tail often signifies fear or aggression. A tail tucked under the body indicates fear or discomfort, while a low, slowly swishing tail could be a sign that your cat is irritated or focused on something. Learning to read your cat’s tail can give you insights into their emotional state.

Bringing Gifts

If your cat occasionally brings you ‘gifts’ (typically dead or live prey), this is a sign of affection and trust. Cats are hunters by nature, and by bringing you their catch, they’re sharing their success with you. It’s their way of providing for you and showing you that they care. While it can be disconcerting for us, it’s important to understand this is a compliment from your feline companion.

Scratching

Cats scratch for several reasons: to mark their territory (they have scent glands in their paws), to stretch their muscles, to shed the outer layer of their nails, and as an emotional outlet (they may scratch more when excited or stressed). Providing a scratching post can help redirect this behaviour away from your furniture.

Excessive Grooming or Lack of Grooming

Cats are known for their cleanliness, and a cat that suddenly stops grooming could be a sign of illness or depression. On the other hand, excessive grooming, also known as psychogenic alopecia, can be a sign of stress or anxiety. If you notice a sudden change in your cat’s grooming behaviour, it might be worth consulting a vet.

Overstimulation

Even the most affectionate cats can become overstimulated during petting sessions. A cat might suddenly bite or scratch when they’ve had enough and want some space. Signs of overstimulation include tail lashing, skin rippling, ear flattening, and dilated pupils. If you notice these signs, it’s best to give your cat some space.