Puzzling Behaviour of Cats

1. Winking.

When your cat "winks" at you, is it flirting? That might be one way to interpret the kitty eye communication, sometimes called a cat kiss. A slow cat-eye blink is a wonderful compliment. It is a non-threat signal that cats use with each other as well as with humans they are comfortable with. You can send the same signal to your cat, slowly shutting and then opening your eyes. Chances are, your cat will return the cat-kiss eye blink.

2. Kneading and Treading.

Those rear-treading paws rev the kitty engine right before a burst of speed, while the front paw treading (kneading) offers a more reflective emotion. Front paw kneading is generally believed to be a leftover nursing behavior that kittens use to stimulate the release of milk from their mothers. In adult cats, you will mostly see it when they are happy and satisfied. As a bonus, the kneading releases the cat's scent and marks its territory. Rear-foot treading is done before and after mating as well as when hunting and the cat is about to launch an attack.

3. Interrupting phone calls.

Does your cat want to phone home? If it is interrupting your time on the phone, at the keyboard, or when reading, your cat is jealous of you giving attention to these objects rather than to your fur baby. The solution is to give your cat more one-on-one time as well as interactive toys to keep it stimulated.

4. Butting heads.

Cats' unique behavior includes bunting—that odd way your cat head-butts you. The technical term is bunting and refers to the way a cat presses and rubs its head against objects. Another technical term, allorubbing, refers to the way cats rub their bodies against another cat, a human, or even a trusted family dog. This is done to mark you with their scent and claim you as their own.

5. Chattering and chirping.

A cat vocalizes in many ways. You've probably heard it chittering and chattering, most likely when your cat is looking out the window at birds or other potential prey. If you have multiple cats, you may have caught them chirping with each other during what looks like a kitty coffee klatch. Chirping and chattering are sounds of conversation and excitement over the thrill of the hunt it senses outside.

6. Sitting in boxes.

Cats, much like little kids, often prefer to play with the box a gift came in over the toy itself. Put even the tiniest empty box on the floor and your furry pudge muffin will try to squeeze itself into it. Your cat's passion for boxes is a natural instinct. Felines are hunters and love to hide in small spaces before surprising their prey, making a box the perfect hideout. The texture of a box, often cool and smooth, can also feel good to a cat. Just make sure the box is safe to play in, minus staples or packing peanuts that can tempt a cat to chew.

7. Knocking things over.

Cats love to knock things over—and watch them break. Though not the most endearing behavior, it's probably your pet's way of telling you it's bored, needs attention, and wants to play. As you probably already know, scolding your cat won't help to eliminate this problem. To minimize this frustrating behavior, it helps to enrich your cat's day with more interactive toys and puzzle feeding dishes to make your kitty work for its kibble.

8. Drinking from faucets.

Cats aren't always big fans of drinking water unless it's out of a faucet. It's suspected that cats avoid motionless water sitting in a bowl because it appears to be unhealthy. Instead, running water is perceived by cats to be fresher water which is why the bath or kitchen faucet is such a big draw. If you want to keep your kitty out of the sink, try a cat water fountain or encourage hydration with a special bowl. But if your cat loves to sleep in a sink (it's snug and cool and often shaped like a cat bed) while sipping dripping water from the faucet, it may be a tough habit for your pet to break.

9. Zooming around the house.

Cats aren't always big fans of drinking water unless it's out of a faucet. It's suspected that cats avoid motionless water sitting in a bowl because it appears to be unhealthy. Instead, running water is perceived by cats to be fresher water which is why the bath or kitchen faucet is such a big draw. If you want to keep your kitty out of the sink, try a cat water fountain or encourage hydration with a special bowl. But if your cat loves to sleep in a sink (it's snug and cool and often shaped like a cat bed) while sipping dripping water from the faucet, it may be a tough habit for your pet to break.

10. Licking you.

Even if your face stings a bit from your cat's sandpaper-like tongue licking you, know that you're enduring the discomfort in the name of love. Any time a cat licks you, it's a gesture of affection. Your cat is also letting you know it owns you. About that rough tongue? It's normal—your cat's tongue is the ultimate cleaning machine, designed with backward-facing hooks meant to grab its fur for grooming. Beware that a cuddly licking session may end up with your cat gently biting your chin, but don't worry, it may be telling you it's time to stop.