by Lynette Alice

Created on: April 25, 2010   Last Updated: April 27, 2010

Cats tell their owners a variety of things through their sounds and actions. Understanding what a cat is trying to tell you however isn’t always easy. In many cases actions or sounds a cat makes are completely misinterpreted meaning Fluffy or Mr. Bigglesworth is going to keep repeating whatever message they are trying to get across over and over again. In other cases there are things cats do that are just really cool to understand because it contributes to their overall badness - in a good way.

Cats are hunters - in fact cats will hunt living prey even when their hunger is completely satisfied for the sport of it. When your cat snags a low flying bird or that mouse that has been snooping around and drops it on your slippers or leaves it someplace they know you are going to see it, they are not presenting you with a gift. That is a total myth that has been perpetuated for far too long.

When cats present you with their slain prey they are trying to teach you - just as they would their kittens. In essence they are saying that when it comes to hunting - you suck and need help. Seeing the dead prey is supposed to get you on the same page with them so you can start pulling your weight. If the present thing makes you feel better though, feel free to go with that - most people do because it’s more comforting than knowing your cat thinks you’re incompetent.

Most people think cats groom themselves all the time because they have OCD about being clean or something, but in reality they are trying to get rid of smells they don’t want on their body - usually yours. When cats groom themselves - which includes when they tug on their fur - what they are doing in large part is stimulating glands that release their own scent. Sure they like being clean, but they prefer their own scent on their body way more than yours for reasons that will be explored in another section. Think of it this way - when you pet your cat and they walk away to groom them self, it would be like if you gave your nana a hug and she bolted for the shower. Nice, huh?

Everyone has seen a cat give the hiss of death - and it is pretty freaky scary. Did you ever really look at cat doing that though and wonder what is behind it all aside from fear? The hiss is a part of the defense, but the rest of the posture your cat takes on is mimicry - specifically mimicking a snake. Most living things really don’t want to tangle with things that can kill you - and Fluffy along with pretty much

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