Cats communicate constantly, but quietly. A tail position, a change in ear angle, or a skipped trip to the litter tray can tell you a lot once you know what to look for. Most habits that puzzle owners are normal behavior with simple explanations. A few are early warnings of pain, stress or illness.
This guide is for cat owners and anyone thinking of adopting a cat. You will learn what common habits such as kneading, slow blinking and scratching usually mean, how to read tail and ear signals, how to respond to litter box changes, and which signs mean you should contact a veterinarian promptly.
Common habits and what they usually mean
Kneading
Kneading is the rhythmic pressing of paws against a soft surface. Kittens do it at their mother to stimulate milk flow, and many cats keep the habit as adults. Cats Protection, a UK charity, notes that no one really knows why adult cats continue. Suggestions include that it feels good, that it is triggered automatically by certain textures, or that it is inherited. It usually happens when a cat is relaxed, so it is generally a good sign. If it hurts, keep the claws trimmed and put a blanket on your lap.
Slow blinking
Relaxed eyes with slow blinking, winking or half-closed lids signal that a cat feels safe and is not threatened, according to International Cat Care. Rapid blinking, especially while the cat looks away, can mean the cat feels uneasy. You can return a slow blink to show you are friendly, but do not stare. Direct, fixed staring can feel threatening to cats.
Scratching
Scratching is stretching, exercise and communication in one. Cats leave both a visible mark and a scent mark from glands in their paws, and they tend to return to the same spots. The ASPCA notes that cats scratch to stretch, to play, to mark territory, and to remove worn outer claw layers.
Do not punish scratching. Instead:
- Offer several sturdy, tall posts. Wobbly ones will not be used.
- Test different materials, such as sisal, cardboard, carpet and wood, and different angles, vertical or horizontal, to see what your cat prefers.
- Put posts where your cat already rests or scratches, and next to furniture you want to protect.
- Trim nails regularly to reduce damage.
- Keep old, shredded posts. They smell familiar and cats like them.
Head rubbing and bunting
Rubbing against your legs, furniture or face exchanges scent. International Cat Care describes it as generally a sign of comfort and social bonding, and a greeting when directed at a person's legs.
Reading tail and ear signals
Use the table as a guide, and always look at the context. A cat's body is a set of signals that work together.
| Signal | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Tail held upright | Friendly intent when approaching a person or another animal |
| Tail tucked between back legs | Anxiety or fear |
| Tail swishing slowly side to side | Frustration |
| Puffed-up tail, arched back, sideways stance | A strong "stay away" signal |
| Crouching with tail thumping on the ground | Defensive posture |
| Ears forward in normal position | Relaxed |
| Ears flat against the head, wide pupils | Fear |
| Ears upright and turned outward, small pupils | Frustration |
When you see fear or frustration signals, give the cat space. Cats that feel cornered may scratch or bite, and pushing for contact usually makes the situation worse. Cats Protection and other cat welfare organizations publish detailed guides if you want to learn more about reading specific behaviors.
Litter box changes as a health signal
Using the litter tray correctly is a basic need, so a change deserves attention. International Cat Care lists medical causes of soiling indoors, including urinary tract disease, diarrhea, feline idiopathic cystitis, an overactive thyroid gland and diabetes. If a cat suddenly starts toileting outside the tray, or does so regularly, see a vet first to rule out illness.
Other causes are practical or emotional. Check these before concluding that your cat is misbehaving:
- A dirty tray. Scoop solids and clumps daily and clean the tray fully about once a week, using mild detergent and rinsing well.
- Strong smells. Scented litter and strong disinfectants can put cats off.
- Location and number. Place trays in quiet spots away from food. The advice is one tray per cat plus a spare.
- Tray design. Some cats prefer covered trays and others open ones. Older cats do better with low sides, and the tray should be big enough to turn around in.
- Stress or fear. Other cats, noises, a move or a change in routine can all trigger accidents.
- Pain with age. Arthritis can make high-sided trays or cat flaps hard to use.
Never punish a cat for soiling. It increases fear and can make the problem worse. Clean accidents with an enzymatic cleaner made for pet urine, since ammonia-based products smell like urine and may encourage repeat soiling.
When to see a vet
Contact your vet the same day if you see:
- Straining to urinate, frequent trips to the tray with little or nothing passed, crying while toileting, or blood in the urine.
- Refusing food, vomiting, hiding, or unusual lethargy.
- Sudden changes in thirst, appetite, weight or toileting that last more than a day or two.
- New aggression or withdrawal in a previously friendly cat, which may be a sign of pain.
- Excessive grooming that leaves bald patches or sore skin.
A blocked bladder is an emergency. International Cat Care states that urethral obstruction must be treated as an emergency and can be fatal within two to three days without treatment. It occurs almost exclusively in male cats. If your cat is straining and passing little or nothing, go to a vet immediately, including out of hours.
Common mistakes
- Assuming bad behavior. Soiling, aggression or hiding are often signals of pain, fear or stress.
- Punishing the cat. Shouting, spraying water or rubbing a nose in a mess damages trust and rarely solves the problem.
- Waiting too long. Cats hide illness. If something has changed for more than a day or two, call the vet.
- Making many changes at once. Cats prefer routine. Introduce new litter, food or furniture gradually.
- Forcing affection. Let the cat approach you and end the contact when it wants to.
If you are weighing the costs of veterinary care, pet care on a budget explains how to plan for routine and emergency bills. If your household includes a dog as well, see choosing a dog for your lifestyle for tips on introductions and household planning.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my cat knead me and then bite or scratch?
Some cats get overstimulated, or the kneading digs claws in. Trim claws, put a thick blanket between you and the cat, and gently move the cat if the behavior becomes uncomfortable. If you see sudden aggression, check with your vet for pain.
Is a slow blink really a sign of affection?
It signals relaxation and a lack of threat. You can respond with a slow blink of your own, and many owners find it helps cats feel comfortable. It is not a guarantee that a particular cat wants to be touched.
How many litter trays does a cat need?
International Cat Care suggests one tray per cat plus a spare, even for cats that go outdoors. Spread trays around the home rather than lining them up together.
Should I declaw a cat that scratches furniture?
No. The ASPCA opposes declawing, because it has not been shown to fix behavior problems. In many countries it is banned or restricted. Provide scratching posts, trim the nails and, if needed, ask a vet or behaviorist for help.
Next steps
- Spend a week watching your cat's tail, ears, eyes and posture in different situations, and note what each looks like when the cat is relaxed.
- Check your litter set-up: number of trays, location, litter type and cleaning routine.
- Add one or two sturdy scratching posts near furniture and sleeping areas.
- Save your vet's phone number and the nearest out-of-hours clinic where you can find it quickly.
