by Kevin Burton
Though cats don’t speak our human language, there is a lot we can know about what is on their minds.
We do that by learning to speak their language. What they do, how and when they do it can tell us a lot.
We’ve been walking through an article by Alesandra Dubin in Good Housekeeping magazine, “20 Surprising Cat Facts You’ve Never Heard.” Well, I had heard most of them, but I have also learned a thing or two.
This is the fourth and last post from the GH article. It begins with the favorite sleep pattern of cats (and of me!).
2–Cats aren’t nocturnal—they’re crepuscular.
“Cats are most active at dawn and dusk, mirroring the hunting patterns of their wild ancestors,” Dubin wrote. “You might notice bursts of energy during these hours, followed by long naps throughout the day. This is called being crepuscular and it’s their natural rhythm, not just a spot of midnight mischief.”
That may be so, but their bent for midnight mischief is undeniable nevertheless. I am a night owl myself and I have spent many happy hours in the middle of the night with all my cats. But on some of those nights when I slept at night like a normal person, I woke to the evidence of their activities.
Evidence gathered from high surfaces is ascribed to Lakin, the acrobat. That found at ground level could be blamed on either, but is probably attributable to Ronnie the omnivore.
10–When cats knead or “make biscuits,” they feel safe.
“Making biscuits, making muffins…you may call that charming kneading tendency by any number of cute names. In fact, kneading mimics the motion kittens use to nurse. “It’s a comforting behavior that signals security and relaxation,” said Dr. Ambika Vaid, an integrative veterinarian and advisor to the pet nutrition brand Badlands Ranch.
Lakin is big on making biscuits. But Ronnie’s love language is licking. Very doglike, I know. She also begs for food like a dog.
16–Cats are not indifferent to us.
“Cats may seem self-sufficient—and have earned a reputation for aloofness to match—but they need regular engagement to stay happy,” Dubin writes.
“Without attention, cats can become bored or lonely,” Vaid said. ”Daily playtime and affection aren’t just fun little extras for you, they’re essential for your cat’s emotional wellbeing, too.”
Lakin demands attention. If she doesn’t get enough she goes into a fit of “zoomies” – where she runs crazily around the house. Both cats position themselves directly in our walking path, which is their way of saying, like the 1964 Supremes song, “Come See About Me.”
18–Peeing outside the litter box isn’t just bad behavior.
“It may be stressful for a pet parent, but it’s not something to just chalk up to naughtiness. Changes in behavior, such as excessive licking, hiding, or avoiding the litter box, can point to stress, anxiety, or an underlying medical issue like arthritis or a urinary tract infection,” Dubin writes.
“Never ignore this red flag,” Vaid warns. “Call your vet.”
Ronnie has just had a diagnosis of overactive thyroid. With her excessive licking, was she trying to tell us about this all along, or is it truly just her love language? Either way, she will be on thyroid meds the rest of her life.
20–Exposing their belly isn’t (necessarily) an invitation for rubs.
“When a cat shows its belly, it’s a sign of trust, not an invitation to touch. (Even though it’s tempting!) Their most sensitive area is off-limits for most felines. Instead, offer affection with gentle scratches on the head, cheeks, or under the chin,” Dubin writes.
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