After a day apart, most cats like to greet their human caretakers with a firm yet gentle head-butt to the leg, face or whatever other body part happens to be available. Don't be alarmed - this is a sure sign of affection and loyalty. Head-butting, which is also called "bunting," may also be a way for your furry friend to lay territorial claim to you. Cats have scent glands in their foreheads that leave a subtle yet recognizable aroma that says "I'm taken" on anyone or anything they butt into...
No. 9 - Ankle Ambushes
The simple act of walking down a hallway can become a gauntlet run for some cat owners who owns cats. Frisky felines love to lie in wait for their "prey" to pass by so they can pounce on their ankles and take them down. But try not to take it personally — cats are merely acting on a natural instinct to hunt game (i.e., you). Ankle ambushes allow them to hone their predatory skills, which would be critical to survival in the wild, but they still want to sleep in your lap after the ambush.
No. 8 - Drapery Desire
It's difficult to determine exactly when the attraction between cats and window-coverings began, but it probably dates back to prehistoric times. Cats simply cannot resist launching attacks on a swaying curtain, dangling blind pull or colorful tapestry tassel. If this sounds all too familiar, don't despair. You can go to www.catchow.com and ask a Purina Cat Chow Mentor for help.
No. 7 - Pushing Paws
A sure sign of kitty contentment is the act of kneading, in which a cat climbs into your lap and begins to push its paws against your legs in an apparent attempt to find the most comfortable spot. Kneading may also be accompanied by heavy purring, head-butting and possibly a bit of drooling. But don't let a little cat spit stand between you and a good knead session. This quirky behavior is almost always a sign of great affection, so take it as a compliment.
No. 6 - The Sideways Hop
This particular cat quirk can be alarming upon first sight, so try to remain calm if you notice it in your pet. Called the "sideways hop," it's a special favorite of the young and playful. It usually begins with a fluffed-up tail and all four legs stretched taut. Then, the cat will arch its back, turn its body sideways, and bounce toward you or whoever may be the "target." Keep in mind that the sideways hop is rarely an aggressive maneuver, but you are expected to play along. According to feline etiquette, the best response is to get down on all fours and perform a similar hop in return.
No. 5 - Water Snobbery
In addition to food, most cat owners graciously provide a bowl of fresh water each day for their pets. However, this is a futile effort. The water bowl is almost always the last choice of liquid libation for felines. For reasons not well understood, cats will pursue all other aqueous options, including toilet water and algae-filled plant run-off, before drinking the fluid in their water bowls. Some attribute this tendency to a preference for running water, citing the ubiquitous pre-drink paw-swirl behavior as an example of cats' desire for beverages that move. But this explanation seems unlikely considering cats' top choice for thirst quenching: whatever water happens to be in their owner's glass.
No. 4 - Unwanted Scratching
All cats scratch. It's a fact of feline life, so any pet parent who tries to prevent it in their cats is going to be sorely disappointed. Scratching is a natural behavior for cats as this is the way they remove the outer sheath of their nails to expose the new nail underneath. It is also used as a method of communication between cats. The good news is that you can minimize destructive scratching in cats by trimming their claws every two weeks or so and by providing them with a variety of scratch posts and toys.
No. 3 - Killer Curiosity
Virtually all cats have an insatiable curiosity that keeps them well-entertained in between their six or seven daily naps. However, this propensity for prying can also lead cats into trouble. Sure, those soapy bubbles look delightfully tempting as they float up from the tub, but one wrong paw placement and your four-legged friend gets soaked. And what self-respecting kitty can resist the sweet smells of a freshly cut Christmas tree? Not many, though few can claim victory in actually getting inside of the tree! To lessen the curiosity on your personal items, try instead to feed their curiosity with a variety of playful cat toys.
No. 2 - Gruesome Gift-Giving
Gift-giving is a wonderful thing. That is, unless the gift bestowed is a dead or dying animal. Considering that cats have a natural instinct to hunt, most felinophiles will inevitably receive the gift of an animal carcass at one time or another. Even well-fed cats that never venture outdoors may encounter a mouse now and then, and most cannot resist the thrill of a chase. And when your furry friend eventually triumphs over the tiny creature, he will undoubtedly deliver it to you with a look that says "You're quite welcome."
No. 1 - Purring
To cat lovers, nothing is more satisfying than a deep and resounding purr emanating from their pet as they scratch behind their ears or rub their belly. Cats may purr for a variety of reasons, but this behavior almost always indicates utter contentment on the part of a feline. Purring may also have beneficial powers, such as pain relief and the promotion of healing in injured animals. But the most important role for purring is probably between a mother and her kittens. Newborn cats are able to purr within the first few days of life, and this behavior may help mothers bond with and keep track of her litter.
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