Common cat behaviours explained

While some cat behaviours seem mysterious and random, most have a reason behind them. Kneading, purring, meowing, licking, sleeping, and zoomies are often part of your cat’s natural behaviours.

We spoke with CANZ Accredited Animal Behaviour Consultant Mat Ward (BSc MVS CCAB), who gave us some insight into the inner workings of the feline brain by explaining what some of your cat’s quirks might mean, and when a behaviour change is worth checking with your vet.

Why cats knead and what it means

Kneading, or ‘making biscuits’, is one of those classic cat behaviours that can be both adorable and slightly painful if claws are involved.

This rhythmic pawing usually starts early, when kittens knead their mother while feeding, using their paws to help stimulate milk flow. Some adult cats carry on this behaviour because it’s psychologically linked with feelings of comfort and security.

Try not to react negatively to your cat’s kneading, as they see it as a comforting behaviour and won’t understand your frustration. If the claws are a bit much, pop a thick blanket on your lap or keep your cat’s claws trimmed.

The science behind purring

Purring is one of the loveliest sounds in the house. We hear that soft rumble and assume our cats are feeling happy, and often that is true.

Cats purr when they’re relaxed, warm and enjoying attention. You might hear it when they curl up on your lap or are resting in a nice patch of sun.

But strangely enough, cats can also purr when they’re stressed, unwell, or in pain, as it is a self-soothing behaviour which offers them comfort.

Related: How to spot pain in your pets

A purr that comes with hiding, reduced appetite, restlessness, or sudden aggression is worth taking seriously. If it feels different and comes with other symptoms, check in with your vet.

Meowing: communication or something more?

Some cats are quiet little shadows. Others seem to have a full conversation ready every time you walk into the kitchen.

Mat tells us that the domestic cat’s meow is one of the clearest examples of how cats have adapted to life alongside humans.

“Realising that humans are terrible at speaking cat, they ‘borrowed’ a sound from their kittenhood and developed a ‘spoken’ communication specifically for us,” Mat says.

In nature, the ‘mew’ is mainly a kitten sound. Kittens use it to communicate with their mum. As cats become independent, they no longer need to verbally communicate.

With humans, though, the meow stuck around. As Mat explains, cats quickly learn what works. Breakfast in their bowl, a door opened, a scratch on the chin.

Over time, you and your cat may build your own shared vocabulary. You might know the ‘feed me’ meow, the ‘hello’ meow, and the ‘open the door’ meow.

Trills and chirps are often friendly greetings or invitations to interact. Silent meows may not be silent at all; your cat may be making a sound too high-pitched for human ears. Yowls, growls and hisses usually signal stress, fear, frustration, pain or a boundary being set.

Sleeping habits and what’s normal

Despite their lazy reputation, all that sleep has a purpose for cats. As Mat says: it’s about energy conservation over laziness.

Cats are built for short bursts of intense activity. As predators, they conserve energy through rest so they’re ready for quick, explosive movement when needed. Adult cats can sleep for around 12 to 16 hours a day, while kittens  and senior cats may sleep even more.

Cats are also crepuscular, meaning they are naturally more active around dawn and dusk. Ward notes that this internal clock reflects the hunting patterns of their wild ancestors, when birds and rodents were more active.

Your cat’s sleeping position can also tell you a lot:

• Curled tightly – conserving warmth
• A ‘loaf’ position – relaxed but still ready to move
• Belly up – they feel safe enough to expose a vulnerable area

Other common cat behaviours explained

Licking you

When your cat licks your hand, arm or even your hair, it can feel sweet, scratchy and a little bit random.

Licking is social. Bonded cats may groom each other, and some cats extend that behaviour to humans that they trust. Your cat may be showing affection or looking for attention.

Excessive licking, whether it’s on you or themselves, can sometimes point to stress or skin irritations.

Zoomies

Those sudden hallway sprints, sofa launches and late-night skids across the floor are usually called the zoomies.

Mat explains that animal behaviourists refer to these bursts as FRAPs, or frantic random activity periods. They are normal, spontaneous bursts of high-intensity behaviour, especially in kittens and young adult cats.

For indoor cats, zoomies can release energy that would naturally go into stalking, chasing, pouncing and climbing. To help your cat use that energy well, try wand toys, short play sessions before dinner, puzzle feeders, climbing spaces, tunnels, boxes and scratching posts.

Scratching, biting or swiping

Scratching helps to maintain cats' claws and mark their territory. Rather than trying to stop scratching altogether, give your cat appropriate places to do it, such as sturdy posts and scratchers.

A gentle nip can sometimes be play, but biting or swiping can also signal overstimulation, fear, or pain. If your cat bites during play, redirect them onto a toy. If they nip after being patted for a while, they may be telling you they’ve had enough.

When to be concerned and seek advice

Most cat quirks are perfectly normal. The key is knowing what’s normal for your cat.

Book a vet check if you notice sudden changes in:

• Vocalisations: excess meowing, strange purring, yowling
• Activity levels: sleeping more than usual, hiding a lot
• Eating or drinking too much or too little
• Toileting troubles
• Excessive grooming
• Escalating aggression or withdrawn behaviour

Cats are very good at masking discomfort, so behaviour changes can be one of the first signs that something is not quite right.

Support for pet parents

Read more articles that offer insights on caring for your cats:

• Pet Parents
• Guides
• Waggy Tales

You may also want to consider  SPCA Pet Insurance, as it can help cover eligible vet bills if your cat needs medical care.