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Written by Paul
Dr Paul Manktelow is a vet who’s worked for almost 20 years on the front line in some of the UK’s busiest veterinary hospitals. As Chief Vet in the Charity Sector, he leads a team of vets and nurses that treat thousands of pets every year. Paul also appears regularly in the media as a TV and radio presenter, writer, public speaker and podcast producer.
Cats are communicating with us all the time.
The challenge is that their language is very different from our own. While dogs often wear their emotions on their sleeves, feline communication tends to be more subtle. As a result, many perfectly normal cat behaviours are misunderstood, leading owners to assume their cat is being aloof, difficult, or simply behaving strangely.
In reality, many of these behaviours have clear explanations rooted in feline biology, evolution and instinct.
Understanding what your cat is trying to tell you can help strengthen your bond and improve their welfare.
Purring Doesn’t Always Mean Happiness
Most people associate purring with contentment. And often, that’s true.
A cat curled up on your lap, purring softly while being stroked, is likely feeling relaxed and secure.
However, purring is more complex than many owners realise.
Cats may also purr when they are frightened, stressed, injured or unwell. Some researchers believe purring may have a self-soothing function, helping cats cope with discomfort or distress.
This is why context matters. A purring cat that is eating normally, interacting with family members and behaving as usual is very different from a purring cat that is hiding, lethargic or refusing food.
Why Cats Knead
Many cat owners are familiar with kneading, often affectionately referred to as “making biscuits.”
This behaviour involves a cat rhythmically pushing their paws into a blanket, cushion or even their owner’s lap.
Although it may seem unusual, kneading is usually a sign of comfort and security. The behaviour originates in kittenhood when kittens knead around their mother’s mammary glands to stimulate milk flow.
Many adult cats continue the behaviour throughout life, particularly when they feel safe and relaxed.
Why Cats Bring Home Prey
Finding a mouse, bird or toy left on the doorstep is rarely a welcome surprise.
Owners often wonder whether their cat is trying to teach them to hunt or even offering a gift.
The truth is that we cannot know exactly what a cat is thinking. What we do know is that hunting is a natural behaviour for cats, even when they are well fed.
Domestic cats retain strong predatory instincts, and bringing prey back to a familiar location is part of that natural behavioural pattern.
While it may not be pleasant for owners, it is usually a reflection of instinct rather than malice or mischief.
The Hidden Importance of Whiskers
Whiskers are much more than decorative facial features.
They are highly sensitive sensory organs that help cats assess their surroundings, judge spaces and detect subtle changes in airflow.
This sensitivity is one reason some cats dislike eating from deep or narrow bowls. When whiskers repeatedly brush against the sides, it can become uncomfortable, a phenomenon often referred to as whisker stress.
Using wide, shallow food and water bowls can help minimise this issue and make mealtimes more comfortable.
What About Slow Blinking?
One of the most charming forms of feline communication is the slow blink.
When a cat looks at you and slowly closes and opens their eyes, it is often interpreted as a sign of trust and relaxation. Some behaviourists have even described it as a feline equivalent of a smile.
Many cats will return a slow blink if their owner does the same, creating a simple but meaningful interaction.
Behaviour Is Communication
One of the themes Annie Clark and I explored in a recent episode of The Consult Room was how often cat behaviour is misunderstood.
Many behaviours that owners find confusing are actually normal feline communication. The challenge is learning how to interpret them.
Rather than asking why your cat is behaving strangely, it can be more helpful to ask what they might be trying to communicate.
🎧 Listen to the podcast: Cat Myths Busted: Things You Never Knew About Cats on The Consult Room for more insights into feline behaviour, welfare and communication.
The more we understand the signals cats use, the better equipped we are to meet their needs, support their welfare and build stronger relationships with them.
