A new study suggests that people frequently misread their cat’s signals.

Have you ever been petting a cat when, without warning, they swiftly turn around and bite your hand? Experiences like this are surprisingly common. Although humans have coexisted with cats for thousands of years, many still find it challenging to interpret their signals, particularly those that indicate discomfort.

A recent study conducted by French researchers, published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science in January 2024, explored our ability to understand cats’ vocalizations and visual cues. The findings revealed that people often struggle to recognize when a cat is unhappy. In the study, participants accurately identified contentment in cats 90% of the time, but this figure dropped to just 72% when it came to discontent.

LeeAnna Buis, a cat behavior consultant at Feline Behavior Solutions, emphasizes that cats are often misunderstood. “You have to put your ‘cat goggles’ on instead of your ‘people goggles’ and look at them through their eyes,” she advises. Most of Buis’s work focuses on two main issues: litter box problems and cat relationships.

“The number one thing to remember is that cats do what they do for a reason,” she says. “Often, when we dislike their behavior, it’s the cat’s way of trying to meet an instinctual need or reacting to something instinctual.”

20 Frequently Misread Cat Behaviours

Buis points out that while dogs have been bred for specific behaviors and to interact with humans, we haven’t done the same with cats. “Cats behave as they would in the wild, making them far more complex than dogs to interpret,” she explains. This complexity leads to frequent misunderstandings of their behaviors. Below are 20 feline behaviors—both positive and negative—that are commonly misinterpreted.

1. House Soiling
   The behavior that causes the most stress, confusion, and heartbreak is house soiling. When a cat urinates or defecates outside the litter box, it’s not acting out of spite; it’s trying to convey that something is amiss. According to Buis, this “something” could be medical, emotional, or related to the litter box’s setup. Medical issues aren’t limited to urinary problems; they can include anything from ear infections to arthritis or injuries. On the emotional side, changes such as the arrival of a new baby or a busy travel schedule can stress a cat. For cats, their logic might be, “I’ll pee on your stuff so you know I love you”—a backhanded compliment tied to a self-soothing behavior. Or, the litter box might not be clean enough or might be in an unsuitable location. “Cats choose spots where they feel safe and secure,” says Buis.
2. Acting Aggressively Toward a New Pet
   What may seem like aggression to humans can actually be a cat’s way of claiming territory, protecting resources, or expressing fear of another pet. Often, this aggressive behavior follows subtle body language cues that humans may overlook, such as the cat’s ears moving sideways or twitching skin and agitated tail movements. Before overt aggression occurs, there are usually signs of discomfort—such as skin twitching or prolonged staring—that can help owners address the situation effectively.
3. Knocking Over Items
   Cats have gained a reputation for being pesky when they knock things off tables or counters. However, according to Molly Kelsey, known as The Cat Counsellor from Auckland, New Zealand, cats interact with objects using their paws and mouths. They might bat at something simply to see if it moves or to attract human attention since this often results in a response from their owners.
4. Licking the Lips
   While a cat licking its lips might suggest anticipation of food, as most believe, it could also indicate a physiological issue like sore gums. Kelsey notes that behaviorally, it can signal elevated stress or anxiety.
5. Exposing the Belly
   When cats lie on their back with their bellies exposed, many interpret this as an invitation for belly rubs, similar to dogs. However, this posture may signify trust or defense, rather than a desire for petting. Sabrina Kong, a veterinarian from Tracy, CA, warns that attempting to pet a cat’s belly in this position may lead to a swift negative reaction, as their belly is a vulnerable area.
6. Bunting
   The act of a cat headbutting or bunting against a person is frequently misunderstood as a simple request for attention. In reality, it’s a significant sign of affection and trust, as cats use this behavior to mark people with their scent.
7. Facing Away From You
   Claudette Nita, a cat trainer at Happy Kitty in Toronto, ON, explains that when a cat sits with its back turned, it doesn’t mean they dislike you. Instead, it indicates complete trust. What might seem like aloofness is actually a sign of contentment and safety, as the cat is relaxed enough to not be on alert for dangers.
8. Purring
   Purring is often perceived as a sign of a happy cat, which is generally true. However, Lucy Hoile, a feline behaviorist in England, reminds us that cats may also purr when they are injured as a form of self-soothing or healing, or when they seek something such as food or attention.
9. Holding the Tail High
   When a cat approaches a person with its tail raised, it’s a positive signal that can easily be overlooked. This behavior is a good indicator that the cat is happy and eager to greet you.
10. Meowing
    Wild cats rarely meow at each other, primarily using scent, body language, and grooming instead. Meowing is typically aimed at humans, indicating positive interaction, as it’s a behavior evolved to communicate with us.
11. Wagging the Tail
    While dogs wag their tails to express excitement or happiness, a cat’s tail may signal agitation, fear, or, in rare cases, playfulness. Mollie Newton, a veterinarian in Columbus, OH, advises caution around a cat exhibiting tail wagging, especially if accompanied by hissing.
12. Hissing or Growling
    When feeling threatened or scared, cats hiss or growl as a warning. Many humans misinterpret these sounds as displays of anger or aggression.
13. Acting Lethargic
    Cats are often considered lazy compared to dogs, leading to misconceptions about their energy levels. A lack of energy can indicate discomfort, particularly if accompanied by a loss of appetite. In such cases, a visit to the vet is essential.
14. Blinking Slowly
    Slow blinking might be viewed as a sign of sleepiness or disinterest but, according to veterinarian Georgina Ushi from Tampa, FL, it actually represents a gesture of trust and affection—an indication of relaxation.
15. Sharing Dead Prey
    When a cat brings dead prey to its owner, it may seem alarming, but this behavior is a form of sharing, expressing affection in the way they might with family in the wild, notes veterinarian and behaviorist Michael Thompson.
16. Flicking the Tail
    People often interpret a cat flicking its tail as irritation, but sometimes the behavior indicates intense concentration on something, according to Thompson.
17. Scratching Furniture
    Scratching is generally misconstrued as a malicious act. Thompson explains that while it may indicate stress, it often relates to territory marking, stretching, or nail maintenance.
18. Kneading
    Kneading is commonly seen as a comfort-seeking behavior reminiscent of kittens, says veterinarian Kathryn Dench. However, it also serves to mark territory through scent, reflecting a deeper instinct tied to security and ownership.
19. Chattering at Birds
    The chattering sound cats produce when they spot birds or squirrels is often mistaken for excitement. Dench suggests it may signify a heightened emotional state or an instinctual mimicry of prey calls, or frustration at being unable to reach it.
20. Hiding
    When a cat hides excessively, it’s often interpreted as a preference for solitude. However, Dench warns that while cats do enjoy alone time, excessive hiding can indicate stress, fear, or illness.

How to Better Understand Your Cat

“Humans domesticated dogs, and cats domesticated us, so cats’ brains haven’t really changed,” explains Molly Kelsey. “Your cat is a domestic animal but still retains all the instincts of a wild creature.” She advises owners to learn about cat behavior through various resources available online, focusing on understanding their sounds and movements. “Education goes a long way,” Kelsey insists.

Kathryn Dench encourages daily playtime with cats to strengthen the bond between owner and pet while allowing for observation of the cat’s behavior and preferences. This quality time helps owners to become familiar with their cat’s personality and notice behavioral changes quickly.

Michael Thompson observes that many people view cats through a human lens, expecting them to behave like dogs. “Cats communicate more subtly, which requires attentiveness to understand. Spending quality time observing their behaviors in different scenarios is crucial,” he stresses.

LeeAnna Buis recounts her own experience with a difficult cat, highlighting the importance of consulting a behavior expert. After attending a consultation, she realized just how much there was to learn about feline behavior and the mistakes she had made in interpreting her cat’s actions. “It’s our issues, not the cat’s, causing the problems,” she reflects.

This article originally appeared in the award-winning Modern Cat magazine. Subscribe today!