Top 12 cat behaviours you should know

Rosie Bescoby shares her top 12 cat behaviours that all cat lovers should know:

● MAKING YOU OPEN THE DOOR TO LET THEM IN WHEN THERE’S A PERFECTLY GOOD CAT FLAP AVAILABLE – While cats are very talented at most things, their eyesight lets them down and they can’t adjust to different light levels quickly. So, when they go through the dreaded cat flap, this can leave them feeling vulnerable.

● SLEEPING ON ANYTHING YOU’RE READING – Cats will do just about anything to get attention and this is just one of many clever ways they’ve learned to do just that.

● SWIPING INANIMATE OBJECTS OFF THE SIDE – This is inherent predatory behaviour. Instead of waiting for that pepper grinder to move itself, cats will create their own movement in inanimate objects by swatting them. And if they get a reaction from their owner, their work is done.

● DRINKING WATER FROM THE GLASS BY YOUR BED – Cats can be fussy when it comes to water — and one or two other things — and prefer for it to not be next to their food bowl, so will often go for their owner’s glass instead.

● PRETENDING THEY WANT A TUMMY RUB...THEN CLAWING YOU – Cats love to show off how flexible they are with what’s known as a 'social roll.' It might mean your kitty wants to play, but they certainly don’t want a tummy rub.

● SQUEEZING INTO TINY SPACES – Ever thought your cat is hiding from you just because? Well, they probably are! But for cats, small spaces also create a sense of security; they feel safe and sound in their own hidey hole. Let them enjoy it!

● GETTING UP HIGH – Kitties love to be up high in the sky and it’s essential owners offer this to them. From up here, your cat can survey their kingdom in peace.

● TAIL TWITCHING WHILE INTERACTING WITH THEM – this is them — politely — telling you to back off.

● STARING - Direct, fixed eye contact is threatening in cat body language, so watch out! The cat is in full predatory mode here and could pounce at any time. Mind your fingers…

● MEOWING – Cats generally don’t meow at each other; it is a method of communication they use for humans. They really do have us wrapped around their little paws.

● PURRING – This usually happens when your cat has found some time for R and R in their busy schedule of ruling the world, but can also occur when they’re in pain to soothe themselves.

● KNEADING – A behaviour from when your cat was a kitten, when the motion stimulated getting milk from its mum. It is a sign of feeling safe and relaxed, just watch out for the dribble that tends to come with it.