Photo by Mikhail Vasilyev on Unsplash
By Rebecca Kostik
Crouch down low , watch , and when it ’ s just the right moment … wobble your back paws and pounce ! Whether your kitty is pouncing live prey outside or their mouse toy inside , cats are playful despite their reputation for sleeping 12 to 18 hours per day . Many cats ’ playful characteristics begin when they are kittens practicing being successful predators . In fact , cat behavior runs deeper than the cute cat videos you watch on social media . The tail twitching , pouncing / jumping , face rubbing , kneading ( making biscuits ), purring and many more behaviors are a cat ’ s way of communicating and preserving their instinct .
What ’ s that sound ? How a cat purrs still has some unanswered questions , but why a cat purrs can warm the owner ’ s heart . The purr officially comes from the “ purr center ” located in the base of the brain . Once emotions stimulate the “ purr center ,” vibrations are sent to the opening of the windpipe by the vocal cords . As kitty inhales and exhales , air moves across the vocal cords producing the purr . ( Fun fact : like our domestic cats , cheetahs , pumas , ocelots , servals , and lynxes all purr . Lions , tigers , leopards , and jaguars cannot purr .) A kitten ’ s purr is used to let the momma cat know the baby is present . As the kitten becomes a cat , the purr communicates emotion and satisfaction . After a meal or play , kitty may come to you purring ready for some cuddle time . Usually , the purr is shared with a favorite person or animal . Purrs vary from a low rumble to a loud melody . Some purrs help calm kitties , like some nervous habits calm some people . Either way , the purr is an important part of communication , so pay close attention !
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What ’ s that smell ? Ever notice your kitty rubbing his / her face on you or various objects ? Is this an emotional characteristic like the purr or territorial ? Cats have scent-producing glands on their head and face . Fortunately for us , we don ’ t smell the scent , but other kitties do ! The scents are full of information like is the first kitty male or female , in heat or not , or how long ago the kitty visited the spot and if it will return . If you live in a multi-cat household , or take care of a cat community , the scent helps develop a community scent to determine who belongs or not . When Kitty rubs on their people , they are including the people ’ s scent as part of the community scent . The face rub is the secret handshake of the domestic cat community ; feel honored to be included !
Making biscuits ! Well , I ’ m not too sure Kitty should attempt to bake homemade biscuits , but they sure know how to knead like they are prepping the dough ! Instinctually , kittens knead when nursing . Most cats continue to knead in adulthood as comfort . Studies show that whether cats weaned too early or not , it will not determine if they will knead as adults . While cats are being pet , they will show contentment and love by kneading . Kneading is also a great way to make a bed when ready for a nap . Scent glands are found in kitty paws , allowing kneading to leave behind the kitty scent . When you are the recipient of kneading , know you have a special place in your kitty ’ s heart .
Wait for it … Pounce ! After a nice nap , dusk and dawn are a favorite time for kitty to get the zoomies ! Zoomies are when kitty ’ s predatory instinct drives them to run , jump and pounce