We Asked 100 People: What Does Your Cat's Behaviour Really Mean?

Cats are mysterious creatures, often leaving their owners puzzled by their strange and unpredictable behaviour. From purring and kneading to zoomies at 3 a.m., cats express themselves in many ways—but what do these actions really mean? Do they show love, frustration, or something else entirely?

To get to the bottom of these feline mysteries, we asked 100 cat owners to share their interpretations of their cats’ behaviours. We collected responses on everything from head-butts to tail twitches.

Alongside these insights, we’ve consulted with animal behaviour experts to decode what’s really going on when your cat does these quirky things.

Ready to uncover the truth behind your cat’s behaviour?

What Cat Owners Think and What the Experts Say

1. Purring: A Sign of Happiness or Something Else?

"My cat purrs when I pet her, so I know she’s happy."

"Sometimes my cat purrs when she’s in pain, so now I’m not so sure it’s always a good sign."

"Purring means my cat is super content and comfortable, especially when she curls up on my lap."

While purring is often associated with contentment, it can also occur in other emotional states, such as fear, pain, or anxiety.

Experts believe purring is a self-soothing mechanism, similar to how humans might hum when nervous. So while purring is usually a sign of happiness, it’s important to consider the context and observe other body language cues. Expert Insight: Dr. John Bradshaw

According to Dr. John Bradshaw, author of "Cat Sense", purring is not just a sign of contentment. While cats often purr when they are happy and relaxed, they also purr in situations of anxiety, fear, or even pain as a form of self-soothing.

2. Kneading: Making Biscuits or Marking Territory?

"Kneading is just my cat’s way of showing she’s comfortable with me."

"My cat only kneads when she’s super relaxed—usually on my softest blanket!"

"It feels like she’s trying to make biscuits, but I think it’s a sign she’s marking her territory."

Kneading, often called "making biscuits," is a behaviour kittens use to stimulate milk production from their mothers. As adults, cats knead when they’re feeling relaxed and secure.

It may also be a way of marking their territory, as their paws release scent glands. So, whether your cat is kneading you, your clothes, or furniture, it’s a sign that they feel comfortable and are claiming you as part of their space.

Expert Insight: Dr. Mikel Delgado

Feline behaviorist Dr. Mikel Delgado explains that kneading is a behaviour that cats carry from kittenhood, when they knead their mothers to stimulate milk flow. In adult cats, it’s a sign of relaxation and comfort, as well as a way to mark territory using scent glands in their paws.

3. Slow Blinking: The ‘I Love You’ of the Cat World?

"When my cat slow blinks, I know she’s telling me she loves and trusts me."

"I slow blink back, and it feels like we’re communicating without words."

"I’ve heard that a slow blink is the feline version of saying ‘I’m relaxed around you.’"

Slow blinking is indeed a positive behaviour, often referred to as the "cat kiss." Cats use this subtle gesture to show trust and affection. By blinking slowly at you, they’re indicating that they feel safe and at ease in your presence.

Experts encourage cat owners to slow blink back as a way of strengthening the bond with their feline friends.

Expert Insight: Dr. Sarah Ellis

Dr. Sarah Ellis, co-author of "The Trainable Cat", points out that slow blinking is a sign of trust and affection in cats. Cats use this subtle gesture to show they feel safe and relaxed, and slow-blinking back at your cat can help strengthen your bond.

4. Zoomies: Midnight Madness or Just Burning Energy?

"My cat goes crazy, running around the house out of nowhere—usually in the middle of the night!"

"I think zoomies happen when my cat’s been sleeping all day and needs to get her energy out."

"I’m pretty sure my cat’s just playing, but sometimes it seems like she’s possessed!"

Zoomies, or "frenetic random activity periods," are bursts of energy that many cats experience, especially after a nap or during the late-night hours. This behaviour is completely normal and usually occurs when cats need to release pent-up energy.

Cats are naturally crepuscular, meaning they’re most active during dawn and dusk, which might explain those 3 a.m. zoomies. Encouraging more active playtime during the day can help minimise these outbursts at night.

Expert Insight: Dr. Karen Becker

Dr. Karen Becker, integrative wellness veterinarian, explains that zoomies are normal bursts of energy that cats experience, especially if they’ve been lounging all day. These frenetic random activity periods allow cats to release pent-up energy, and increasing playtime during the day can reduce late-night zoomies.

5. Head-Butting: A Show of Affection or Ownership?

"My cat gives me little head-butts to show me she loves me."

"I think my cat is marking me as hers when she head-butts me."

"It’s cute when she bumps her head into mine—it feels like she’s saying, ‘You’re mine.’"

Head-butting, or bunting, is a friendly, affectionate gesture. When cats head-butt, they are rubbing their scent glands against you, marking you as part of their territory.

This is a sign of trust and love, as cats reserve this behaviour for people (and sometimes other animals) they feel close to.

Expert Insight: Dr. Mikel Delgado

Dr. Mikel Delgado explains that head-butting, or bunting, is a way for cats to mark their territory by transferring their scent to their owner. This behaviour is a sign of trust and affection, reserved for those the cat feels close to.

6. Tail Twitching: Curious or Agitated?

"I notice my cat’s tail twitches when she’s stalking something or playing."

"My cat’s tail flicks back and forth when she’s irritated, so I know to give her space."

"I always thought tail twitching meant she was excited or curious about something."

Tail twitching can indicate several things, depending on the speed and intensity of the movement. A slow, gentle twitch usually suggests curiosity or interest, especially if your cat is watching something closely.

However, rapid or forceful tail flicking typically signals agitation or annoyance. Paying attention to your cat’s tail movements can give you clues about their mood and whether they want attention or space.

Expert Insight: Dr. John Bradshaw

Dr. John Bradshaw explains that a cat’s tail can tell you a lot about their mood. A gentle tail twitch indicates interest or curiosity, while rapid tail flicking usually signals agitation or frustration. Reading these cues can help you gauge whether your cat is excited or needs some space.

7. Chirping: Talking to Birds or Frustration?

"My cat chirps whenever she’s watching birds outside—it’s adorable!"

"I think she’s trying to talk to the birds or maybe just frustrated she can’t catch them."

"It sounds like she’s imitating bird sounds—I think it’s her way of getting into ‘hunter mode.’"

Chirping is a high-pitched, short sound cats make when they’re excited, often while watching birds or other potential prey. This behaviour is thought to mimic the sounds of their prey, or it may be an expression of frustration at not being able to catch what they see.

Some experts believe chirping is linked to a cat’s predatory instincts and serves as a way to communicate their eagerness to hunt.

Expert Insight: Dr. Karen Becker

According to Dr. Karen Becker, chirping is a sound cats make when they’re excited or frustrated, particularly when watching birds or other prey. It’s thought to be part of their hunting instinct, either mimicking the sounds of prey or showing eagerness to hunt.

8. The Belly Rub Trap: An Invitation or a Warning?

"My cat shows her belly, but the second I try to rub it, she swats at me!"

"I’ve learned that when my cat shows her belly, it’s not always an invitation to touch."

"It’s a trick! She acts all cute, but then gets defensive if I go for the belly rub."

When a cat rolls over and shows you their belly, it’s a sign that they trust you. However, this isn’t always an invitation for a belly rub. The belly is a vulnerable area for cats, and while they might expose it as a sign of relaxation, they may not appreciate being touched there.

Always read your cat’s body language—if they seem relaxed and don’t mind, a gentle rub might be okay, but many cats will swat or bite to protect themselves.

Expert Insight: Dr. Sarah Ellis

Dr. Sarah Ellis advises that when cats show their bellies, it’s a sign of trust, but not always an invitation for a rub. The belly is a vulnerable area, and while a cat may expose it when feeling relaxed, many cats don’t actually enjoy belly rubs and may become defensive if touched.

9. Rubbing Against Your Legs: A Greeting or Claiming Ownership?

"When my cat rubs against my legs, I think she’s saying hello and marking me."

"I’ve always seen it as a greeting, especially when I come home from work."

"I think my cat is saying, ‘You’re mine,’ every time she rubs against me."

Cats have scent glands on their cheeks and bodies, and when they rub against your legs, they’re transferring their scent to mark you as part of their territory. It’s both a greeting and a way of reinforcing ownership—cats often do this when you return home or after periods of separation. Expert Insight: Dr. Mikel Delgado

Dr. Mikel Delgado notes that when cats rub against your legs, they’re both greeting you and marking you with their scent. This behaviour is a sign of affection, as cats claim you as part of their territory and communicate that they trust you.

Conclusion

Cats are full of fascinating and sometimes puzzling behaviours, but decoding them helps deepen our understanding of these wonderful creatures. By asking 100 cat owners for their interpretations and combining these with expert insights, we’ve uncovered that while some cat behaviours are easy to read, others are more complex.

From the loving slow blink to the energetic zoomies, your cat is constantly communicating. Paying attention to these signals not only helps you understand your pet better but also strengthens your bond with them. Next time your cat gives you a head-butt or starts twitching their tail, you’ll know exactly what they’re trying to tell you.

Have you noticed any unique behaviours in your own cat? Share your stories in the comments—we’d love to hear more about the quirky ways your cat expresses themselves!