I’m switching things up a bit this afternoon.
Somebody was complaining that he wasn’t getting enough face time on the blog. I’m not going to mention any names…I think you’ll know who I’m talking about.
Recently, Jay was telling me how he came across an article all about cats, explaining some of the funny things that they do. I asked him to send the article to me so I could read the whole thing, and found myself chuckling on more than one occasion over the various reasons as to why cats do certain things.
You know, it ain’t no secret over here…we looooove cats! Well, one cat, specifically.
So if you’re a fellow cat lover like I am, then you may find some of these little Q&A’s amusing. If you’re not a fellow cat lover, well then, you’re just plain crazy.
And maybe you should come visit this little guy so he can help change your mind. 
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While not everything on the list applied to Cody (you can see it here), there were a few things that really stood out to me, as I could totally relate them to my little fur ball.
Why does a cat “knead” or “make biscuits”?
When a kitten is nursing, it typically kneads its paws against its mother, either as a sign of contentment or to encourage the milk flow. When the cat matures, it kneads to show its contentment and pleasure.
Why does a cat go to the visitor who doesn’t like cats?
When one cat is threatening another, it stares boldly, sometimes hisses, and frequently moves in toward the other cat. Usually, the person who doesn’t like cats avoids looking at it, doesn’t talk to it, and sits quietly, hoping to be ignored by the cat. The cat, therefore, sees the person’s behavior as “cat-friendly” and practically inviting.
Why does your cat push its head against you?
This is called “head butts”. This is a cat’s way of showing affection. Some cats will turn their head, and push it against a human (or another cat).
Why does a cat do a stiff-legged hop/touch against a human?
That is the cat’s body language of saying, “hey, hi there, how ya doin’?”
Why does your cat rub up against you?
Cats have scent glands along the tail, on each side of their head, on their lips, base of their tail, chin, near their sex organs, and between their front paws. They use these glands to scent mark their territory. When the cat rubs you, he is marking you with his scent, claiming you as “his.” Too, he is picking up your scent. Cats rub up against furniture or doorways for the same reason – to mark the item as “his”.
Why does a cat attack human’s ankles?
Kitten play always involves mock battles, with surprise attacks, pounces, and leaps. The kitty is basically trying to play, as he would with another cat. Direct him to less painful game play – chasing balls, cords, and so on.
Why do some cats put their toys in their water or food dish?
Cats look upon their food area as part of their territory, and that particular area of their territory usually doesn’t change from day to day – so the cats are likely putting their favorite toys away in a “safe” place. Some cats will consistently put away their toys when they’re through playing with them – you might try putting your cat’s toys in a small basket near one of his favorite spots and see if he will put them away on his own.
Why does your cat take a small bite on your arm or cheek and hold on for a few seconds?
Some cats, when they are very happy and feeling extremely affectionate toward the Big Unfurry Cat, will gently take a piece of human skin between their teeth and hold it for a few seconds. Think of it as the feline equivalent of kissing.
Why do cats roll over on their backs?
Cats roll over on their backs for a variety of reasons: if your cat flops down in front of you and rolls over on his back for a belly scratch, it’s a sign of his complete trust in you that you won’t ever hurt him. (<—this is Cody to a T!) Other times, he wants to play. If the cat is female and in heat, it’s a form of foreplay. It’s also a part of their social standing. Domesticated cats don’t display this as much as wild ones do. Wild cats have a very similar social structure to that of wolves.
Why does a cat hate getting wet?
Actually, many cats enjoy water and at least one breed is known to enjoy fishing and swimming. But, it has to be on their own terms – being picked up by two human hands and dunked in a sink full of water is not on the cat’s “own terms.”
Ummm, I swear Cody did that all on his own…
Pretty fun, right? 
Now I just want to know why the article didn’t include questions such as…
“Why does my cat like to raid the bar at night?”
“Why does my cat like to get himself into any bag or box he can find”?”
“How in the world can my cat soar through the air like a flying squirrel?”
Now THOSE would be fun questions to have answered. Anyone want to take a stab at ‘em…?
Question for the Afternoon:
Are you more of a dog or a cat person? (I promise, we’ll all still be friends if you say dogs.)
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