Cats knead or paw at their water bowl due to instinct, assessing water depth and freshness, avoiding whisker fatigue in deep bowls, or as a comfort behavior reminding them of nursing, with some even creating ripples to "see" the water better or trying to "bury" it to hide their scent from predators. It's often a mix of wild instincts and modern bowl challenges, but getting a wider, shallower bowl or a pet fountain can reduce the behavior.
Cats may develop obsessive behaviors or stress-related actions linked to environmental changes. Cats scratching their water bowl or floor before drinking can indicate anxiety, territorial marking, or discomfort with the water source. Symptoms include prolonged scratching and agitation.
The behavior is a throwback to when they were kittens and would knead their mother's breast while feeding. Cats have scent glands in their paws, which they use to leave behind various scents when they knead on a surface.
Cats "ekekeke" (chatter or chirp) due to intense predatory focus, expressing excitement, frustration, or even trying to mimic prey to lure them closer, often seen when watching birds or bugs through a window but also with toys, indicating their hunting instinct is kicking in. It's a sound of arousal and focus, sometimes seen as a rehearsal for the killing bite or an attempt to communicate with their target.
The top "silent killers" in cats are Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), often going undetected until 75% kidney failure, and Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), which damages organs without obvious signs until blindness or seizures occur, notes Muirfield Animal Hospital, Pet Health Network, www.springwoodvets.com.au, Close Veterinary Clinic, Killarney Animal Hospital, Physicians Mutual Insurance, Sykesville Veterinary Clinic, Mona Vale Veterinary Hospital, Nimbus Pet Hospital, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Covetrus North America, ASPCA Pet Insurance and PetCareRx. Other serious conditions include Hyperthyroidism, Heart Disease (like HCM), and Fatty Liver Disease (Hepatic Lipidosis).
Cats say "I love you" through actions that show trust and affection, like slow blinking (a "cat kiss"), head-butting (bunting) to mark you with their scent, kneading ("making biscuits"), showing their vulnerable belly, and bringing you "gifts" like toys or prey, all signaling they feel safe and consider you family. They also show love by purring, rubbing against you, following you, and holding their tail up high with a slight curl.
Signs your cat has imprinted on you include following you everywhere, kneading you (making biscuits), rubbing against you (bunting), slow blinking, bringing you "gifts," grooming you, and showing you their vulnerable belly as a sign of deep trust and seeing you as family. They'll also greet you excitedly, sleep near or on you, and communicate with you using unique vocalizations.
Chirps and trills are good news. They're a sign of excitement, affection, or an invitation to follow along. Think of them as an amped-up purr — your cat's way of happily saying, “Come here, I want to show you something.”
You may also notice some subtle changes in your cats body language, including:
Cat behavior red flags signal potential medical or emotional issues, including sudden changes in eating/drinking, litter box problems, excessive vocalization, increased hiding, aggression, lethargy, or changes in grooming (like overgrooming or stopping). Because cats hide illness well, any significant deviation from their normal routine, such as increased thirst, appetite changes, or unusual hiding, warrants an urgent vet visit to rule out serious underlying conditions like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or pain.
To show your cat you feel the same way, you'll need to read its emotions, Vitale says. “Some cats might want to be petted while they're kneading on you; some cats might just want to be talked to; some cats might just want to knead and have no other interaction with you,” she says.
Cats have strong survival instincts that date back to their wild ancestors. In nature, standing water can be risky. By pawing at water, cats are able to check for movement or debris, helping them decide if it's safe to drink. Pawing also lets them gauge the depth of the water and avoid falling in.
Your cat is marking its territory by scratching
Our feline friends no longer need to bury their prey to survive – we provide them with delicious kibble and pâté. And when your cat scratches around the food bowl, it knows perfectly well it isn't burying prey. It's simply acting on instinct – just like when hunting.
Why does my cat keep pawing at their water? Your cat might paw at their water for many reasons, including stress, boredom, and instinct. In most cases, it's nothing to be concerned about.
Instead, it's an instinct inherited from their wild ancestors. In nature, wild cats often have to protect leftover food from predators. By scratching around and covering it with dirt, leaves, or grass, they could: Save food for later “caching”.
Most veterinarians agree that the zoomies are simply a release of energy in our cats and dogs, and it is a pretty normal behavior that most pets experience. Usually, pets with the zoomies are releasing this energy because they are very happy or excited.
The very first reason is a way of greeting you. So if you notice that they do that coming towards you, it can be a way that they greet their owners. or even greet other cats. Number 2 it actually may be a hunting instinct. This is more common.
The 3:3:3 Rule: Help Your New Cat Adjust to Their Home The 3:3:3 rule explains some general expectations for the transition process and some tips on how to support your cat through each stage: 3 days for initial acclimatization, 3 weeks for settling in, and by 3 months, they should be comfortable and at ease in their ...
To say "I love you" in cat language, use slow blinks, offer gentle head/cheek rubs (scent glands), let them initiate contact, provide interactive play, and simply share calm presence, mimicking their natural affection signals like grooming and trust-building.
To apologize to a cat, use a soft, calm tone, offer treats or toys, initiate slow blinking, give space if needed, and respect their boundaries for physical touch, focusing on actions and tone over words to rebuild trust and affection. Don't force interaction, as they respond to reassurance and positive experiences more than human language.
Cats get most annoyed by loud, sudden noises (vacuums, thunder), strong smells (citrus, vinegar), changes in routine, dirty litter boxes, and unwanted handling like being picked up or stared at, as these disrupt their sense of security and sensory balance, triggering their sensitive hearing and instincts for control and safety. Unexpected movements, unfamiliar scents, and being forced into costumes also cause significant stress and annoyance for felines.
Research suggests that cats' short term memories last around 16 hours, which means they can remember recent events and react accordingly. If a cat has had a minor scare—such as a loud noise or being bumped by accident—it may remember and act skittishly for a short period.
Here are nine ways to show your cat you love them.