Your Cat Is Marking His Territory You might know about your cat's
When a cat displays its rear end, she wants you to know that she trusts you. According to UK-based veterinarian Joanna Woodnutt, BVM, BVS, "Presenting the bottom is a sign of companionship and trust. The bottom is a vulnerable area and turned around she can't see an attack coming or defend herself."
You've Hit the Spot
Although elevator butt may seem rather insulting to us, it's actually the cat's very positive response to the fact that you've hit just the right spot when petting her. Typically, that spot is at the base of her tail.
Many cats will greet you, sometime rub against you with their tail up then wiggle their rear and sort of “twitch” their tails. My opinion of this behavior is that it is more than a “greeting” but also dominance and marking behavior.
Cats have scent glands around their cheeks, chin, top of their head, and base of their tail. These scent glands contain pheromones. When cats rub their face or tail against humans, other animals, or household items, they are leaving behind this pheromone that they can identify.
If your cat sleeps on your bed, he may choose a position that lets him see out your bedroom door more easily. If he's curled up in a ball under your bed or in a quiet corner, then he may be hiding. Cats who sleep under the covers might love being close to you, or they might be hiding to feel safer.
Cats tend to use pawing as a form of communication. Cats paw at us out of instinct, by accident, to give or get affection, and to get our attention. Most times, when cats paw at us, it means nothing serious. Sometimes, however, they are getting our attention to tell us that they are sick or in pain.
Cats vibrate to show contentment. The source of vibration in cats comes from their laryngeal muscles. Cats purr with their mouth closed and use their throat. No one knows precisely why cats purr, but it is a method of communication.
Sorry to break it to you, but human meows mean nothing to cats. At most, you can get your cat's attention and they may even appreciate your attempts to communicate by purring or even meowing back. But to most cats, human meows sound like human language.
Some cats will love nothing more than to spend hours on your lap being stroked, whilst others may prefer only the briefest of chin tickles. Some cats may also enjoy your company and being near to you, but prefer to rest a slight distance away, rather than to be on your knee.
The love hormone oxytocin surges in the mother and kittens during these actions, making the experience pleasant and comforting. Petting from humans mimics the sensation of being groomed and can provide the same pleasurable experience. Bunting (nuzzling and rubbing on you) is one way cats show love to you.
This isn't because they're pernickety, but because they're keeping themselves safe. Cats feel vulnerable in these situations; and a covered litter box gives them a sense of security. You, on the other hand, aren't in need of that extra measure of safety, hence your cat thinks it's okay to follow you to the bathroom!
Cheek rubs and head-butts
Both are ways in which cats build bonds and affection with other animals and by extension, with the humans they do it to.
We call this kitty behavior, 'Potty buddies'. Cats are interested in everything its owner does. A theory is that your cat follows you and sits on your lap on the toilet since it is able to smell all of your odors. This is a way of identifying and owning you.
It probably feels like your four-legged fur baby has got it in for you, but these perceived acts of aggression are actually an indicator of affection. That can be quite difficult to fathom, right? But it's true; they're actually “love bites” rather than a defense mechanism.
Thanks to those scent glands, when cats rub against people or objects, they are transferring their scent, and rubbing against someone or something serves two purposes. It allows them to mark objects as their territory. In essence, your cat is “claiming you.” It is a sign of inclusiveness and affection.
Headbutting is a way for cats to mark you with pheromones and bond with you. However, sometimes headbutting can be a way for cats to seek attention. As a general rule, cats like to be scratched under the chin and on the head, so a cat may just be presenting their head to you for some attention and good scratches.
While the concept of a happy, purring cat is well known, cats purr for many reasons. A cat can purr in response to happiness, as a coping mechanism for stress, to solicit food or attention, and to communicate to other cats.
It's a form of play from when they were kittens. Plus they want your attention, most likely in hopes of snacks, petting, or both. Be happy that the kitty at least likes you enough to do this; if they didn't, the kitty would just plain ignore you.
You're the favorite.
Cats, like many other pets, can bond more closely with one family member. The reasons for this are varied, but generally speaking, it is the person who cares for them each day.
If you're not familiar with the term, splooting is when a cat lays out flat on their stomach while having both of its hind legs spread all the way to the back. Usually, cats keep their hind legs tucked neatly under them and spread their forelegs, but sometimes, they spread both their fore and hind legs.
Security and Bonding
If you are taking good care of your cat, you are strengthening your bond with them. As a result, your cat will likely feel safe around you. Choosing to sleep between your legs is an easy choice for cats to make when they are comfortable with you and feel safe.
Communication with your cat is key
That communication style may not include physical touch—being a cat's favorite person doesn't necessarily mean they want you to pet. A cat's favorite person may be the one who makes them feel comfortable and safe just by being in the same room with them.