We all know the classic ways our furry friends show happiness — a wagging tail here, and a head rub there. But some of their behaviors leave us scratching our heads in confusion. Why does your dog shake its leg when you rub its belly? Why might your cat bring you a dead rodent? It’s not exactly the same way humans express affection!
Believe it or not, these quirky behaviors are actually good signs. To help us dive into some of the weird but wonderful ways our pets say, “I love you” and how you should react - 9 Lives, a cat food brand explains the two biggest indicators of a thriving and content cat.
Gift Giving
For cat parents, you may have woken up to a toy mouse, or if you’re less fortunate, a real, dead mouse. But when it comes to that “gift” your cat has brought to your bedroom door or foot of the bed, give them a big “Awww” and a cuddle.
According to Deborah Barnes, vice-president of the Cat Writer’s Association and author of Makin’ Biscuits – Weird Cat Habits and the Even Weirder Habits of the Humans Who Love Them, this is your feline’s way of showing affection.
“Even well-fed indoor kitties feel the urge to hunt and will drop the spoils of their victory at your feet, such as plush toys or a fake mouse, and your fearless hunter should still be praised for his exceptional skills,” Barnes says.
So, when kitty leaves you a not-so-pleasant gift, simply get rid of it quietly, and maybe keep your cat indoors to encourage more toy mice and less... real ones.
Tripping Hazard
You’re in the kitchen preparing dinner or working from home, and your cat insist on weaving around your legs, seemingly trying to trip or annoy you. Don’t be bothered, your kitty is showing a loving gesture.
Sabrina Castro, DVM of Vetted Pet Care in Los Angeles, explains that cats use this behavior to mark their territory — which includes you!
“Scent is very important to cats, and when they do this, they are scent marking. Cats release their scent from glands along their forehead, chin and lips,” Dr. Castro explains.
In other words, your kitty is claiming you as their own.
Our pets may communicate differently than humans, but one thing’s for sure — they love us in their own special ways, even if it means navigating some strange behavior here and there. So, give your furry companion a little extra love and appreciation the next time they decide to “gift” you something unusual or try their best to be a feline trip hazard!