Why do Cats…?

Do you have a cat at home and find yourself trying to understand what your fur baby wants?

1. Why Does My Cat Lick Me? 

Cats may lick you for several main reasons:

• Sign of Affection & Social Bonding
  Licking often mirrors how cats groom themselves or their kittens. So when they lick you, it’s a sign of affection, a way to groom and bond.
  
• Marking Territory & Familiarity
  Some cats use licking to deposit pheromones, subtly marking you as part of their social group. You may notice them rubbing their faces or their bodies on you or things you use. This is another way they deposit pheramones on people and objects they want to mark.
  
• Seeking Attention or Comfort
  Licking can be an easy way to get attention. If it consistently garners a response, your cat may have learned that it’s effective in getting a response from you.
  
• Self-Soothing or Stress Relief
  Since licking mimics grooming, it triggers endorphin release, giving cats a calming, 'feel-good' sensation.

This behavior is a blend of feline instinct, nurturing, and clever communication. If licking becomes excessive or problematic, try gentle redirection. Offer a toy or withhold attention to change their behaviour. Consult a vet to ensure no underlying issues are missed.

2. Why Does My Cat Stare at Me? — Decoding That Intense Gaze

Cats stare for many reasons:

• Communicating
  A stare may be your cat’s way of communicating a need to you. They may be saying, “Hey, pet me!” If it’s time for food, your cat might also be saying, “Feed me!”.
  
• Sign of Affection and Trust
  Unlike humans, cats reserve direct eye contact for trusted individuals. A cat staring at you is often a loving gesture. Your cat is very likely watching you to understand you. This way, they feel connected to you and know exactly when to follow you so they can spend some private time in the bathroom with you.
  
• Curiosity or Vigilance
  As natural predators, cats often watch intently, assessing their environment or simply observing. Cats feel safer when they know their environment and what to accept from it.
  
• Dominance or Warning
  In feline communication, a fixed stare between cats can signal dominance. With humans, it’s less confrontational but still a form of non‑verbal message.

That unwavering gaze could be a way your cat communicates affection, hunger, or curiosity. Slow-blinking back can reinforce trust and deepen your connection with your feline friend.

3. Why Does My Cat Purr?

One of the most enchanting things they do is purr. That soft, rhythmic vibration can fill a room with comfort, instantly calming both the cat and the people around it. But does it mean when your cat purrs?

• Contentment, Bonding & Relaxation
  Cats purr when feeling safe and loved during cuddles or when in a comfortable environment. Purring is their way of bonding with you and expressing comfort with you.
  
• Self‑Soothing During Stress or Illness
  Purring often appears when a cat is anxious, hurt, or at the vet; it’s a coping mechanism. Your cat could be purring to calm themselves down at a time of stress.  

4. Why Does My Cat Knead (Make Biscuits)? 

Kneading is the cutest thing that cats do. Here’s a little about why they do it:

• Remnant of Kittenhood & Affection
  Kneading mimics how kittens stimulate milk flow when nursing, and adults often continue it to show comfort and bonding.
  
• Territory Marking Through Scent
  Paws have scent glands; kneading can deposit their scent on you, claiming you as “theirs”.
  
• Creating A Cozy Spot & Self‑Soothing
  This behavior may be instinctually tied to preparing a soft resting place or relieving stress—triggering feel-good chemical responses.

 Kneading means your cat feels safe and affectionate. It’s the fluffy equivalent of giving you a hug. To protect yourself from claws, provide a blanket or soft surface your cat can knead freely.

5. Why Does My Cat Sleep So Much?

Here’s why cats are such naptime champions:

• Natural Energy Conservation
  Descended from hunters, cats sleep to save energy between bursts of activity—even indoor cats retain this instinct.
  
• Crepuscular Sleep Patterns
  Cats are most alert at dawn and dusk. The rest of their day is spent dozing or entering REM sleep to recharge.
  
• Life Stage & Environmental Factors
  Kittens and seniors sleep more. While boredom or stress can increase sleep in otherwise healthy cats, kittens need the rest to keep up with their growing bodies. Adult cats need to wind down to replenish their energy reserves.
  
• Health-Conscious Monitoring
  If your usually active cat starts sleeping drastically more or less and it’s accompanied by other behavior changes, consult a vet to rule out illness.

Don’t worry. Your cat sleeping 12 to 20 hours a day is usually just normal feline lifestyle. Just stay alert for significant shifts in sleep patterns paired with other signals that might signal a health concern