Skip to main content

5 weird things your cat does to try to communicate with you

If your cat rubs his head against you, meows, or even rolls over and exposes his belly, you might assume that he’s playing or just fooling around. If you make that assumption, though, you would be overlooking your cat making several different attempts to try to communicate with you. Cats rely on many forms of communication, including sounds and body language, to get their messages across, but if you don’t understand just how cats communicate, it’s easy to miss these signals. Those behaviors that you think are a little strange aren’t actually that strange at all. Your cat is just communicating with you in his own special way.

Rubbing against you

You might think that your cat is rubbing against you in play or to scratch that itchy spot he can’t reach, but he’s actually communicating through scent. According to cat behavior consultant Marilyn Krieger, as interviewed by Catster, your cat uses scent to identify his friends and family, as well as his enemy.

When your cat rubs against your leg, arm, or other body part, he’s transferring his scent onto you. This behavior shows that your cat accepts you as one of his own and is marking you as his.

Relaxed cat lying on a white couch
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Blinking

Your cat even uses his eyes to communicate with you. According to Pet MD, hard, fixated eyes can indicate that your cat is feeling nervous about something. But if your cat is trying to communicate trust, he’ll often relax his eyes and demonstrate a slow, lazy blink.

This slow blink communicates affection and trust since your cat is literally closing his eyes briefly while in your presence. It often indicates that your cat is feeling comfortable and relaxed, and you might notice your cat doing this behavior while he’s sitting next to you or watching you from across the room.

Exposing his belly

If your cat rolls over and exposes his belly, he may not be playing. Pet MD also reports that exposing his belly can be a way for your cat to ask you for attention including petting. If your cat rolls on his belly, he’s demonstrating that he trusts you, since he’s exposing this vulnerable part of his body while also being positioned so that he can’t easily run away.

You might notice your cat does this move while he’s already next to you on the couch, or while you’re already petting him. He’s probably encouraging you to pay attention to him and even rub his belly gently.

Black cat meowing and looking up at the camera
Skitterphoto/Pixabay

Meowing

While it’s typical to hear your cat meow, what makes this behavior unique is that cats reserve it just for humans. According to Pet MD, cats really don’t meow at other cats. (Kittens are the exception, and they meow when they’re hungry.)

So, if your cat meows at you, take it as a compliment. Your cat may be trying to get your attention, asking for food, or encouraging you to pet him. If you listen closely, you’ll find that your cat has many different meows, including one for when he’s hungry, one for when he’s trying to get your attention, and one for when something is wrong. Pay close attention and you’ll likely learn to recognize what your cat is trying to communicate to you, just based on his meow.

Head bumping

The Pet Care Clinic of Doral notes that cats have scent glands just above their eyes and below their ears. These glands excrete pheromones, and when your cat head bumps you, he’s rubbing those pheromones onto you. This is similar to what your cat accomplishes by rubbing himself against your legs and arms; he’s ensuring that you smell like him and is essentially saying that he loves you.

What’s your cat telling you?

Cats communicate in many different ways, and sometimes these behaviors can appear strange at first glance. The more that you study your cat, though, the more you’ll be able to understand just what he’s trying to communicate. Since many of your cat’s communication methods, like slow blinking, are not vocal, studying feline body language can give you additional insight into how your cat communicates. While many of the above behaviors are normal forms of feline communication, keep in mind that if you notice sudden changes in these behaviors or if your cat seems to suddenly be exhibiting these behaviors excessively, he might be seeking comfort and conveying that he’s in pain. Don’t be afraid to give your vet a call if your cat’s behavior changes and you think something might be wrong.

Editors' Recommendations

Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
Is it safe for cats to be outside in winter? The answer may surprise you
Some cats love being outside, but is it safe for them during winter?
A black cat with a dusting of snow on her coat stands outside

Every loving feline owner knows that a cat is more than just a furry roommate. She's a member of the family. That's why -- for her own safety and your peace of mind -- we always recommend keeping cats indoors. However, some cats are determined to find their way outdoors no matter what.

While cats can generally withstand both extreme heat and extreme cold without suffering the consequences, veterinarians advise you to remain vigilant once the temperature begins to dip into the 40s. But that's only the basics! If you've been wondering about the potential dangers for cats outside in winter, you've come to the right place. Here's everything you need to know.

Read more
Can cats have autism? Here’s what to know about unusual behavior in cats
Learn about special needs and autism in cats
Cat with blue eyes staring into the distance

Can cats have autism? This is a question that might have crossed your mind as you try to decipher your cat's behavior patterns. Even though the diagnosis is centered on human behavior, many pet lovers and experts have discovered similarities between special-needs cats and people with autism. Still, cats are typically only labeled as special needs if they have a diagnosed physical or mental disability.

There are several behaviors in cats that are similar to those found in humans on the autism spectrum. These include:

Read more
Lap time, nap time: Why your lap cat chooses to sit on you
Find out the real reasons your cat lies in your lap
Cat sitting in a lap

As a pet parent, nothing is better than when your cat decides to curl up for a nap on your lap. Sometimes it can be slightly irritating when you need to get some work done, attempt to move your fur baby, and they look at you like you've not only offended them, but also the entire domestic cat species. But it's impossible to say no to their adorable noses and whiskers, so you let them stay. Have you ever wondered why so many of our feline family members become lap cats? We'll tell you everything you need to know about why cats love to sit on you.

Reasons your cat loves to sit on you
Wonder why your lap is your cat's favorite place to sleep? Here are some of the most common reasons.
Cats sit on you because they seek connection and attention
Despite their reputation for being aloof, most cats crave attention, especially from their favorite people. Cats get lonely when you’re not around and will beg for attention when you are. One way they do this is by sitting on your lap; it’s hard to ignore them when they’re right on top of you! They also come to you for connection and love. Usually, a cat on the lap gets affection, so your cat may come to you when they want to be petted and feel loved.
Cats get on your lap because you’re warm
Whether it’s by the radiator or in a sunbeam, kitties love napping in warm spots. One of the coziest places in your home happens to be wherever you are because of the heat your body emits. This could be why your cat likes sitting with you. They may choose to sit on your lap because they want to soak up all your body heat. Luckily, it’s not a one-way street; your cat’s body heat and fur can help keep you warm, too. With your lap cat, you’ll both stay nice and cozy.
Cats sit on you because they trust you
Sitting on top of you is a cat's ultimate sign of trust. Cats only sit in the laps of people they really feel safe with. This is especially true if they nap on you. Your cat is essentially saying they trust you to protect them from any predators while they're napping. To build even more trust with your pet, make sure you’re not forcing them to sit on your lap, and you’re giving them the option to walk away when they want. By acknowledging their freedom and leaving your lap open to your kitty, you're encouraging them to trust you even more.
Cats like the way you smell and sound
Your body is like a white-noise machine for cats. They find the noises human beings naturally make, like breathing and heartbeats, to be very soothing. It helps them relax into an easy slumber. Your cat may also be attracted to your unique scent. Smelling you may make your cat feel safer, making it easier for them to fall asleep. This can also explain why your cat always seems to love sleeping on your clothes, bed, and other possessions.

Read more