What is my cat thinking? Their side of the story

Your cat is looking at you. Is it love? Judgement? Are you standing in their sunbeam? With cats, the honest answer is often all three.

Cats don't explain themselves, and they would like to keep it that way. So here are the things cats do every day, in the words they'd probably use, with the plain, well-known reasons behind each habit.

Why does my cat knock things off the table?

What they'd say: "It was too close to the edge. Now it isn't. You're welcome."

The usual reason: Cats are natural hunters, and batting at small objects looks a lot like play-hunting. It also tends to get an instant reaction from you, and cats are quick to learn what brings you running.

Why does my cat slow blink at me?

What they'd say: "That was a compliment. Don't make it weird."

The usual reason: A slow blink is widely seen as a relaxed, friendly signal from a cat who feels at ease. Plenty of people blink slowly back, and plenty of cats seem to approve.

Why does my cat knead me?

What they'd say: "I am making biscuits. You are the dough. This is an honour."

The usual reason: Kneading usually traces back to kittenhood, when kittens knead while nursing. Adult cats often do it when they feel content and safe, which is a lovely thing to hear from someone pressing their claws into your leg.

Why does my cat sit in boxes?

What they'd say: "You bought a nice thing. I prefer the box. We are both right."

The usual reason: Small, enclosed spaces often help cats feel secure, and a box is a warm hideout with a good view of the room. A cat in a box is usually a cat who is very pleased with themselves.

Why does my cat sit on my laptop?

What they'd say: "It's warm, it's where your eyes go, and I am more important than that email."

The usual reason: Keyboards are warm, and they're exactly where your attention is. For a cat who would like some of that attention, it's the best seat in the house.

Why does my cat go wild at 3 a.m.?

What they'd say: "Night is when the good running happens. I don't make the rules. Actually, I do."

The usual reason: Cats are often most active around dawn and dusk, and after a day full of naps there's usually energy left to burn. A short burst of racing down the hallway in the dark is very common.

Why does my cat ignore me when I come home?

What they'd say: "I noticed. Obviously. I'm just making sure you notice that I noticed."

The usual reason: Cats often greet in quieter ways than dogs: a tail held straight up, a head bump, or wandering over in their own time. A few minutes of being ignored isn't necessarily a review of your character.

Why does my cat show me their belly?

What they'd say: "I am showing you that I trust you. I am not inviting you to touch it. Those are two very different things."

The usual reason: Rolling over to show the belly is usually a sign that a cat feels safe. Many cats still prefer the belly stays hands-off, so a rub can end in a swift, pointy reminder.

Why does my cat purr?

What they'd say: "Usually it means I'm happy. Sometimes it means something else. Mystery is part of my brand."

The usual reason: Purring often means a cat is content, but cats can also purr when they're stressed or unwell. If your cat stops eating, hides much more than usual, or anything changes suddenly, check with a vet.

Hear it from your own cat

Those are the answers most cats would give, if they could be bothered. Your cat has their own: the specific crimes, the daily rituals, the chair that is no longer yours. That's what What they'd tell you is for.

At mylittleshadow.com/tell you chat with a friendly host about your cat: their name, three words that sum them up, the habit that makes them them, a routine you share, and the questions you've always wanted to ask. Then your cat finally gets the microphone. You get a funny, loving message in their own voice, answers to your questions, and a card made for sharing. It's a playful, AI-written voice built from what you tell us.

Here is a line from a sample reading for Duchess, a grey tabby who sits in the bathroom sink every morning while her person brushes their teeth:

"I don't need anyone. I just need you at the sink every morning."

And from the same sample reading, when asked why she knocks rings off the dresser:

"You keep putting small shiny things on my dresser and then acting surprised. I am helping them reach the floor, where everything belongs. Also, it makes you come over to me, which was the point."

The chat is free. The reading is $9.99 USD. Not right for you? Email [email protected] within 30 days and tell us what missed. We'll reply within 24 hours and offer to make a new reading, or refund you in full if you'd rather.

Let your cat have the last word

Questions people ask