Why Does My Cat Do That? Understanding Feline Behavior

Cats: mysterious, majestic, occasionally manic. One moment they’re curled up like a purring cinnamon roll, and the next they’re sprinting full speed across the house at 2 a.m. As any cat parent knows, our feline friends come with their own set of quirks—but there’s usually a method behind the madness.

At Birdie & Louie, we believe that understanding your cat is the first step toward loving them even better. Let’s decode a few common cat behaviors to help you bond with your furry roommate on a deeper level.

1. The Zoomies (aka “Midnight Madness”)

Ever hear your cat thunder down the hallway like it’s being chased by invisible goblins? That sudden burst of energy—often at inconvenient hours—is totally normal.

Why it happens: Cats are naturally nocturnal hunters. Those wild sprints mimic the hunting and chasing instincts they’d use in the wild.

What you can do: Try a play session before bedtime to burn off that extra energy. Feather toys, laser pointers, or a good old-fashioned string can help take the edge off. Then wide down with a quality high protein dinner/snack. Here are a few of our favorites:

2. Kneading (aka “Making Biscuits”)

You’ve probably seen your cat push their paws in and out on a blanket, your lap, or their bed like they’re prepping dough.

Why it happens: Kittens knead their mother’s belly to stimulate milk flow. It’s a comforting behavior that many cats carry into adulthood—a sign they feel safe and cozy.

What you can do: Let them knead away! It’s a sign they trust you. (Maybe keep a thick blanket nearby if your cat has sharp claws and your lap is the chosen spot.)

3. Scratching Everything (Except the Scratching Post)

Furniture, rugs, cardboard boxes—your cat's claws know no bounds.

Why it happens: Scratching helps cats stretch, mark territory (via scent glands in their paws), and keep their claws sharp. It’s not mischief—it’s instinct.

What you can do: Offer plenty of scratching options in different textures and locations. Cat trees, sisal posts, and cardboard pads are great. Bonus: sprinkle a little catnip to sweeten the deal.

4. Slow Blinks (aka Kitty Kisses)

Does your cat ever stare at you and then slowly blink? That’s not sass—it’s affection.

Why it happens: In the feline world, a slow blink is a sign of trust and relaxation. It’s their way of saying, “I feel safe with you.”

What you can do: Try slow-blinking back. It sounds silly, but many cats will return the gesture—it’s one of the sweetest ways to build trust.

5. Tail Language (More Than Just a Wagger)

Unlike dogs, cats use their tails for subtle communication.

• Upright with a curve: Happy and confident
• Flicking quickly: Annoyed or overstimulated
• Puffed up: Spooked or defensive
• Tucked under: Nervous or insecure

Learning your cat’s tail language can help you respond to their emotional state more intuitively.

Final Thoughts: Cats Are Communicating—Are We Listening?

Understanding your cat’s behavior isn’t about fixing them—it’s about connecting with them. Whether they’re head-butting your forehead (a friendly greeting) or staring at you from the bathtub (classic), every behavior is a clue to who they are.

At Birdie & Louie, we know that a happy, well-understood cat is more likely to eat well, play hard, and purr loud. That’s why we make food that picky eaters love—because behavior starts with how they feel inside.

Got a quirky cat habit you don’t understand?
Tag us on Instagram and Facebook @birdieandlouie —we love decoding the mystery that is Cat.