Do You Really Understand the Little Thoughts of Cats?

Cats, mysterious creatures that they are, can be difficult to read, even for the most seasoned cat owners. Their behaviors often seem puzzling, leading us to misinterpret their intentions. Here are five common feline behaviors and the real reasons behind them, helping you better understand the little thoughts running through your cat’s mind.

1. A Few Pieces of Cat Food Left? Your Cat Isn’t Full Yet

If you’ve ever noticed your cat walking away from its food dish even though a few pieces of food remain, don’t assume it’s full. Cats are finicky eaters, and their sensitive whiskers can make it uncomfortable for them to eat when food is too low in the bowl. A shallow dish or a slight refill can make all the difference. It's more about ease of access than their appetite being satisfied.

2. Ignoring You Doesn't Mean They Hate You

When you call your cat and it looks away, seemingly uninterested, don't take it personally. Cats are independent and often respond in their own time. Just because they don't come running immediately doesn’t mean they dislike you. It’s likely that your cat is simply choosing when and how to interact. They may be busy observing their surroundings or even just enjoying some alone time.

3. A Belly Display Is Not Always an Invitation

One of the most common misconceptions is that when a cat shows its belly, it’s asking for a rub. While this position indicates trust, it doesn't always mean your cat wants physical contact. Exposing the belly is a vulnerable gesture, and many cats prefer admiration from afar rather than a full-on tummy rub. If you reach out and get swatted, remember, the belly display was about comfort, not a petting request.

4. Yawning After Being Scolded? It’s Not Defiance

If you scold your cat and it responds by yawning, you might think it's being rebellious or disinterested. In reality, yawning is a calming behavior. When cats feel stressed or uneasy, they may yawn to defuse tension. So, if you’ve raised your voice or expressed frustration, their yawn is a way to cope with the discomfort—not a sign that they’re dismissing you.

5. Unburied Poop Doesn’t Mean They’re Dirty

Cats are typically clean animals, so when they leave their poop unburied, it can be confusing. But this doesn’t mean they’re neglecting their hygiene. In the wild, cats bury their waste to hide their scent from predators. A domestic cat may leave its poop exposed as a way to mark territory, signaling to other pets that they’re the alpha. It’s more about communication than cleanliness. In addition, cats don’t bury feces because they feel that the home is safe. It is their territory and they are the boss.


Cats may be enigmatic, but with a deeper understanding of their behaviors, we can appreciate their unique ways of expressing themselves. The next time your cat acts in one of these seemingly strange ways, you’ll know it’s not random or rebellious—it’s just your cat being, well, a cat! Respect their quirks, and your bond will grow even stronger.