Humans, for the most part, are pretty nice. I can say that because I’ve met lots of them, and it has nearly always been a good experience. But they can be really mystifying! There are a lot of ways humans behave that confuse cats, and I thought I would list a few of them. Can you see how illogical these are?
- They tell us we’re not supposed to be on the table/ counter/ other random place. We’re cats and we can pretty much go anywhere as long as we can jump or climb on it. We have no idea why some spots seem to be okay with humans, and then they get upset about others. The rules regarding food and imagined dangers seem really arbitrary.
- Scratching furniture. We cats have solid preferences about scratching surfaces. They are based on paw and claw feel, positioning (some cats prefer vertical, others prefer horizontal), and scent (either leaving our own or covering up someone else’s). Whatever comes closest to what we like, we will scratch. We have no concept of furniture or value, so when a human gets upset about us scratching one thing without providing us something that in our estimation is better, we don’t get it.
- Showering. Most cats don’t like getting wet. (And even though I get regular baths, they are not my most favorite activity.) So how can humans not only tolerate getting under running water daily, but also do it willingly? Some cats get really upset about this. The occasional cat, on the other paw, chooses to join their human in the shower, but they’re weirdos.
- Rub our bellies when that’s not what we’re asking for. Granted, I do like my belly rubbed, and I often appreciate it. But a cat exposing her belly is a sign of comfort, trust, and indicates that she feels safe. It’s actually rude to invade her space when she’s showing herself at her most vulnerable. Which is why so many cats will automatically turn into biting and clawing wildcats when you go in for the belly rub.
- Gardening. Isn’t digging around in the dirt meant for, um, something else other than moving plants around?
- House cleaning. Scent is an important part of communication and marking territory for a cat. So it baffles us that humans go out of their way to remove their scents (not to mention ours), and replace them with with something meaningless and flowery.
- The whole talking thing. Cats don’t need to meow to communicate with each other, so it is really puzzling why humans vocalize so much with each other — and with us too! You have to give us credit for learning to vocalize back. And while we may not speak your language, exactly, we are pretty good at making our wants and needs known that way. It’s the easiest way to communicate with humans. But honestly, your cat wishes you could twitch your ears, blink, and use body language and scent like a proper cat.
These are just a few things that humans do that cats find confusing. What do you do that confuses your cats? Let me know in the comments.
Other posts you’ll enjoy:
- How to Motivate Your Human
- Things You Should Never Do to Your Cat… and How I React to Them
- Do Cats Felinamorphize Humans?
* * *
My New 2023 Calendar is out!
Get it here
Check out the rest of Summer’s merch at her her Zazzle Designercat Shop
Well Summer, I’m a bit of a clean freak. They watch, laugh and point. Why do these menial repetitive tasks daily. What’s wrong with fur everywhere
Cooper says, “thanks,” for explaining that belly rub thing to people. XOCK, angel Lily Olivia, angel Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy, Sawyer & Kizmet
#1 is a good one. First humans tell us not to go places and then they grab their cameras to take pictures when we go to the “forbidden” places. What confuses me is why do humans sleep at night rather than during the day? I want playtime at night and TW turns me down.
I don’t understand why my human gets annoyed when I wake her for breakfast. Just because I do it anywhere from 4-5:30 am and I do it by gently biting her thigh doesn’t mean she should protest.
Humans are a little slow on the uptake, Summer. But I am training mine (or at least doing my best)! – Ava
I am gradually training my human. Ahe can do the slow blink and she knows when I want various things. Well, at least she does, sometimes.
Very wise post, Summer. MOL on #5!
You are so wise, Summer!
I
Wolfie gets confused that I prepare his food on the kitchen counter, but he’s supposed to go to the counter in the breakfast area to eat it. Tilly doesn’t seem to be confused by that.
You have no idea how much I wish I could communicate like a proper cat.
We wonder if there are things that people do that are confusing to pups, too…
Pipo was a good communicator, he would chirp, and then watch to see if we were following him…he wanted to lead us somewhere when he did that.
I can see how those would be confusing. I can’t resist a tummy- I am guilty of tummy touching and I do pay for it sometimes. XO
On communicating…….I strongly suspect cats are good with ESP.
I think they easily pick up their owner’s thoughts . Try THINKING about
getting out the treats or some food and see how the cat(s) act.
You are so right sweet Summer, humans are really confusing most times.
Summer, I can well see how confusing it is. I occasionally venture to the shower while she’s in it but…soon as I feel drops, I leave.
Dearest Summer,
We had two kitties that were crazy about getting into the shower with me!
Our late Spooky whom we lost due to heart worm when he was only 3.5, scratched the shower door till I would pick him up and let him in with me. Pieter usually picked him up for toweling off. His younger brother by adoption, was a true copycat, so Barty too loved to be in the shower! All others don’t care for it.
The same Spooky also jumped into the creek and pond for a swim… so kitties are as diverse as humans are.
Hugs,
Mariette
We agree, humans are super confusing!!
The Florida Furkids
I’ll never figure humans out, Summer. But as long as I get fed and get treats…I don’t care! 😉
Frankie used to be very curious about me showering. Every time I was in the shower he was there poking his head in wondering how I could stand getting wet. After several months he stopped doing that. Maybe he figured it out or maybe he just got bored.
Those are all pawsome points!
Considering how much time humans spend with us,
you would think they would know us better.
Some humans are better than others at reading our cues.
Humans can be trained too.
I love belly rubs and get them often 🙂
Purrs, Julie