Humans have a lot of misconceptions about cats… but to be fair, we kitties also have some misconceptions about humans. Some human behavior we get completely wrong, mainly because we expect humans to act like cats — but of course they can’t do that. They just don’t have the smarts or the skills. But if we cats took some time to learn a little more about humans and the way they think, maybe the things they do wouldn’t be so confusing. So here is the truth behind a few of the biggest misconceptions we cats have about these fascinating, almost-hairless two-legged servants of ours.
- Humans can’t control the weather. When it rains and your sun puddles disappear, your human is not able to make them come back. Humans spend a lot of time trying to predict the weather, but with all their efforts, they can’t even do that, much less change what is going on outside.
- Humans actually aren’t programmed to get up at the same time every day. Many of them have this weird schedule of five days getting up at one time, and then a different, later time the other two days of the week. This is very confusing, since we cats can’t be bothered with things like calendars and counting days. That’s why it is sometimes so hard to get humans out of bed when you think they should get up — it’s probably on one of the days they get up later. You can either a) deal with it; or b) redouble your efforts in getting them out of bed at a reasonable hour. Most cats choose the latter, but with mixed results.
- Humans are not graceful or agile. I know, most of you kitties think you know this already, but do you? So why do you continue to wind yourselves around their legs at mealtimes, which risks getting your paws or tails stepped on? (Binga, I’m talking to you!)
- On that same note, when humans are doing yoga, they aren’t pretending to be cats. I know it kind of looks like a bad imitation of a cat stretching when they do some of those moves, but they are just working on their limited flexibility. I think they already realize they will never be as flexible as a kitty.
- Humans are very territorial creatures, even though they don’t use bodily fluids to express it. They get very upset when cats urine mark their belongings, but instead of covering it up with their own, they get loud, or they pull out smelly cleaning supplies and grumble a lot. It’s not a very effective way of remarking territory, but I didn’t say that everything humans do makes sense.
- The veterinarian isn’t trying to kill you. I know it kind of looks and feels that way, but they actually think they are helping you, and often they do. Come to think of it, I don’t believe that humans like going to their own doctors, either.
- Human food is not better than cat food. A lot of kitties fall for this one, and want to have some of what their humans are having. The truth is, most of the stuff they eat is unpalatable. Pizza? Cake? All that stuff that comes with the hamburger, like the bun and lettuce? It’s all useless, at least if you’re a cat. And sometimes, humans even ruin good meat with things like spices and onions, which are guaranteed to upset kitty tummies — or worse. Human food, more often than not, deserves a pass.
- When humans leave the house, they are usually doing boring stuff. I know it seems like they must be doing something interesting or exciting, but nope! It’s often stuff like “work,” or going to the bank or the market. The type of thing you probably wouldn’t want to do if you had the chance. The only interesting place humans go to when they leave the house is the pet store. Although I confess, I think going to the bank would be fun!
- No matter how hard you try, they will never understand cat language. They think cat language is meowing — they don’t get that that’s not how cats communicate with each other. Our body language, the way we physically connect with each other, and our subtle ear and eye movements are far more eloquent than just running into the kitchen and meowing for dinner — which is what we have to do to communicate with humans. Because they understand vocalizations better than anything else, that’s what we’re forced to stoop to so we can get through to them. But they will never fully understand the rest of it.
That’s what I’ve got for today! Have you found any other misconceptions cats have about humans? Let me know in the comments!
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2021 Somali Cat Wall Calendar, Starring Summer
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Humans really can’t tell exactly what you fancy for dinner. They are not trying to torture you by putting down the same type of food you loved yesterday, but don’t fancy today.
Hmmmm Summer. I can think of two. It doesn’t mean I’m their personal chef EVERY time I step in the kitchen. Even if they ate within the hour. Second, if I stir in bed, it doesn’t mean sit on my face or paw at my body. I’m just moving, not getting up
Hoomans are strange creatures LOL 😉
I need to show this to my catmasters.
Well Summer, for me, it’s when I sit or lie down. I’m trying to relax or sleep. My girls think it’s the ideal time to poke, prod, paw at, meow at me. Also sitting on my head, dragging their paws (claws out) over my skin to get pets and attention, is not my goal. Princess will paw at my clothing, head bunt and sometimes bites my clothing and pulls whilst I pray no skin is involved. None of these translates to relaxing or sleeping
Summer,
Yoo are almost as wise as Max!
Toffee
You really know your humans Summer.
Very cute!
Very good explanation, Summer!
Toffee
Great post. I unnerstand TW alright cos I think she’s a cat. I don’t communicate by meowing. While she’s on the computer, I’ll stand in the hall and stare at her until she walks me to my food. Oh, people food may be inferior to cat food but I want some anyway and the more herbs and spices, the better.
Very good insight,, Summer!
You’ve got us down, Summer. I can’t say much positive about humanity, but those of us who love their cats become better people as a result.
So, so true, Summer! We’ve both definitely fallen for these with our humans at one time or another.
Headbonks!
Gracie and Zoe
we’ve fallen for all of these!
pip, smidgen, minnie, hollie, sharpie, ditto, TL
Simple truths that most cats don’t believe even when told so by another cat
So many good points. Humans are rather clumsy. But I do like one of their foods – butter!
Excellent observations, Summer. We couldn’t agree more.
Purriceless Advice Summer!!!
LadyMum iss ALL WAYSS tellin mee shee can not change thee weather, mew mew mew…..
An there iss nuthin ‘gracefull’ about her with 2 badlee damaged kneess an a wonky spine….goin fur a walk with LadyMum iss a reel journey! An Yoga iss heelareeus all so…just sayin….
LadyMum iss purrty good time wise so no complaintss there!
An thee onlee Hu’man food mee likess iss a bit of yoeghurt or sum soft Laughin Cow cheese….mmmmmm…an a bit of sirloin burger iss tasty…just a bit an no icky stuff on it!
Mew mew mew Siddhartha Henry =^,.^=
You are such an observant, insightful kitty, Summer!
Pawsome list, Summer, and great explanations ! We just have to disagree with #2 for Claire (not Momo) : no matter what day it is, she gets up between 5:45 and 6:15 every day ! Purrs
What does it mean, when a pretty cat jumps up onto the table, looks at you, and tilts her head?
Sydney will do this to me!
It means she wants a treat! Or at least it would with me.
You summed it up purrfectly Summer. We already knew a few of these but not all. And here we thought mom was doing cat yoga for us. We love sitting on the mat while she’s on it. MOL. I have to be mom’s alarm clock! Must be fed! Purrs
You are a smart girl Summer, that is all true.
Yes, yes, YES! You are so right Summer. We feel fortunate that our #1 doesn’t embarrass herself with pseudo-kitty language.
Purrs,
The Chans
Summer amen to #3. Grace is sure not mom’s middle name.
I think you nailed all 9 points
Hugs madi your bfff
Summer, it sounds as though humans are just as complicated as cats! :p
the critters in the cottage xo
Sleeping past 5:30 is a crime at my house, no matter what day it is.
those were great but….my human DOES get up at the same time (6:45am) every day, even without an alarm!
Summer, we had a good laugh with these! The only one we think you might add is something about their…bathing habits.
We just can’t wrap our minds around #3. Cooper didn’t get that running between Mom’s legs from the back when she didn’t know he was there is a REALLY STUPID move. He was lucky a kitchen chair was available for her to grab, or he would have been a smushed cat. You got the list just right, Summer. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo and Cooper Murphy
Well put, Summer. Our humans are really nothing like us…and we have to try and work at making them a bit more kitty-like, MOL!!!
Summer, you are so smart! The only good thing about humans is their ability to open cat food cans! And, brushies…those are nice too. Oh!…and keeping that litter pan clean.
LOL!
Great points Summer! #2 is a big issue for us. We don’t like to wait longer for breakfast!
#7 – Except for chick-hen.
the boyz definitely need to read this post. especially the weather one.
You really nailed it, Summer. We only wish humans could be more like us cats.
Those facts sure are all true. Although, our Mom does try to meow with us sometimes but she doesn’t have a clue what she is saying.
Great points, Summer!
I’ve come to realize that my people actually know I’m hungry when I’m explaining it to them, but decide not to give me food. They refer to it as a diet but I’m pretty sure they’re trying to starve me. My only recourse is to meow constantly until one of them gives in.
Those are all amazingly true pretty summer and some did make me giggle!
Those are great observations on humans.
We don’t try to understand mum anymore.
We just allow her to worship us 😉
Purrs Georgia,Julie and JJ
Purrfect lessons on dealing with our humans!
Oh. Good points, Summer! You’re right – Kajsa and I have to become better in accepting that humans aren’t agile and mindless… I think it’s just unfair that we get blamed when Mom falls over us – shouldn’t she at least acknowledge that it’s her fault ?? And shouldn’t we cats encourage them to become more agile? At least with our Mom, we’ve seen some progress over the last 2 years.