When the cats ‘act’: why is it not even though it is communication

How many times have you heard someone say? “My cat urinated in my bed because I left during the weekend” either “I took the glass glass on purpose because I was angry”?

As a feline behavior consultant, I listen to these types of statements frequently. Society often labels cats as distant, moody or even resentful, but this perception could not be further from the truth. Actually, those “unwanted” behaviors that so many people interpret as “return to me” are simply the way to communicate their needs of a cat in the only way they know.

Behavior is communication

Unlike dogs, which are often trained from an early age to respond to verbal signals, cats depend mainly on body language, subtle changes in behavior and environmental interactions to express themselves. When a cat scratches the sofa, urine outside the sand box or bites during the Caracola, it is not revenge, these are unattered needs, discomfort or stress.

For example:

• A cat that urinates in bed could be experiencing medical discomfort, anxiety or an answer to a change in home dynamics.
• Tracking the arm of the sofa may indicate the need to mark territory, stretch properly or relieve stress.
• The elements of elimination of the counters can be a sign of boredom, a desire for attention or simply playful curiosity.

These behaviors are not acts of rebellion, they are signs. Cats are not capable of the emotions of revenge or resentment and do not understand such emotions. What they do understand is that something in their world feels, and they need to express that the only way they can: behaviorally.

The double standard: dogs vs. cats

Now, we turn the script and see how society typically reacts to similar behaviors in dogs.

When a dog chews a shoe, jumps to the guests or has a bath accident inside, most people do not say, “He’s trying to return to me.” Instead, we listen:

• “Maybe he has separation anxiety.”
• “He is still learning.”
• “I need to exercise more.”

The assumption is almost always that the dog needs more support, training or attention, not that the dog is being malicious.

Why don’t cats receive the same benefit of doubt? Part of the reason is that we often hope that cats are self -sufficient. They are seen as low maintenance pets that “take care of themselves.” Then, when a behavior arises that interrupts that narrative, it is perceived as a terrible behavior, instead of a cry of help.

We have been learning to meet the emotional and physical needs of dogs, but cats have often been left behind in that conversation. That needs to change.

Change the narrative: how we talk about cat’s behavior matters

Tagging a cat as “spiteful” not only misrepresent their intentions, but also delays or avoids effective solutions. When we interpret behavior as malicious, we can respond with punishment or frustration instead of curiosity and care. That can increase stress for both the cat and the guardian, and worsen behavior over time.

Instead, we should ask:

• Does my cat feel stressed or anxious?
• Has there been a change in routine, resources or environment?
• Could it be a medical problem?
• What need is trying to express my cat at this time?

Like us, cats want to feel safe, safe and understood. When their environment supports them, through consistency, enrichment, proper management of sandboxes and respectful management, many of these so -called “behavioral problems” disappear.

It is time for people to stop blaming cats for being “bad” and start listening to what they try to tell us. With patience, empathy and understanding of feline communication, we can change the narrative, and in doing so, strengthen the link between humans and cats.