Sometimes, our beloved cats suddenly become affectionate.
For owners, these moments are irresistibly adorable.
This time, we will introduce the signs when cats want to be pampered, why they become affectionate, and the gestures they show when they are in a bad mood.
Table of Contents
1. Reasons Why Cats Become Affectionate
∟1-1. Because they want attention
∟1-2. Because they feel safe
∟1-3. Illness
2. Eight Signs a Cat Shows When It Wants to Be Pampered
∟2-1. Tail raised
∟2-2. Nibbling
∟2-3. Purring
∟2-4. Rubbing their body against you
∟2-5. Licking hands or face
∟2-6. Headbutting
∟2-7. Staring intently
∟2-8. Showing their butt
3. Gestures Shown by Cats When They Are in a Bad Mood
∟3-1. Running away
∟3-2. Vigorously shaking their tail
∟3-3. Ears back
Summary
1. Reasons Why Cats Become Affectionate
Cats are said to be moody, but many owners feel that they often become affectionate quite honestly.
So why do cats become affectionate?
1-1. Because They Want Attention
The fact that they become affectionate because they want attention is something you can tell from the atmosphere, isn't it?
It could be because they're hungry and want you to hurry up with their food, or they're bored, or when the owner who has been away for a long time returns home, they want to play and show affection.
Cats express their desire for attention to their owners.
Not all cats are like this, but for affectionate cats, respond to what they seem to want without spoiling them too much.
1-2. Because They Feel Safe
It might be hard to notice, but the situation where they become affectionate because they feel safe is especially seen after neutering/spaying.
Originally, cats are hunting animals and live by hunting.
They also need to protect their territory for a more comfortable life and leave descendants.
Surprisingly, they live their lives with a sense of tension.
After the surgery, they are freed from these stresses, the desire to mate disappears, and they no longer think about leaving descendants.
Then, they can live their lives feeling safe every day and become more affectionate.
1-3. Illness
If a cat that usually acts independently suddenly becomes more affectionate, it might be a sign of illness.
There are various symptoms, including mental illness and injuries that cause pain.
If the cat's way of showing affection becomes excessive and it does not leave the owner at all, or if it grooms itself more frequently, it might be sick.
It's best to have it checked by a vet.
2. Eight Signs a Cat Shows When It Wants to Be Pampered
What are the signs that a cat wants to be pampered?
There are eight signs, so let's introduce each of them.
2-1. Tail Raised
This gesture is seen when they are happy or want to be pampered.
Have you ever experienced a cat coming to greet you at the door when you come home?
This is originally a remnant of when kittens notify their mother of their location.
By raising their tails straight up, it makes it easier for the mother cat and her kittens to find each other.
Moreover, when a mother cat cleans her kitten's bottom, the kitten also shows this gesture, so it might be a remnant of that sign.
It seems that cats have been raising their tails when they want to be pampered since ancient times.
2-2. Nibbling
You might wonder why they suddenly start nibbling after being comfortably petted.
It's okay.
It doesn't mean they suddenly became moody.
Like other signs of wanting attention, it means they want to play or are hungry.
This nibbling is also a gesture seen among parents and siblings.
Sometimes, nibbling is a way of saying thank you for something you've done for them, so if they're not biting hard, your cat is not angry with you.
Cats might also show signs of discomfort when petted enough, such as a cat punch, scratching, or biting, so be careful.
2-3. Purring
You might have heard the purring sound coming from their throat.
This is also a gesture seen when they want to be pampered.
Not only when they want affection, but also when they feel safe or when being petted feels good, they purr.
If your cat starts purring while you're petting it, it's okay to continue petting more.
Their eyes will gradually narrow, and their expression will turn into one of pleasure.
This "purring" sound is also said to have a relaxing effect on humans. It's surprising.
2-4. Rubbing Their Body Against You
This is the cat rubbing its scent on you, sharing its smell with the owner.
It's showing that the owner belongs to them.
This act of rubbing their body is done only towards people they trust.
Of course, it's a gesture seen when they are in a good mood or want to be pampered, so play with them or pet them in response.
2-5. Licking Hands or Face
Cats are animals that often lick.
They lick parts of their body or their family members, but they only do this with someone they trust.
This licking is an expression of affection.
There are cats that lick briefly and those that keep licking for a long time, but overall, they are saying they consider you family or are asking for attention.
2-6. Headbutting
Headbutting, like rubbing their body against you, is them marking you earnestly.
Cats have glands on their forehead that release pheromones, and they rub these against you when headbutting. This
headbutting also means they love you and want to be pampered.
2-7. Staring Intently
Cats have a habit of staring intently at what they perceive as enemies.
However, if they realize that the object of their stare is not an external enemy, they will avert their gaze and start moving as if nothing happened.
Staring at the owner means they love them.
Of course, they do not consider the owner an enemy, and staring at them is a sign of wanting affection and expecting something.
2-8. Showing Their Butt
This is a gesture kittens make when they want their mother to lick their butt.
In the wild life of cats, when a kitten shows its butt, the mother cat licks it.
This is a remnant of that behavior, showing when they feel affectionate in front of their owner.
3. Gestures Shown by Cats When They Are in a Bad Mood
As you know, cats do not always seek affection.
They certainly have times when they are in a bad mood. What are those times?
Know the gestures they show when in a bad mood, and let's leave them alone during those times.
3-1. Running Away
If they run away when you approach, they are in a bad mood at that time.
This is easy to understand.
The cat is in a state of high alert.
The way they run away is not so much suddenly dashing off but rather retreating slowly while glaring at the owner, and once they've gained enough distance, they dash off.
This behavior clearly indicates they are in a bad mood, so don't chase after them; instead, leave them alone.
3-2. Vigorously Shaking Their Tail
If they start shaking their tail vigorously left and right, it's a sign they are in a very bad mood.
However, the same tail-shaking gesture can mean they are relaxed and in a good mood if they are swinging it slowly and broadly.
When they shake their tail in a bad mood, they are very irritated and stressed.
If you try to touch them without realizing it, you might get a cat punch or get scratched.
If they start flapping their tail while being held, it's best to put them down immediately.
Usually, their mood will calm down after some time.
3-3. Ears Back
Ears back, or "airplane ears," is when their ears are pinned back and up.
It's easy to notice because their ears are in an unusual position compared to normal.
This ear position indicates they are on alert, anxious, or in a bad mood.
If a stray cat becomes ears back when someone unfamiliar approaches trying to feed or touch them, it's a common sight.
Without knowing, ears back might look cute, but it's a state of alertness, so it's best to leave them alone.
Summary
The main reasons cats become affectionate are because they want attention, they feel safe, or there might be a possibility of illness.
Among these, the biggest factors are seeking attention and showing gestures when they want to be pampered, which include about eight different signs.
Match your cat's mood with the signs of wanting affection to get along better with your beloved cat.
