Cat Greeting Behavior

Every cat has its individual greeting pattern. Some cats greet humans enthusiastically while others are more subtle. Some behaviors, however, are common throughout the feline world. If an owner can interpret a cat's behavior, the relationship between human and animal improves. Historically, cats have controlled people to get what they want and need. As time goes on, each cat continues to manipulate its human with its own special greeting.

  1. Types

    • A cat who licks his owner is showing that he cares.

      If a cat slowly closes and opens her eyes as she welcomes someone, that person has received a "kitty kiss." Partly closed eyes is another unusual affectionate feline greeting. To an average observer, the cat looks sleepy, but it is actually looking lovingly at someone special.

      Additionally, a cat not only licks another cat to groom it; the animal is bonding and showing care. With humans, a cat lick means "I care about you."

    Significance

    • If a person gets a head bump from a cat, this is a compliment.

      The most intimate greeting a person can get from a cat is the head bump. Cats reserve this intimate welcome for only those most trusted people or felines. If a cat greets someone with a head or nose bump, that person can be certain that the animal is pleased to see him. It is important to realize that if a cat does not do this, it does not mean that the cat does not like the person. Individual greetings vary with personality.

    Expert Insight

    • A purring cat is probably happy to see its owner.

      If a cat purrs as a greeting, it is probably glad that to see its owner. A kitten learns to purr at two days old, which serves as a reassuring signal between kitten and mom. A purr, however, does not always mean a cat is happy. According to Assistant Professor Leslie A. Lyons of the University of California, cats also purr in stressful situations, for example, when recovering from injury. Further studies have revealed that if the purr seems to be urgent, that means, "I am hungry."

    Other Factors

    • An elderly cat's greeting might be reserved.

      The welcome a person gets from the family cat can depend on many factors. For example, an indoor cat's greeting tends to be more enthusiastic than one who has an outdoor society. A feline living in a multiple-animal household tends to be less dependent on people. Age also can be a factor. An elderly cat does not have the energy that a younger cat has, so the greeting might be reserved.

    Warning

    • A cat's wagging tail could mean he is annoyed.

      Unlike dogs, an approaching cat with a wagging tail does not necessarily mean the cat is happy. Quite the contrary, something or someone is probably annoying the animal. If you pick up the cat and his tail begins to wag more frantically, you should be aware that growling might follow. Staying mindful of a cat's tail movements will protect you from a bite or an angry swat.

    Misconceptions

    • A cat rubs its body on people and objects to mark its domain.

      Cats routinely rub themselves against people and inanimate objects, like door frames. Some owners misinterpret this behavior to be a sign of affection. In reality, the cat is marking territory, and the feline considers the owner as part of his dominion.