A cat brings its owner dead prey e.g. mice, for two main reasons. One is that the dead prey is a gift and they are showing their owner affection and bringing home their dead prey to the safe and secure den that is their home – it is a compliment. The other is that they think their owner is an inept hunter and they are teaching them what they need to do to be better.
A cat sometimes bites and holds onto the arm of the person stroking it, this phenomena is called ‘petting-induced aggression’ and there are several explanations. One theory is that it is thought to occur because the cat has become over-stimulated neurologically and it is the only way they can tell the stroker that they have had enough of the interaction. It may also be attributable to status-induced aggression where the cat has enjoyed being stroked and has reverted back to kittenhood – with the human hand acting as the mother cat’s tongue – before suddenly reverting to adulthood and feeling vulnerable so bites the stroker to regain control of the situation.
A cat’s response to catnip is genetically predisposed with 50-60% of cats over the age of 2/3 months affected to varying intensities. Catnip contains an oil called nepetalactone which cats react to immediately exhibiting excitement, euphoria and trance like behaviour. Initially cats will sniff catnip before licking, biting and chewing the catnip; then they will rub against the catnip with their face and then their body making a range of sounds e.g. purring, growling and miaowing loudly; cats may then roll around; leap around in excitement; chase imaginary prey or enter into a trance. Cats react to catnip for around 5 – 15 minutes before returning to normal behaviour with no adverse effects. Catnip has been likened to marijuana or a psychedelic drug for cats.
A cat’s teeth chatter when it is watching birds out the window because it is agitated and its predatory instincts are frustrated – they want to catch the bird but know they are unable to get to it. The cat’s mouth is slightly open; its lips are pulled back and the cat’s jaw open and close hastily. The sound is produced by the cat grinding their teeth and smacking their lips together. The cat may also make short bleating and nickering sounds.
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