Cats
Scratching is a stretch and a signpost
Cats scratch to shed claw sheaths, stretch the spine and leave scent. Put a sturdy post right beside the sofa they favour, not in another room.
More in Cats
Slow blinking is how cats say they trust you
Studies found cats blink back at humans who blink slowly at them, and approach those people more readily. It is the closest thing to a feline smile.
Adult cats meow almost only at humans
Cats rarely meow at each other once grown. The whole vocabulary of chirps and demands evolved specifically to manage people.
Purring is not only happiness
Cats also purr when injured or frightened. The frequency band, roughly 25 to 150 hertz, is associated with tissue and bone healing.
Head-butting marks you as safe territory
Cats have scent glands on the cheeks and forehead. Bunting deposits their signature on you, mixing your smell into the colony scent.
A cat showing its belly is usually not asking for a rub
The exposed stomach is a sign of trust, not an invitation. Most cats will grab the hand that accepts it. Scratch the cheeks instead.
Cats need to climb, not just to roam
Vertical space lowers stress in multi-cat homes by letting them avoid each other. A tall tree or a few shelves can end most territorial fighting.