Each behavior may have different meaning, depending on the circumstance and context. Here is an outline of possible meanings for each feline species specific behavior.

Purring
	Contentment May occur when in pain or just before dying Seeking companionship
Feline Greeting Postures
	Many cats roll to greet Exposing vulnerable belly is a sign of trust
Feline Greeting Postures - Tail
	The friendly tail is up, and curved at the tip
Feline Greeting Postures – Body and Tail Together
	The curved tail says "friendly interest" The arched back is an invitation to pet
Feline Greeting Postures – Head Rubbing
	Pheromone Production   Cheek Glands – just above each lip Tends to rub/mark objects with cheeks Pre-auricular Glands = just in front of each ear Tends to rub/mark beings with head This is the basis for "Feliway" product
"Attentive Anxious"
	Eyes focused Ears forward focused Whiskers forward Weight on rear quarters for rapid response Tail twitching
Defensive Postures
	Cat attempts to look BIGGER   Arched back Fluffed tail Piloerection Look at leg position   Full extension = confident Crouched low = insecure, fearful
Defensive Aggression - Pariah threat posture
	Low ranking threatened cat Crouched front legs Ears back Teeth bared Sign of fear and insecurity
Defensive Aggression - "Lateral Threat" Posture
	Cat uses every possible technique to appear larger: Piloerection Arched back Turns to side
Defensive Postures
	Full defensive aggressive posture   Laying on back Teeth bared Front and rear claws exsheathed and ready Tail switching for balance and communicating stress
Offensive Aggression
	Eye to eye Ears forward Tails out and back - swishing for balance and communication Low center of gravity Piloerection Forward whiskers
Flehmen Posturing
	"Volmeronasal Organ" is a secondary olfactory system Odors enter near the hard palate inside the mouth Used for special odors like urine or reproductive
Urine Marking "Spraying"
	Cat backs up to target Tail is straight up and quivering Small amounts of urine are sprayed up and out to mark object
Marking – Scratching Or Urine
	Pads contain pheromones Claw scratching adds visual component
Marking Territory With Paws
	Leaves scent mark from pads Plus visual mark from claws Also satisfies need for stretching
Practicing Prey Nape Bite
	Special bite strategy   Practiced from kittenhood Attack prey just behind skull Immobilizes prey Explains chattering by indoor cats near a window
Female Reproductive Behavior
	When in proestrus, female secretes pheromones, but rebuffs advances After entering estrus, will select most attractive male and allow advance After first male, will solicit second, third etc. until all acceptable males have mated multiple times
Female Reproductive Posture
	Male is selected Female in estrus assumes "lordosis" pose Tail to the side Presents ano-genital area for sniffing
Male Reproductive Posture
	Tom does neck bite to stabilize female and protect self Treading and stepping movements position pelvis for coitus
Male Reproductive Behavior
	After each ejaculation, males experience a latent period of 5-15 minutes Female begins rolling and soliciting male Introducing a new female increases enthusiasm, decreases latent period Males may copulate up to 15x in 24 hours, multiple females Females may breed every male multiple times
Why do cats eat grass?
	Acts as a natural laxative Provides chlorophyll for digestion Increased grass ingestion when nauseous Binds with foreign material for expulsion Irritates stomach lining, promoting vomiting of noxious material
Why do cats play with prey?
	Part of hunt routine Practice for inexperienced hunters Teach kittens to hunt   Bring live prey to kittens Let it go, and let kittens try Bring it back so kittens can practice This is basis of cats who retrieve toys
Why do cats hiss and spit?
	Evolutionary deceptive strategy Mimic a snake? Ears back, molded into head Curving body and tail Striped body Hiss and spit
How do cats "find their way home"
	Study done in England with "blindfolded cats in a van" Theory: Bio-magnetic particles