Some cat behaviors are meant to mark their territory like spraying and scratching on things. Cats are territorial creatures and much of their behavior reflects this.  You make your cat happy when you rub the sides of its face. This gives him the chance to deposit his scent on you and make you his property. Some cat behaviors are leftover from when they were wild. Cats that are very sick or dying will hide. This protected them from predators while in their weakened state. Cats that scratch around their food bowl want to save some of their meal. They also did this in the wild. If your cat lies down in front of you with it’s belly exposed, it means that he trusts you completely and knows that you would never hurt them. Kittens kneaded on their mothers to stimulate milk flow. When they do this to you, they think that you are their surrogate parent. If your cat hisses at you suddenly after being petted, he’s telling you that he’s done and that the petting is now  becoming annoying. If your cat gently takes a piece of skin in his mouth while your petting, he’s not biting but showing you affection. You have to realize that your cat cannot be angry or act spiteful. If your cat suddenly stops using his litter box after you bring another cat into the home, he’s not angry, he’s just reacting negatively to the change in his territory.

Cats are wonderful creatures, you just have to take the time to understand them.

Remember, your pets count!