5 Misunderstood Behaviors of Cats: Cats always try to get closer to humans, but humans are unaware of them

Cats do some weird stuff. One minute they’re purring in your lap, the next they’re shoving their butt in your face or pooping while you eat. It’s easy to think, “Why is my cat being so annoying?” But 99% of the time, those “rude” habits are just your cat’s way of talking. Let’s decode their weirdest moves.

“Why does my cat put their butt in my face? It’s gross!”

Let’s be real: Cat butts aren’t anyone’s favorite view. So when your cat jumps on the couch and plops their rear end two inches from your nose, it’s natural to recoil. But here’s the shocker: It’s a compliment.

Cats can’t see their own backsides—they’re totally vulnerable there, like how we’d hate someone sneaking up behind us. When your cat shows you their butt, they’re saying, “I trust you more than anyone.” In cat logic, letting you near their weak spot means they feel 100% safe. Gross? Maybe. Sweet? Absolutely.

“I get home, and my cat runs to scratch the couch. Are they ignoring me?”

You walk in after a long day, ready for cuddles, and your cat bolts to the scratching post like you’re invisible. Ouch. But don’t take it personally—your cat’s just bad at showing excitement.

To your cat, your workday probably looks like “hunting.” They wait hours worrying if you’ll come back (cats are secret worriers!). When you walk in safe? They’re over the moon. Scratching is how they release that joy—think of it as their version of jumping up and down. They’re not snubbing you—they’re celebrating you’re home.

“I pet my cat, and they lick the spot right away. Do they hate my touch?”

Ever stroke your cat’s head, only for them to immediately lick that spot like you left dirt there? It stings a little, but it’s not about dislike.

Cats live in a world of smells, and your scent is their favorite. When they lick where you petted, they’re “saving” your smell—like tucking it away in a memory box. The more they recognize your scent, the more secure they feel in your home. It’s their way of saying, “I want to keep a piece of you with me.”

“My cat poops when I’m eating. Are they doing it to be mean?”

Few things ruin dinner like the sound of the litter box followed by that smell. It’s tempting to think, “They’re doing this on purpose!” But odds are, it’s just bad timing.

Cats have strict bathroom schedules, and sometimes yours syncs up with theirs. Here’s a funny theory: Your cat sees you scoop their poop daily, bag it, and “take care of it.” Maybe they think you love their “gifts”? So when you’re eating (their idea of “human mealtime”), they’re like, “I made you something too!” Not mean—just… confused.

“I scold my cat, and they yawn. Are they mocking me?”

You catch your cat knocking over a plant, say “no,” and they stretch, yawn, and walk off like nothing happened. It’s easy to get mad, but they’re not being a brat—they’re stressed.

Yawning and stretching are how cats calm down. When you’re upset, they pick up on your tone and body language, and it makes them anxious. That yawn? It’s their way of taking a deep breath. They’re not ignoring you—they’re trying to relax so things don’t get scarier.

The Big Takeaway: Cats Speak Cat, Not Human

Your cat isn’t being “rude”—they’re just being a cat. Their weird habits (butt presents, timed poops, post-scold yawns) are all messages: trust, excitement, comfort. The more you learn their language, the closer you’ll bond.

Next time your cat does something confusing, pause and wonder, “What are they trying to tell me?” You might just realize their “rudeness” is the sweetest thing ever.