Why do they DO that?

Rocco doing his Shere Khan imitation

Every now and then I wonder why the hell did Rocco/Coco do this or that. As it turns out, the answers are just a Google away.

When I’m reading in bed, Coco often jumps up, scales Mount Donna and nestles in under my chin. Yep, all of her. She likes to sleep with as much of herself laying across my neck as possible. I know — way comfy.

Why? According to The Nest, she’s:

a) marking her turf
b) there for the warmth. Being Hot Flash Woman, it’s a good bet that I’m rockin' some tropical action.
c) found the safest spot in the house — you know, just in case out local B & E artist Rocky Raccoon, stops by again. Of course.

 Then there’s the licking. What’s with the tongue bath action?

When your cat licks you, usually after a mock-bite or firm grab with his paws, she's doing what her mother did during the early weeks of her life: providing a good cleaning that also speaks of caring and belonging.

Coco, clearly planning her next escape

Caring, belonging and hints that I need to get up close and personal with the rain room. NOW! OK.

She likes to bump noses.

cats who know each other well feel safe enough to do this. It helps them confirm visual recognition and gain information about how the other cat is.

Apparently The Amazing Bob and I are tall, furless, friendly felines but you knew that already. Right?

Our fuzzy girl, post brekkie, occasionally scratches the floor around her bowl as though she’s trying to bury it — warum?

It may be a holdover of the wild trait of burying food for later.  Or, it may be that he is trying to tell you that the food is not to his liking.

Picky, picky, picky eaters. Sheesh!

Rocco, the formerly feral, don’t-come-near-me-just drop-the-food-and-back-away-slowly beastie, is now ALL about rubbing up and all over me. I get it — he’s being the affectionate Schmooze King — thanking me for that huge plate of Fancy Feast I’ve just set down for him. But also:

When your cat rubs his chin and body against you, he's telling you he loves you, right? Well, sort of. What he's really doing is marking his territory. You'll notice that he also rubs the chair, the door, his toys, everything in sight. He's telling everyone that this is his stuff, including you. But he does love you, too.

Yup, I’m just so much cat chattel. K.

The other morning, minding my own damn business, out watering plants on the porch, I came upon this wee bit ‘o’ carnage — not one but TWO tiny corpses.

Why does your cat bring you dead or dying creatures?
There are at least four differing theories on this behavior: 
- Your cat is bringing you a present, in appreciation for you feeding it or as a sign of affection.
- Your cat realizes you are a totally incompetent mouser and is trying to educate you.
- The cat is bringing her prey home to where it is safe, where she usually eats.
- The cat is simply trying to make sure you have fresh food.

Very thoughtful.

 What’s with the butt in the face business, hmmm?

what she’s doing is really the same thing you’re doing when you hug your best friend: She’s putting herself in a vulnerable position because she trusts you. Cats communicate by scent, so by presenting you with her rear end, she’s also trying to tell you what she’s been doing all day.

could they maybe just sign it to me instead?

and at the catsite.com:

Others say you remind him of his mother, and he is asking you to groom his bottom. I do not recommend you go to that extreme to bond with your cat, but thanking him and scratching the base of his tail when he presents his butt is an acceptable response.

em...good to know they don't advocate back door action with my feline roomies.