Sometimes pets really baffle us with their strange feline behavior! From stomping on soft blankets to throwing things off tables to scratching our brand new furniture, they tend to elicit an equal number of "oohs!" and "oh no!" This cat behavior guide takes apart all of the above and more, so you're encouraged to keep reading. You'll also want to learn about why cats like boxes, why cats hate water, and why they purr. In addition, this guide to cat body language will help you find out what your furry cat is trying to tell you.

Purring is something almost every cat does, but interestingly enough, we know less about why cats make this sound compared to other sounds they are known for (like hissing or snorting). The reality is that purring has many different meanings.

"Cats often purr when they feel relaxed, but they can also purr to soothe themselves if they feel stressed or traumatized," says Dmitry Lebedev, MD, a CIS veterinarian. "When kittens are born, mother cats purr, creating a vibration that guides kittens to their mother's nipples for feeding. Cats will also purr to communicate with other congeners or to let their owners know they want something."

Probably too familiar a scenario - your sweet Purr-fect stretches out, then sharply turns over on his back and shows off his fluffy belly, you immediately reach out your hand to lightly pet him or affectionately scratch him, only instead of joy the cat meets you with a paw blow or a light bite. Strange cat behavior, isn't it?

"When cats show us their bellies, they say they trust us. But when we accept their 'offer' by deciding to pet them, they may refuse it by biting or scratching their owner because it was only intended as a form of communication," explains Sam Meisler, MD, veterinarian and founder of PetWellClinic.

Keep in mind that it's more of a physical expression of trust than an invitation to affection or play. You may not recognize these subtle ways your cat shows affection.