Why are cats so moody?

They rub their heads against our hand, demanding a pat or perhaps even a belly rub, and then, out of the blue, a cat will hiss at us or even bite. Kittens might show, in their early weeks, little of this behavior, but as they grow older, it might become more frequent. How moody a cat becomes, depends a lot on its very own character. The question is: Why do cats switch from one mood to the next within the blink of an eye? Why do they cuddle with you and the next moment they scratch or bite?

Cats are very unique pets. The wild types are not social but solitary animals (lions being the only exeption to this rule). Wild cats only meet for mating and, of course, the mother will take care of its young. Once the offspring grows old enough, they will develope the drive to live solitary and hence look for their own territory.  Under these circumstances it is quite curious and fascinating that cats have become our pets - even more so considering they have done so on their own accord. Cats have in fact domesticated themselves. They have learned that our company and living environment is advantageous for them and have adapted accordingly. This includes understanding our behavior and reacting to us and our ways. They have become somewhat social. However, certain "feral traits", stemming from their "wild times", have endured.

A cat will, often without reserve, show us how they feel. That is not to say they have not reigned in some of their "feral manners" in the process of adaptation. In general, their rule is pretty straightforward and simple: If a cat doesn`t like something, it will react accordingly. It will make it clear. Thus, if it enjoys a belly rub for some minutes and then it becomes unpleasant, perhaps because they have been touched at a sensitive spot, they will respond instinctively.