Latest news with #AmandaCampion
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Cat behaviourist explains surprising reason your pet might be biting you
While cats are unable to communicate with humans directly, they have come up with several ways to get their thoughts and feelings across, even if it might not always be clear If you've ever spent time with a cat, you'll know they often have a mind of their own and will do their best to communicate any thoughts to you. Even though we can't converse directly with our feline friends, cats have adapted their body language and signals to interact with humans. A prime example is meowing, as cats only meow at humans and their kittens. However, a less endearing but more serious method they use to express their feelings to humans is by gently biting or nibbling on us. While it might be uncomfortable, they usually don't mean any harm. Amanda Campion, a seasoned clinical feline behaviourist with over three decades of experience with cats, revealed the most common reasons your cat might nibble on you, and what it could signify. Particularly when it occurs while they're also purring and licking you. "Bite, lick, purr - what's that all about? What's the deal with this mixed message? If you've got a cat that licks you and then bites you, what are they trying to say?" Amanda asked at the start of her TikTok video. "So, grooming within the species involves licking and yes, biting," Amanda clarified. She continued: "Gentle biting and it's love bites, it's affection, and it's a way of transferring scent onto their other preferred individual, someone that they've got a very close bond with, or another cat in the home. It could even be a dog." However, she went on to explain other reasons your cat might gently bite you, including letting you know how it's feeling in that moment. Amanda explained: "Biting may be overstimulation, and then it's followed by a lick, which is their way of saying 'oh, sorry'. It can be a way that they're playing with you as they would do with another cat. And some cats will actually bite first to initiate attention and interaction. "And if you've been petting them, and then they bite, it could be 'that's enough now, thank you'. So look at the body cues as well, because the bite won't be the first cue that they've given you, that will be the last." She went on to clarify it could also be related to the feline attempting to groom you. Given that cats are extremely meticulous about their cleanliness and frequently dedicate considerable time ensuring they're spotless, moggies also assist in grooming one another - and this extends to attempting to groom their human companions. "It can also be grooming mimicry, especially if you've been touching them a lot, like I'm stroking Eska here. It would be quite normal for him to turn around and lick me. That's his way of initiating his part of the grooming deal. "So learn to know your cat's cues before it escalates. Bite then lick or lick then bite - which way around is your cat?" she said at the end of the video.
The Independent
10-07-2025
- General
- The Independent
The surprising signs your cat actually likes you
Cats are often misunderstood as aloof, but clinical animal behaviourist Amanda Campion explains their affection is earned and they are complex individuals. Key signs of a cat's affection include physical touch such as kneading, head bumps, and gentle "love bites", alongside seeking proximity to their caregiver. Cats demonstrate trust and vulnerability through slow blinks, often called a "cat kiss", and by exposing their belly. Other indicators of a cat's excitement and appreciation include holding their tail "loud and proud" and bringing "gifts" or toys to their human. To build a stronger bond, it is crucial to meet all of a cat's welfare needs, provide opportunities for play, and understand their unique personality and history.
Daily Record
04-06-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Cats 'flop' on their back and show their belly for sweet reason, says expert
Amanda Campion, a certified cat behaviourist with over 30 years of experience, has explained why cats 'flop' on their side and expose their belly - and why it's not always a good idea to give them a tickle Any devoted cat owner is well aware that their feline friends set the schedule for cuddle time. Thus, when cats perform the signature 'flop', flopping onto their backs to reveal their bellies, it's a challenge to resist stroking them – but could this be a playful trap set to ensnare your hand in a light bite as you reach out? A certified cat behaviourist has shed light on the reasons behind this endearing behaviour, and it's not always a request for a belly rub. Boasting over three decades of expertise in cat care, Amanda Campion shares her knowledge on her @kittysittycatbehaviour TikTok profile. Amanda clarifies: "Cat flopping on its side is an invitation to interact and offer trust, but it doesn't always mean touch the belly." Amanda asserts that such behaviour signals "trust, comfort and a willingness to show vulnerability" showing they "trust you". However, it may also signal that your pet is in a "playful mood," and keen to engage with you. To gauge their current disposition, studying their body language is key. Amanda advises taking note of their body language; she says: "Watch their body language. "If they seem relaxed, then their body will be very, very soft. If they feel tense, then their body will be much, much tighter. If their tail flicks, or their ears flatten, they definitely don't want any attention and they don't want that belly rubbed." The expert has cautioned that it's crucial to "always respect their body cues," which will "help build your relationship with them," Amanda noted, adding: "So less is very often more. Let cats come to you." Many cat enthusiasts might find this behaviour all too familiar. In the comments section, one owner shared their perplexing experience: "My cat does this but when I walk over to her to give her pets, she jumps up and runs away and finds another spot to skip over and purr, it's so confusing." Another cat lover humorously remarked: "Hehe mine always does forward rolls into a flop over my feet. Too cute." A different commenter emphasised the importance of consent: "Consent is so key to a positive relationship with a cat... like I rub my cats cheeks and always pause for a second, if he leans in he wants more and I continue. if he turns away I stop." Phyllis Meyer, a certified Veterinary Technician from Colorado, shed light on what is known as the "social roll", explaining that cats do this when they're interacting with toys, during friendly human contact, to signal playtime, or simply when they're content and have found a pleasant spot to relax. Should your feline friend show off its belly, the best approach is to acknowledge them and let them sniff your hand before petting their head and perhaps engaging in some play. She clarified: "Although it may seem that he is begging you to rub his belly, most cats are just letting you know that they feel playful, safe and secure." She cautioned: "Your cat may view rubbing his tummy as aggressive and respond with teeth and claws! Of course, there are cats who seem to enjoy a belly rub. Make sure that you know the cat before putting your hand into the 'bear trap'."
