3 Ways To Be Cat Like - WikiHow

Skip to ContentQuizzes

• PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
• QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
• LOG IN

  Log in

  Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. Facebook Google wikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
• RANDOM

• Home
• Random
• Browse Articles
• TrendingNew
• Quizzes & Games
• All QuizzesHot
• Love Quizzes
• Personality Quizzes
• Fun Games
• Dating Simulator
• Learn Something New
• Forums
• Courses
• Happiness Hub
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow

• Log in / Sign up

Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

• Categories
• Arts and Entertainment
• Role Playing

How to Be Cat Like Download Article Co-authored by Lesly Kahn, MFA

Last Updated: June 3, 2025 Approved

Download Article

• Doing Cat Activities
|
• Communicating Like a Cat
|
• Behaving Like a Cat Around Other People
|
• Video
|
• Q&A
|
• Tips

|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by Lesly Kahn, MFA. Lesly Kahn is an acting teacher and coach based in Los Angeles, California. She is the founder and owner of Lesly Kahn & Company, Actor Training, which focuses on preparing actors for employment in film, television and theatre. With well over 30 years of experience, Ms. Kahn has coached hundreds of actors who have become household names. She also ran the BFA Program in Acting at Marymount Manhattan College, and worked in television as well as New York and regional theatre. Lesly holds a BFA from New York University and an MFA from The Yale School of Drama. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 34 testimonials and 99% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 295,650 times.

Whether you need to learn to act like a cat for an acting role, or you just admire feline behavior, there are several ways you can imitate cats. Each cat is different, but many of them share similar behaviors. Unlike dogs, cats can be equally finicky and standoffish as they are affectionate and cuddly.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Doing Cat Activities

Download Article

1. 1 Sleep a lot and take cat naps. Cats are notorious for sleeping anytime and anywhere. To be like a cat, make sure you get a full night's sleep as well as other quick naps throughout the day. A quick catnap should take about 15 to 20 minutes, so you can take several throughout the day. If you can't sleep during the day try to rest early in the morning. Try to sleep for an hour, if you can.
   • Find a nice sun patch for a warm, cozy sun bath. Cats are usually classified as lazy, but hey, what's wrong with being comfortable?
   • Curl up in a comfy cushion or a fresh pile of warm laundry in a ball or the fetal position. Cats protect their stomachs when they sleep as this is their vulnerable spot.
2. 2 Do yoga to stretch your muscles out. After waking up from a satisfying nap or a long night's rest, stretch out your body.[1] Like a cat, take your time stretching every muscle and waking your body up. A quick sun salutation is a great stretching routine and it has poses that resemble a cat's.[2] Yawn to stretch your face muscles and look like a cat waking up as well. Advertisement
3. 3 Clean yourself often. Cats groom themselves by licking and pawing their faces to clean off food, odors, and excess hair. Shower at least once a day if not more to keep yourself free from dirt and extra oils. Throughout each day, check your appearance in a mirror and clean up after mealtimes.[3]
   • Cats have claws. Growing your nails out and having them shaped into a point is another way to be like a cat.
   • Brush your hair so that you don't shed hair throughout the day and it stays free from tangles and matting.
4. 4 Spend time playing outside. Watch birds, practice climbing trees, and get out and explore nature around you. Be active to keep yourself healthy and in the mindset of an adventurous cat. Once you've worn yourself out, take a nap in the sun.[4]
   • Cats like to be entertained and around other cats. Spend time playing and lounging with others.
   • Hunting is an activity that will get you in the mindset of a cat. Even an indoor cat will hunt and chase after toys.[5]
Advertisement

Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Communicating Like a Cat

Download Article

1. 1 Use body language to communicate your feelings instead of simply your words. Without saying a word, you can communicate your moods, just like a cat. Turn your back and walk out of the room if you're bored or tired. Sit close to someone if you're enjoying their company and close your eyes when you smile to show that you're content and happy.
   • You don't have a tail or ears like a cat, but you can still use your face to express your emotions to people without talking.
   • Or for example, you can pace back and forth when impatient for dinner to be ready or back away when you don't want someone to try and touch or hug you.
2. 2 Experiment with the tone of your voice. Talk in an upbeat tone when you're happy and content and incorporate a growl into your voice when you're mad. You don't have to meow exactly like a cat, but you can copy their sounds. For example, cats chirp and mew at things they like so you could make high pitched, happy squeals when you see someone or something you love.
   • To show displeasure, you can hiss like a cat does when it's threatened or irritated.
   • If you want to be able to talk with cats, mimic their meows and sounds the best you can. Listen to how they talk and mimic them.
3. 3 Have a signature scent. Cats communicate with pheromones that humans aren't sensitive to pick up to attract mates and warn other cats to stay away. Pick out a perfume or body spray that smells good so that others will want to be around you.[6]
   • In the chance that you want to repel someone, make a point to cook with garlic and onions or handle other foul smelling materials and don't wash them off.
4. 4 Blink slowly to show that you like someone. Oftentimes people think cats are glaring at them when in reality, cats blink slowly to show that they like someone. Blink slowly and evenly to show affection. This is especially effective when you're getting to know a new cat and want to communicate that you're a friend.[7]
   • Some people may not recognize this behavior and it may look more like glaring.
   • Consider batting your eyes slowly instead to be less intimidating.
5. 5 Swat someone who is irritating you to warn them. If you ever need to fight, hold back from going all out and physically attacking someone. Instead, quickly bat someone on the arm to alert them of a coming altercation. Cats will swat at other cats, dogs, and humans at the start of a fight and sometimes it won't need to escalate to a real fight.[8]
   • A warning swat doesn't need to be hard, just swift and sharp enough to get someone's attention.
   • If a real fight does break out, cats will bite and scratch their opponents. Just be cautious and consider the consequences of using these methods in a real fight with someone.
Advertisement

Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Behaving Like a Cat Around Other People

Download Article

1. 1 Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Cats have highly sensitive hearing and smell so they're aware of the world around them. Whether you're doing nothing or in the middle of a project of conversation, pay attention to what's going on around you. It's a good practice for being safe but also being as observant as a cat.[9]
   • Reacting erratically and jumping at things that startle you is another way you can imitate cats.
   • If you hear a weird sound or smell something fishy, investigate it. Cats are curious and you should be too.
2. 2 Be shy around people you don't know but warm and welcoming once you've met. Cats are generally cautious and sometimes standoffish with people at first. Don't just be friends with everyone you meet right away, that's acting more like a dog. Make people earn your trust and friendship. This way, you'll have valuable friendships for life.
3. 3 Ignore people and then request attention when you want it. Be picky with how much time you spend with people. Cats don't always like to be showered with attention and therefore neither should you. Walk away from someone if you need some alone time. You can simply rejoin a conversation when you're ready to be social again.[10]
   • Demand your own personal space. If you need to be alone, don't let people bother you. Cats will let you know by hissing or growling if they're tired of attention.
   • Being talkative will let people know you want to socialize, and refraining from talking will also alert people that you're done with socializing, just like a cat.
4. 4 Gently head-butt and nuzzle people you like. Once you're close with someone, you can show them affection, especially physically. Cats like to massage people with their paws and rub their heads to mark their territory. You can give friends back rubs or nuzzle your significant other to show them that you like them.[11]
   • Only do these things to people you're close with, or they might not understand what you're doing.
5. 5 Bring people presents. Cats bring their loved ones food to show affection. Giving your friends little gifts like bracelets and little trinkets is a good way to show them you care and are thinking of them.
   • Cats also hunt and leave their kill to provide food to their owners. You can take care of the people you like by feeding them, such as cooking full meals or sharing part of your lunch.
6. 6 Be mischievous. Make little messes by knocking things off of counters, sit on people when they're trying to work on something, or be nosy and poke around in cupboard and behind doors. Cats are adorable but can get in your way and be inconvenient. Have a little fun for example and block someone's view of the television when they're trying to watch something.
   • Be obnoxious. If someone asks you to stop, don't respect their space and don't dial back the cat mimicking.
Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question

• Question What are some catlike positions I can sleep in to feel more catlike? Community Answer You can curl up in a ball, or just stretch out. Cats sleep in all kinds of positions. If you have a cat, observe their sleeping habits, or look at pictures/videos online. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 41 Helpful 344
• Question How often should I nap? Katlover101 Community Answer As often as you want. Just not when you're at school, in the bath or shower, or when your parents want you to do something. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 55 Helpful 385
• Question What do catwomen wear? Community Answer Whatever they like. Cats are independent, and don't need the approval of others when it comes to their fashion choices. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 57 Helpful 377

See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Reader Videos

Tips

• If you can fit into small spaces, hide in them and whenever you're bored just walk or crawl out like nothing happened. Incorporate spaces in your home that you can hide in. Try getting a big cardboard box and climb into it. Thanks Helpful 14 Not Helpful 1
• Watch the movies like Catwoman or the musical Cats to watch how humans can mimic feline agility, movement, and body language. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 2
• Observe cats to learn more about their behaviors and movements. If you can't have a pet cat, spend time at a friend's house who has one. Thanks Helpful 11 Not Helpful 3

Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

• Cats (and other animals) don't actually "stretch" their muscles, they employ pandiculation. This involves a controlled tightening and release of muscles that reminds the brain to reset the muscles to their natural length. This is an instinctive movement, like when you feel the urge to extend your arms during a yawn. Making yourself yawn may help you deliberately pandiculate other parts of your body.
• If you have a small chair or something to sit on in your room, do that and listen to what's happening around you. If you're outside, listen to what you can hear, and if something catches your eye, go for it!
• When you are angry, try to stare at the person making you angry without blinking for as long as you can or until they look away. Try baring your teeth for a fraction of a second and breathing quickly too.
• Be yourself. Cats will always be their true selves, even if it makes them stand out from the crowd. They have their own unique interests and beliefs; going with the flow is what a dog would do.

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Being Weird

• Cats can be strange, and sometimes quirky creatures! Here are some things you may try
• Running away and hiding when you meet new people
• Rubbing up against people
• Purring very softly (barely noticeable)
• Leave "dead critters" (stuffed animals) at your loved one's feet - just like a cat
• Have a collection of cat toys, or fidget toys
• Be obsessed with laser pointers

You Might Also Like

How toLook Like a Cat How toBond With Your Cat How toCommunicate with Your Cat Does My Cat Love Me? 14 Ways Cats Show Affection How toSpeak Cat How toGet a Cat to Be Your Friend How toMake Your Cat Love You How toGain a Cat's Trust How toTurn Your Cat Into a Lap Cat How toTeach Your Cat to Talk How toAssess a Cat's Personality How toPet a Cat How toHug a Cat Here's How to Calm Your Angry & Irritated Cat Advertisement

References

1. ↑ Atthena Breitton, E-RYT 500. Yoga Instructor & Educator. Expert Interview
2. ↑ https://www.yogaoutlet.com/guides/how-to-do-sun-salutation-a-in-yoga
3. ↑ http://www.readersdigest.ca/home-garden/pets/7-reasons-why-cats-love-clean-themselves
4. ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/10-strange-cat-behaviors-explained
5. ↑ https://www.petfinder.com/cats/cat-care/entertainment-for-cats-5-ways-to-keep-kitty-happy/
6. ↑ http://www.thecatcoach.com/cat-behaviorist-cat-introductions-phase-1/
7. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/cat-behaviors
8. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/cat-behaviors
9. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/cat-behaviors

More References (2)

10. ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/10-strange-cat-behaviors-explained
11. ↑ http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/family/pets/cat-behavior

About This Article

Co-authored by: Lesly Kahn, MFA Acting Teacher & Coach This article was co-authored by Lesly Kahn, MFA. Lesly Kahn is an acting teacher and coach based in Los Angeles, California. She is the founder and owner of Lesly Kahn & Company, Actor Training, which focuses on preparing actors for employment in film, television and theatre. With well over 30 years of experience, Ms. Kahn has coached hundreds of actors who have become household names. She also ran the BFA Program in Acting at Marymount Manhattan College, and worked in television as well as New York and regional theatre. Lesly holds a BFA from New York University and an MFA from The Yale School of Drama. This article has been viewed 295,650 times. 15 votes - 99% Co-authors: 97 Updated: June 3, 2025 Views: 295,650 Categories: Role Playing In other languages Spanish Portuguese French German Indonesian Russian

• Print
• Send fan mail to authors

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 295,650 times.

Reader Success Stories

• 

  Moonpaw :.

  Sep 4, 2025

  "Good for therians." Rated this article:

More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Lesly Kahn, MFA Acting Teacher & Coach Co-authors: 97 Updated: June 3, 2025 Views: 295,650 99% of readers found this article helpful. 15 votes - 99% Click a star to add your vote

Moonpaw :.

Sep 4, 2025

"Good for therians." Rated this article:

Anonymous

Jul 7, 2016

"This article is everything you could ask for. It is the best article I have found and definitely should be put into..." more

Anonymous

Aug 6, 2023

"I feel very cat like. I also taught myself how to realistically purr and meow. I'll only be doing it around my..." more

Lizy Ruggiero

Oct 17, 2020

"This article is amazing! I can take naps often, and I actually feel like a cat now! Cats and dogs are two of my..." more

V. Geidila

Oct 18, 2021

"I've never liked being human. Always a cat, would be my first choice of reincarnation. I also read the Warrior..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Does My Cat Love Me QuizTake QuizHow Well Can I Read Dog Body Language QuizTake QuizAm I Annoying QuizTake QuizWhat Animal Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Cat Am I QuizTake QuizWhich Animal Personality Do I Have QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

How toLook Like a CatHow toBond With Your CatHow toCommunicate with Your CatDoes My Cat Love Me? 14 Ways Cats Show Affection

Trending Articles

Answer These Questions, And We'll Judge YouMental Illness TestGuess My Age QuizWhat Emojis Mean Sex?How Sexual Am I Quiz5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your Shape

Watch Articles

How toImpress a Girl on a First DateWhat Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?How toWear a HoodieHow toChiffonadeHow toMake a Fabric RoseHow toConfront a Bully

Trending Articles

What Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat's My Hottest Feature QuizHow Weird Am I QuizWhat 16 of the Most Common Hugs MeanHow toKiss Passionately210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-Blowing

Quizzes & Games

What Color Cat Would I Be QuizTake QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizTake QuizAm I Mean QuizTake QuizHow You Perceive Yourself vs. How Others See YouTake QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizTake QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake Quiz

• Categories
• Arts and Entertainment
• Role Playing

wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.

• Home
• About wikiHow
• Experts
• Jobs
• Contact Us
• Site Map
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info
• Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --634