Kitty moods

Sometimes I wish I could talk to my cats. I really wonder what's going on in their heads. Yesterday, for example, I came home and Baxter and Murphy seemed completely normal. But then I realized Baxter was in a mood. What gets cats into bad moods? I suppose they have feelings, hormones, moods, just like humans, but I just expect them to always be the same inquisitive, cute, sometimes mischievous kitties as usual. So our evening went something like this:

I settled down to do some work before feeding time. Baxter went to scratch the couch. I sprayed him with water, and he walked away. Two minutes later, he went for the couch again. Now while Baxter loves to scratch, the water will usually deter him for a while. I have a general rule that if he repeatedly scratches three times or more, he gets a "Time Out" in the one room in my studio apartment with a door--the bathroom. So when Baxter went for the couch for the third time in five minutes, into the bathroom he went. First he meowed, then he banged against the door. Murphy, who had been napping nearby, went to investigate. And I found it difficult to work, because as annoyed as I was with him for scratching, I felt like a bad person for punishing him.

Fifteen minutes later, I let him out. He didn't scratch again that evening, but he was definitely moody. He paced back and forth, looking bored and meowing. I brought out his favorite kitty toy and tried to get him to play, but mostly Murphy played with it and Baxter lay there watching. Finally, I picked him up (which he generally hates) and snuggled him, asking him what was wrong and why he was being "difficult" and "grouchy". He just looked at me, then squirmed to get away.

What does one do in these situations? I think I'm spoiled with Murphy, who has two moods: Sleepy or playful. Playful is pretty rambunctious, but completely adorable. He's always happy to see me, loves to play with Baxter, and is so inquisitive about everything--just as a cat should be. I don't understand Baxter sometimes, and something tells me I never will.

Luckily the bad mood seemed to have passed this morning, and he was back to himself. We'll see how he does tonight...