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If you really want some insight into what makes your cat tick, Bruce Fogle's The Cat's Mind is the book to read.

Fogle's approach is based on scientific evidence and observation but he also allows for human interpretation and common sense, as evidenced by this excerpt from the introduction: 

The cat's mind comprehends the environment. It has needs and knows how to satisfy them. Cats do thing intentionally, no simply by instinct. The cat's mind holds knowledge and beliefs, has intentions and almost undoubtedly perceives the world in much the same way we do, even if it can't convert those perceptions into symbols or language.

He begins with a little history on the domestication of the cat, pointing out that unlike other domestic species, the cat is "self-domesticated." It has evolved to take advantage of encroaching human settlement. Cats in different areas have developed different genes to adapt to the particular circumstances. According to Fogle, the cat has been the most intensively studied animal in this area of "population genetics."

From there, Fogle goes into great detail on all aspects of cat behaviour and development, explaining the physical basis for the things we see our cats do. He gives more scientific explanations of such commonly observed cat behaviours as scratching and face rubbing, but also covers different areas such as behaviours cats exhibit only for humans.

Overall, this is a fascinating book about the cats we love. It isn't easy reading but it's well worth the effort.