In the event you’ve ever watched cat movies (and who hasn’t), you’ll know that cats merely act in methods which are unusual. Generally, these behaviors have apparent causes. Different instances, not a lot.
Under, we’ve tackled 20 of the strangest cat behaviors and defined them. Now, you’ll have a cheat sheet to assist interpret all of your cat’s distinctive behaviors (and people you see in humorous movies). Let’s dive in.
The 20 Unusual Cat Behaviors
1. Kneading
Cats will usually knead, which occurs after they push their paws over a gentle floor. Normally, they do that when they’re content material. This habits stems from their kittenhood after they would knead to assist push the milk out of their mom’s bellies. In maturity, it indicators that they’re content material, normally. It might even be an indication of affection.
2. Presenting Their Butts
In case your cat has ever circled and shoved their butt in your face, you’ll know what we’re speaking about. It might appear impolite, however it’s really a pleasant gesture which means they belief you and wish to greet you with their scent. They suppose you need them to stay their butt in your face!
3. Countertop Cruising
Why are cats so insistent on strolling alongside the countertop? It’s a pure intuition for them to hunt a vantage level the place they will survey their territory and keep away from potential threats. Whereas cats don’t get attacked by predators in our properties, it’s nonetheless an intuition from their wild days after they did.
4. Observing Nothing
In case your cat appears to be fixated on one thing you possibly can’t see, it is probably not as a result of they’re seeing a ghost. As a substitute, they might merely be one thing you possibly can’t see, like a tiny insect or speck of mud. Generally, they might even see a mirrored image of sunshine that our eyes merely can not choose up.
5. Rolling Over
Cats usually hate their bellies being rubbed, however then why do they roll over like a canine? As a substitute of asking for stomach rubs, it’s a manner for them to indicate belief. It means they really feel protected and comfy round you. Plus, it might even be a manner for cats to stretch.
6. Protecting Poop
You’ve most likely seen your cat overlaying their poop within the litter field. In reality, that is why litterboxes simply work so properly! It’s a manner of hiding their scent from predators or different cats that may problem their territory. Nonetheless, some cats could go away their poop uncovered to mark their dominance or specific dissatisfaction.
Generally, if a cat feels protected, they might merely not cowl their poop as a result of they don’t really feel the necessity to.
7. Protecting Meals
In case your cat tries to cowl their meals bowl after consuming, it’s like an instinctive habits they inherited from their ancestors. Within the wild, cats would disguise their meals to put it aside for later. In fact, overlaying it was usually probably the most viable choice.
8. Consuming Plastic
Does your cat eat or chew on plastic luggage, wrappers, and different gadgets? It’s possible as a result of plastics are sometimes made with animal byproducts, which might be tasty to cats. It isn’t simply that your cat is being bizarre. The plastic really tastes good!
9. Headbutting
You will have been headbutted by your cat greater than as soon as. More often than not, in case you hang around with a cat for lengthy sufficient, they’re going to rub their heads throughout you.
It’s a manner of marking their territory with their scent glands and displaying affection and belief. It can be a request for consideration or meals.
10. Chattering
When your cat makes speedy clicking sounds, it’s known as chattering. This sound is definitely made with the cat’s tooth, although it usually doesn’t sound that manner.
It’s regarded as an expression of frustration, pleasure, or predatory intuition. Some consultants imagine it’s a manner of mimicking the killing chew or practising for the hunt. Cats will usually do that when watching birds or different prey animals out the window.
11. Zoomies
Has your cat ever instantly run round the home at excessive speeds? That is known as the “zoomies,” for apparent causes. It’s a manner of burning off extra power, exercising their muscle mass, and satisfying their searching intuition. It can be triggered by stress, boredom, or pleasure.
Some cats won’t ever get the zoomies, whereas others could get it on a regular basis.
12. Sluggish Blinking
Have you ever ever seen your cat slowly blink at you from throughout the room? It’s an indication of affection and belief which means they’re relaxed and comfortable in your presence. You may return the gesture by slowly blinking again at them. Generally, the return of the gesture is sufficient for cats to rise up and are available in the direction of you.
13. Purring
Everyone knows that cats purr, however the motive behind it’s unknown to most individuals. Typically, it’s a signal of contentment and luxury. Nonetheless, it additionally helps cats heal from accidents and reduces stress. Subsequently, some cats will purr when they’re in ache or confused. It isn’t all the time factor.
14. Hissing
Cats sometimes hiss when they’re fearful or aggressive. Nonetheless, cats can even hiss for different causes. If the cat is in ache, they might hiss at completely nothing. Different instances, kittens could hiss for no motive merely apart from they’re practising.
15. Sitting in Containers
Most individuals know that cats sit in packing containers all the time. They’ll sit in nearly any basket or container that they slot in (and attempt to sit in people who they can’t slot in).
It’s a manner of making a comfy and safe hiding place the place they will calm down and observe their environment with out being disturbed. It can be a type of play. Some cats will hide in boxes after which leap out at anybody passing by.
16. Knocking Issues Over
In the event you personal a cat, you’ve most likely seen them knocking random issues over—usually on objective. Many cats do that as a method to play. They might be bored and need one thing to play with. It might even be attention-seeking habits. In the event you take note of them after they knock issues off, then they’ll most likely proceed to knock issues off!
Different cats could do it just because they wish to. There is probably not any apparent motive behind it.
17. Pouncing on Nothing
You will have seen your cat pouncing—on completely nothing. Cats could intensely concentrate on a spot after which instantly pounce on it, even when there’s nothing there. This habits is an instinctual response to their searching instincts, conserving their expertise sharp.
It’s mostly seen in kittens as a type of play. Nonetheless, this isn’t uncommon to see in older cats, too.
18. Bringing “Items”
You will have seen “items” of all kinds in your porch. Cats sometimes bring dead or injured animals to their house owners. It’s a pure intuition to current their searching prowess and share the spoils with their “household.” Others declare that cats could also be attempting to show you find out how to hunt. They carry you the lifeless factor in order that you’ll be taught what to do with prey.
19. Unusual Sleeping Locations
Cats have a knack for locating odd locations to twist up and sleep, like packing containers, sinks, or laundry baskets. It might be a choice for enclosed areas that make them really feel safe and hidden. Different instances, cats could search out very heat locations, which may result in them laying on all kinds of bizarre issues.
20. Enjoying with Water
Most individuals imagine that cats completely can’t stand water. Nonetheless, this isn’t true! Some cats are fascinated by water and should paw at it or play with it. Sure breeds are extra vulnerable to taking part in with water than others. If launched early, some kittens could even wish to swim!
Conclusion
Cats are fascinating creatures with a wide selection of unusual and intriguing behaviors. From kneading and zoomies to head-butting and “making biscuits,” their peculiar actions usually go away us amused and questioning about their motivations. Whereas some behaviors might be simply defined by their pure instincts and evolutionary historical past as hunters, others stay mysterious.
Understanding these unusual cat behaviors can present insights into their wants, feelings, and general well-being. It is very important do not forget that every cat is exclusive, and behaviors could range from one feline companion to a different.
Moreover, whereas most unusual behaviors are innocent and regular, sudden or drastic adjustments in habits ought to be monitored and evaluated by a veterinarian to make sure the cat’s well being and happiness.
Featured Picture Credit score: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock
