If you happen to’ve ever watched cat movies (and who hasn’t), you’ll know that cats merely act in methods which might be unusual. Typically, these behaviors have apparent causes. Different occasions, not a lot.
Beneath, 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 once they push their paws over a mushy floor. Often, they do that when they’re content material. This conduct stems from their kittenhood once 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 rotated and shoved their butt in your face, you’ll know what we’re speaking about. It might appear impolite, however it’s truly a pleasant gesture meaning they belief you and need to greet you with their scent. They assume 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 houses, it’s nonetheless an intuition from their wild days once they did.
4. Watching Nothing
In case your cat appears to be fixated on one thing you’ll be able to’t see, it will not be as a result of they’re seeing a ghost. As a substitute, they might merely be one thing you’ll be able to’t see, like a tiny insect or speck of mud. Typically, they might even see a mirrored image of sunshine that our eyes merely can’t 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 method for them to point out belief. It means they really feel secure and cozy round you. Plus, it could even be a method for cats to stretch.
6. Overlaying Poop
You’ve in all probability observed your cat masking their poop within the litter field. The truth is, this is the reason litterboxes simply work so nicely! It’s a method of hiding their scent from predators or different cats which may problem their territory. Nonetheless, some cats might go away their poop uncovered to mark their dominance or specific dissatisfaction.
Typically, if a cat feels secure, they might merely not cowl their poop as a result of they don’t really feel the necessity to.
7. Overlaying Meals
In case your cat tries to cowl their meals bowl after consuming, it’s like an instinctive conduct they inherited from their ancestors. Within the wild, cats would conceal their meals to put it aside for later. After all, masking 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 seemingly 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 truly tastes good!
9. Headbutting
You’ll 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 method of marking their territory with their scent glands and exhibiting affection and belief. It will also be a request for consideration or meals.
10. Chattering
When your cat makes fast clicking sounds, it’s referred to as chattering. This sound is definitely made with the cat’s tooth, although it usually doesn’t sound that method.
It’s regarded as an expression of frustration, pleasure, or predatory intuition. Some consultants consider it’s a method of mimicking the killing chew or working towards for the hunt. Cats will usually do that when watching birds or different prey animals out the window.
11. Zoomies
Has your cat ever all of the sudden run round the home at excessive speeds? That is referred to as the “zoomies,” for apparent causes. It’s a method of burning off extra power, exercising their muscle tissue, and satisfying their searching intuition. It will also be triggered by stress, boredom, or pleasure.
Some cats won’t ever get the zoomies, whereas others might 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 meaning they’re relaxed and completely happy in your presence. You possibly can return the gesture by slowly blinking again at them. Typically, the return of the gesture is sufficient for cats to stand up and are available in the direction of you.
13. Purring
Everyone knows that cats purr, however the cause 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. Due to this fact, some cats will purr when they’re in ache or burdened. It isn’t at all times a very good factor.
14. Hissing
Cats usually hiss when they’re fearful or aggressive. Nonetheless, cats may also hiss for different causes. If the cat is in ache, they might hiss at completely nothing. Different occasions, kittens might hiss for no cause merely aside from they’re working towards.
15. Sitting in Containers
Most individuals know that cats sit in containers all the time. They are going to sit in nearly any basket or container that they slot in (and attempt to sit in those who they can’t slot in).
It’s a method of making a comfy and safe hiding place the place they will calm down and observe their environment with out being disturbed. It will also be a type of play. Some cats will conceal in containers after which bounce out at anybody passing by.
16. Knocking Issues Over
If you happen to personal a cat, you’ve in all probability observed them knocking random issues over—usually on goal. Many cats do that as a option to play. They might be bored and wish one thing to play with. It might even be attention-seeking conduct. If you happen to take note of them once they knock issues off, then they’ll in all probability proceed to knock issues off!
Different cats might do it just because they prefer to. There will not be any apparent cause behind it.
17. Pouncing on Nothing
You’ll have observed your cat pouncing—on completely nothing. Cats might intensely concentrate on a spot after which all of the sudden pounce on it, even when there’s nothing there. This conduct is an instinctual response to their searching instincts, protecting their abilities 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 have got observed “presents” of all types in your porch. Cats typically carry lifeless or injured animals to their homeowners. It’s a pure intuition to current their searching prowess and share the spoils with their “household.” Others declare that cats could also be making an attempt to show you the right way to hunt. They bring about you the lifeless factor in order that you’ll study what to do with prey.
19. Unusual Sleeping Locations
Cats have a knack for locating odd locations to twist up and sleep, like containers, sinks, or laundry baskets. It might be a choice for enclosed areas that make them really feel safe and hidden. Different occasions, cats might search out very heat locations, which may result in them laying on all types of bizarre issues.
20. Enjoying with Water
Most individuals consider that cats completely can’t stand water. Nonetheless, this isn’t true! Some cats are fascinated by water and will 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 might even prefer 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. You will need to keep in mind that every cat is exclusive, and behaviors might differ from one feline companion to a different.
Moreover, whereas most unusual behaviors are innocent and regular, sudden or drastic adjustments in conduct must be monitored and evaluated by a veterinarian to make sure the cat’s well being and happiness.
Featured Picture Credit score: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock
