It’s true that cats do some pretty weird things, and you try to make sense of it. However, you don’t have to wonder why they run around your home at 3 a.m. or anything else. Here are real explanations as to why your feline friends do those strange behaviors. Learn a bit about what makes your cat tick!
Pawing at the Water Is Instinct
One myth is that cats don’t like water, but that’s not always true. Some love it; if you see your cat pawing the water bowl, it’s probably for play. Sometimes, they like to drink moving water, so pawing at it aerates it.
Pawing At The Water Is Instinct
Laying on Your Stuff
You know the aggravation you feel when you’re doing something on the computer, and the cat lays on the keyboard? There’s a reason for that! Your kitty wants more attention from you. That’s why they get between the object you use and you. This is also a territorial thing!
Laying On Your Stuff
Chattering Teeth
Have you heard your cat chatter its teeth when there’s a bird outside? They don’t have a toothache and aren’t grinding them. Though no one knows for sure, some believe they’re frustrated because they see the bird outside and can’t get to it.
Chattering Teeth
Rear-end in the Face
You know cats like to lift their tails and give you a view of their backsides. While it might not be fun, it should be taken as a compliment. When they lift up their tails and stick their rear end in your face, it’s a sign of affection and trust. They’re opening up to you and being friendly!
Rear End In The Face
Rubbing and Head-butting
Have you noticed your cat bumps into your arms, legs, face, or any part of your body when you are around? They don’t want to start a fight! This gesture indicates that your cat feels safe around you and trusts you. Plus, rubbing against things transfers their body’s pheromones and marks the object as safe.
Rubbing And Head Butting
Rolling on the Floor
Cats roll around on their backs for many reasons. However, they only do it if they’re comfortable, as showing the belly is a vulnerability to them. This motion might be used to stretch the muscles or scratch the back, but sometimes the cat wants to play.
Rolling On The Floor
Eye Communication
When cats stare at you, they are likely trying to get attention. However, different stares have other meanings. If they’re looking intensely, this could be a sign of aggression, so you shouldn’t stare back unless you want your kitty to pounce on your face!
Eye Communication
Kneading with the Paws
A kitten’s first instinct is to push into the mammary glands to get more milk. The kneading motion stays with them, and adult cats tend to do it when they associate something with their mothers. Overall, they feel content and happy.
Kneading With The Paws
Ignoring You
Cats are very smart; they may not answer, but they know the owner’s voice and their name. Overall, cats show affection when they want to. It doesn’t mean you’re not heard. Don’t take things personally; they come back when they want affection.
Ignoring You
Crying at Night
You know that cats are active and awake while you’re trying to sleep. Their excess energy results in them wailing and running around your home. The cries might be because they’re trying to catch something in the house or are frustrated because there is nothing to catch.
Crying At Night
Sprinting around the House
Have you heard a strange noise only to have your cat run in at full speed from nowhere? This isn’t abnormal. Cats have tons of energy, and they need a way to release it since they don’t hunt. House cats don’t have tons of room; with no prey to catch, they show bursts of activity to release energy!
Sprinting Around The House
Getting a ‘Present’
It’s quite shocking when cats drop lifeless mice at your feet, but it’s the thought that counts. To survive as kittens, the mother cat brings food to the babies. Therefore, your cat might have learned it from her. Overall, they accept you as a member of the pack.
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Sprawled Legs While Lounging
Seeing the cat lounge on a chair with their legs sprawled out can appear silly, but it’s important. This position indicates that the feline is comfortable, relaxed, and safe. Feel honored that they trust you enough to be cozy like that!
Sprawled Legs While Lounging
Outside the Litter Box
It’s quite annoying when your cat does their business outside the litter box, but this could indicate a serious problem. If they don’t use it, they might not like the litter, location, or the actual box. It’s best to change things up and go to the vet to rule out a medical issue.
Outside The Litter Box
Twitching Ears
Cats talk with their ears, and each movement means something. If they twitch the ears back and forth, it’s a sign that they’re agitated or anxious. Try to leave them alone when they get like this.
Twitching Ears
Attacking the Feet
You’re sitting on the couch when a small ball of fur comes from nowhere and attacks your feet. This is surprising, especially for barefoot people. However, they’re not attacking you. It often means they’re practicing jumps and pounces and want to play.
Attacking The Feet
Sniffing the Face
Cats are naturally suspicious, so if they’re all in your face and sniffing your skin, don’t be afraid. It feels weird when they’re in your personal space, but it’s because they’re getting a sense of your scent. They’re checking to see if you’re really you!
Sniffing The Face
Burying the Droppings
Cats instinctively bury their droppings after visiting the litter box. That’s because they don’t want predators to get their scent in the wild or for other cats to rear up and kick them out of the pack. In fact, if they don’t do that, there could be something wrong!
Burying The Droppings
Cuddles and Bonding
When your kitty snuggles up, they like you, but it also means they’re trying to bond. They realize that you care for them and want to show their appreciation for all that you do. Don’t push them away; let them strengthen their bond with you.
Cuddles And Bonding
Painful Biting
Cats bite for various reasons. In the wild, it’s a normal way to express themselves, so they do that even when they’re domesticated. However, they may also be stressed or angry, and that’s the only way to express those emotions.
Painful Biting
Sleeping All Day
Sleep is when kittens release growth hormones, so young cats tend to sleep a lot. Don’t let that concern you, though. Still, adult cats may also doze off during the day. They do it to save energy or might from boredom. Try playing with adult cats to keep them awake longer.
Sleeping All Day
Head Pressing
Sometimes, cats press their heads to hard objects for no reason and might make unusual sounds. It’s not because they’re guilty about something they did. If they do that, this is not normal. A trip to the vet is in order; they could be poisoned, have a tumor, or experience trauma to the nervous system!
Head Pressing
Stressful Chewing
Don’t be upset if your kitty chews on something other than toys or food. It could be from pica, and no one knows what causes it. However, experts believe there’s a connection with nutritional issues or anxiety. Keep an eye on them if they’re chewing on things or ask a vet’s advice.
Stressful Chewing
Purring Is Happiness
It’s oddly satisfying to hear your cat purr while petting them. However, it’s not that simple. Sometimes, that sound indicates that your pet is satisfied and healthy, but it means other things. They use it as communication and a relaxation method when they’re stressed.
Purring Is Happiness
Curious of the Bathroom
It might feel like they’re invading your privacy when they follow you to the bathroom. Experts tend to believe that the cat feels vulnerable when you leave, so they follow you and feel safe. Plus, they’re naturally curious creatures!
Curious Of The Bathroom
Moving the Tail Back and Forth
Unlike dogs, a cat wagging its tail doesn’t mean they’re happy. Most of the time, they are the opposite and should be left alone. However, if the cat twitches their tail, it often means it’s interested in something.
Moving The Tail Back And Forth
Hissing
If a cat hisses, it’s best to back away slowly. However, they also hiss when they’re agitated or afraid. You might have approached them too fast or did something they felt was wrong. Regardless, you should let them calm down before interacting with them.
Hissing
Knocking Things from the Table
Cats enjoy knocking things off from high places, especially if it’s used by their human. Scientists say it’s because they’re practice hunting. In the wild, cats like to play with the prey, so batting things is good practice. They may also want to play a game!
Knocking Things From The Table
Catnip for Extreme Joy
Catnip doesn’t look like something special to humans, but cats go crazy when they sniff it. It contains nepetalactone, an oil that stimulates the nose sensors. Therefore, 70 percent of cats get extreme joy or even some hallucinogenic experiences!
Catnip For Extreme Joy
Biting the Nails
People often bite their nails because of anxiety or habit, and cats tend to do it for the same reasons. They might be nervous or just bored with the whole day. Sometimes, they even do it to groom themselves. However, if they do it all the time, ask a vet for advice.
Biting The Nails
Sleeping on the Human’s Chest
It’s comforting to have a cat fall asleep on you, and the cat feels the same way. They enjoy your body’s warmth, and it could be the most comfortable place in the house. Cats also get a sense of security and enjoy the rhythmic movements of the heart and breath.
Sleeping On The Human’s Chest
Mini Couches
Cats like to be spoiled just like humans do. Therefore, if you buy a mini couch for your kitty, be prepared for them to lounge on it all the time. However, some cats still use the regular couch, so don’t be surprised to find them there, too.
Mini Couches
Being Held
Dogs love to chew things, but cats like to paw them, especially when they dangle. You might have encountered that when you had a loose tie from your sweatpants. However, some cats prefer not to be held while they paw, so be aware of your pet’s preferences.
Being Held
The Palace
Cats don’t often care where they lounge around at. Therefore, you might have specific places for them to go (cat scratching posts and playhouses), and they still play with boxes. They also like anything high, so if you can’t find your feline friend, look up!
The Palace
Selfie Time
One cat owner made an oasis for their feline friend, turning it into a gazebo area. Cats love to be spoiled, but some of them don’t like to be photographed. If you have trouble capturing their spirit on film/digital, consider turning off the flash and noise it makes.
Selfie Time
Their House
Most cats feel that the place they live is all for them and that any humans are just guests. You may think they’re spoiled or unappreciative, but if their toys are strewn everywhere, and they’re sprawled out, they’re content and satisfied, showing love to you.
Their House
Holding the Cat’s Behind
The poster of this picture might be the most loved human in the world. Cats rarely want to be held, especially from their bottoms like this. Therefore, it shows that this cat is very well-loved and trustworthy of the place it lives!
Holding The Cat’s Behind
Screen Time
While you might not have to limit screen time for cats like you do with human children, cats are enthralled by the moving objects on the screen. They may even come to expect a certain show or website if you visit it very often because it reminds them of you.
Screen Time
Angry Stance
Cats can appear angry, even when they aren’t. It’s often hard to tell their moods, but you get better at it with practice. It’s best to go slowly and try gently petting them to see how they respond. Still, when they hiss, move away!
Angry Stance
Lie Anywhere Syndrome
You know that cats don’t mind heights and might end up on top of the refrigerator. However, if you tend to have things hanging from the ceiling, like a toy hammock, they are sure to climb up into it and explore. Don’t be alarmed, and make sure anything you hang is secure!
Lie Anywhere Syndrome