Some cats do weird things, and you want to make sense of them. However, you don’t have to ponder why they’re running around the house in the wee hours of the morning. Here are explanations about why feline friends do such strange behaviors. Learn what actions make your cat tick!
Pawing at Water Is an Instinct
A popular myth is that cats dislike the water, but that may not be true. Some cats love it; if you notice your cat pawing the water bowl, they’re likely playing. Sometimes, they prefer to drink moving water, and the pawing aerates it.
Pawing At Water Is An Instinct
Laying on Items
Have you ever felt aggravation when you’re working on the computer, but the cat lays down on the keyboard? They do it for a reason! Your cat wants your attention, so they get between the object you’re trying to use and you. It’s a territorial thing!
Laying On Items
Chattering Teeth
Did you ever hear your cat’s teeth chatter whenever there’s a bird outside? They aren’t grinding them and don’t have a toothache. While no one knows why they do it, some believe that they’re frustrated. They see the bird but can’t get to it.
Chattering Teeth
Booty in the Face
You probably know that cats lift up their tails to show you their rear-end. It’s not usually fun, but it’s actually a compliment! If they’re sticking their booties in your face, that indicates trust and affection. They’re being friendly and opening up.
Booty In The Face
Head-butting and Rubbing
Does your cat bump your legs, face, arms, or another part of your body when you’re around? They’re not trying to fight. The gesture shows that they trust you and feel safe when you’re around. Rubbing things can transfer the pheromones to mark the object as being safe.
Head Butting And Rubbing
Rolling Around on the Floor
Cats roll onto their backs for many reasons, but they only do so when they’re comfortable. Showing their bellies is a sign of vulnerability. They might do it to scratch their back or stretch their muscles, but it could indicate playtime!
Rolling Around On The Floor
Eye Communication
Cats often try to get your attention when they stare at you. Different stares could have significant meanings. When they look intensely at you, that might show aggression. Don’t stare back unless you hope they pounce on your face.
Eye Communication
Kneading with Paws
A kitten has an instinct to push into the mother’s mammary glands to find more milk. That kneading motion continues into adulthood, so cats do it when they feel like something is similar to their moms. Overall, it shows they’re happy and content.
Kneading With Paws
Ignore You
Cats are smart, so they might not answer, but they know their name and their owner’s voice. Generally, cats only show affection if they want to. You’re being heard, so don’t take things personally. They’ll return when they want more love.
Ignore You
Nighttime Crying
Most people understand that cats remain active and awake, even when it’s bedtime. That excess energy means they run around the house or wail. Those cries might be from them trying to catch something or being unable to find things to capture.
Nighttime Crying
Sprinting Around Your House
Have you ever minded your business and then saw your cat run full speed into the room from nowhere? It’s normal! Cats have huge amounts of energy and must release it in other ways than hunting. House cats rarely have enough room and no prey to catch, so those bursts of activity help.
Sprinting Around Your House
Receiving Presents
It’s shocking when your cat drops a lifeless mouse at your feet, but it’s shown as a present. The mother brings food to her kittens to keep them alive. Therefore, your cat likely learned that from her. Plus, it shows that you’re part of their pack.
Receiving Presents
Lounging and Sprawled Legs
Seeing your cat lounging on a chair with legs sprawled looks silly, but it’s quite important. That position shows that the cat feels safe, relaxed, and comfortable. Just feel honored that you’ve won their trust!
Lounging And Sprawled Legs
Outside a Litter Box
It’s annoying when your feline friend goes to the bathroom outside of the litter box, and that can also indicate a problem. They may not like the box, its location, or the litter. Consider changing things up while seeing the vet to rule out medical issues.
Outside A Litter Box
Twitchy Ears
Cats actually talk with their ears, so those movements mean something. If the ears move back and forth, they’re anxious or agitated. It’s best to leave them alone and avoid them whenever they’re like that.
Twitchy Ears
Attack on the Feet
You’re just sitting on the couch relaxing, and you see a small furball come suddenly and attack your feet. It’s surprising and could be painful if you’re barefoot. However, it’s not an attack; they’re often practicing their pounces and jumps or want to play.
Attack On The Feet
Sniffing Your Face
Cats are suspicious, so if they’re sniffing your skin or in your face, don’t act afraid. It’s weird when they’re that close, but they’re just checking your scent. In a sense, they want to make sure it’s you and not an intruder.
Sniffing Your Face
Bury the Droppings
Cats bury their droppings when they finish in the litter box. That way, predators don’t get their scent, and other cats can’t kick them out of their pack. It’s a good thing and could indicate a problem if they’re not doing it!
Bury The Droppings
Bonding and Cuddles
If your kitten snuggles up with you, they’re trying to bond because they like you. They know that you’re caring for them, and it’s their way of showing appreciation for what you do. Try not to push them away!
Bonding And Cuddles
Painful Bites
Cats like to bite. In the wild, they use biting to express themselves, and they do it once they’re domesticated, too. However, biting could indicate anger or stress because it’s the only way they know how to show their emotions.
Painful Bites
All Day Sleeper
Kittens must sleep to release their growth hormones, so a young cat sleeps most of the day. This isn’t concerning, and adult cats also enjoy a nap or two. It’s a way to save their energy or prevent boredom.
All Day Sleeper
Head Presses
Cats can press their heads into hard objects or make unusual sounds. They’re not feeling guilty. In fact, it’s abnormal. Call your local veterinarian to determine the cause. It could be poison or trauma in the nervous system.
Head Presses
Stressed Chewing
Most cats chew on things that aren’t food or toys. Some people believe it’s pica, but there’s no known cause. Experts believe there might be a connection between anxiety and nutritional problems. Get a veterinarian’s advice in this situation!
Stressed Chewing
Happy Purrs
It’s satisfying to hear a cat purr while petting them, but it goes much deeper. Sometimes, this sound indicates that your cat is healthy and happy. However, it’s often used as a relaxation method for stress or anxiety.
Happy Purrs
Curious of Your Bathroom
Most cats follow their owners into the bathroom, which can be an invasion of privacy. Experts feel that a cat is vulnerable whenever you leave. Therefore, they go with you to feel safer. Plus, they’re naturally curious!
Curious Of Your Bathroom
Back-and-forth Tail Movements
When a cat wags its tail, it doesn’t always mean they are happy. In fact, the opposite is usually true, so you should leave it alone. However, tail twitches mean that it’s interested in whatever is happening.
Back And Forth Tail Movements
Hissing
Back away slowly if you hear your cat hissing. It means they’re afraid or agitated. You may have startled them when you approached or did something wrong. Regardless, it’s best for them to calm down before you play with them.
Hissing
Pushing Things off the Table
Cats like to knock things off tables and counters or anywhere high, especially when it’s used by a human. Scientists claim it’s because they’re practicing the hunt. Cats play with their prey, so batting is good practice.
Pushing Things Off The Table
Catnip for Pleasure
Catnip doesn’t look like anything special to a human, but cats often go crazy whenever they smell it. Nepetalactone is the oil inside that stimulates the cat’s nose sensors. About 70 percent of cats get hallucinogenic experiences and extreme joy when using it.
Catnip For Pleasure
Nail Biting
People bite their nails from habit or anxiety, and cats do it for the same reasons. They might be bored with the day or be nervous. Sometimes, it’s part of their grooming routine. However, too much nail-biting is a cause for concern.
Nail Biting
Sleeping on Your Chest
You’re comforted when your cat sleeps on your chest, and they feel the same. They like your warmth, so it’s likely the most comfortable place to be. Plus, cats feel a sense of security and like the rhythmic movements of your breath and heartbeat.
Sleeping On Your Chest
Mini Couch Madness
Cats enjoy being spoiled like humans. Therefore, they’re sure to lounge on a mini couch all the time. However, your cat may still prefer the regular couch, so be prepared to see them there, as well.
Mini Couch Madness
Being Held
Cats prefer to paw at things, especially if they dangle. You’ve probably encountered this when you’ve got loose ties from your pants. Try holding your cat up to paw, but be aware that some animals don’t like that!
Being Held
The Palace
Cats don’t care about where they lounge. Therefore, you may want them to use specific areas, such as playhouses and scratching posts. They may like boxes better and prefer high places; if you can’t find your friend, gaze upward.
The Palace
Selfie Time
One cat owner decided to make an oasis for their cat and turned it into a gazebo. Cats like being spoiled but may frown when they’re photographed. If you’re set on getting a picture, turn off the flash and try to quiet the noises the camera makes.
Selfie Time
They Own it
Most cats feel that the owner’s home is theirs and the humans are the guests. You might feel unappreciated, but they’re probably showing you love. If they sprawl out and have toys everywhere, it’s a sign of trust.
They Own It
Holding a Cat’s Behind
The poster of this photograph is likely well-loved by their feline friend. Cats don’t often like being held, especially from the rear-end. Therefore, this cat feels loved and trusts the person well.
Holding A Cat’s Behind
Screen Time
Most people put screen time limits on their human children, but you probably don’t for your cat. However, they enjoy moving objects and could stare at the tablet for hours. With time, they associate specific shows with their owner.
Screen Time
Angry Stance
Cats sometimes look mad when they aren’t. It’s hard to tell what mood they’re in, but you do get better with practice. Go slowly and gently pet the cat to see their response. If they hiss, get away quickly.
Angry Stance
The Lie Anywhere Syndrome
Cats enjoy heights and often end up on refrigerators. However, if you like hanging things from your ceiling, they’re likely to climb onto it and explore. Just make sure everything is secure, and you’re good to go.
The Lie Anywhere Syndrome