30+ Strange Cat Behaviors Explained

When you’re having a nice stroking session with your cat, you’ll find that your car is purring in the most purrfect way. This isn’t cause for concern. Alternatively, it’s a sign that your cat is satisfied and happy.

Purring shows that your cat is having a good time in your company. It’s also said that a cat’s purr has self-healing and self-soothing benefits. Some studies also reveal that purring has a very high frequency that helps our furry friends repair tissue damage.

At night, when we’re getting ready to sleep, nocturnal cats get especially frisky. It’s a way for cats to release the pent-up energy that they’ve stored during the day. It makes them feel relaxed and ready for bed.

Cats usually sleep for 12-16 hours during the day, which makes them ready for a nighttime burst of energy. Another reason why cats get so frisky at night is that it’s natural behavior for them to go hunting at night in the wild.

Cats aren’t as expressive as dogs when it comes to showing love. It can be difficult to tell if your furball likes you or if it just thinks of you as an annoying vending machine that gives it food throughout the day.

However, there’s a way to know if your cat actually likes you – you can see in their eyes. If your furry friend makes eye contact with you with slow blinks, you’ve won at life and your cat truly loves you!

Have you ever seen a cat grab its kitten by the skin on its neck? It’s a harmless action called scruffing, in which the mother cat takes its baby from one point to another. While you might not find it gentle, it’s a smart way to keep kittens safe.

When a kitten is grabbed by the neck, it will automatically go limp. This helps the mother cat easily carry her babies to a safe place for food without worrying about the kitten slipping out of grip and falling.

Coughing up hairballs is a natural instinct for cats. Your cat isn’t dabbling in art; it’s just trying to get rid of excess hair from its body. This helps it groom itself and get rid of that uncomfortable tingly feeling.

As the cat grooms itself, the microscopic hooks on its tongue assist with removing all the excess body fur. However, as the cat licks itself, it swallows a lot of fur, and the only way to remove it from the stomach is by coughing up a hairball.

It appears that cats’ Egyptian forebears gave them an entitlement complex, as they still think they’re in charge and that your house belongs to them. They believe that they own every nook and corner! That’s why cats don’t do well in closed spaces.

They go crazy at the thought of being cut off from parts of their own land, so they’ll do anything to get the door opened. This involves trying to pull down door handles, meowing nonstop, and scratching ferociously on the walls.

No, your cat isn’t intentionally trying to destroy your new couch. There are several reasons for your cat’s intense desire to rip your couch. Cats use scratching to make their claws sharper. They also use scratching as a means of marking their territory.

Since cats are both predators and prey, they need to have their nails clipped in order to protect themselves or capture prey. To maintain clean nails and paws, they scratch things, which aids in the removal of dirt and skin cells.

A cat blep is the term for when a cat lets its tongue hang out of its mouth. It’s arguably the cutest habit ever! Cats don’t do this to get brownie points, despite the fact that this would cause even dog enthusiasts to swap sides.

Cats stick their tongues out and use their keen sense of taste to take in their environment. Their taste buds are able to pick up aromas from possible prey as well as pheromones from neighboring cats that are looking for friends to play with.

Cats walk or sit directly on top of you, no matter what you’re doing. So, are these cute pets trying to stop you from working? No, that’s not the case at all! The cat is drawn to your smell because your smell makes it feel safe.

Whatever item smells like you will attract your kitty friend as they feel secure around your smell. This little annoyance is also a result of the cat’s territorial instinct. They want in because they realize that whatever is occupying all of your attention must be important.

We’ve all caught our pets red-handed at the sound of our precious belongings smashing to the ground. But cats only knock things over because of boredom. It’s because you’re probably busy with your work, and your cat is looking to play around.

If your cat is constantly knocking things over, you need to give it some fresh stimulation. Buy some new toys or change the scenery for your cat to explore. Try to keep your valuable items out of reach of your cat.

Beware, when your cat lies belly up on its back, don’t pet it – it’s not requesting a pat on the belly. In fact, cats will naturally attack or scratch anyone who comes near their stomach because that’s where all of their important organs are located.

If they don’t like belly rubs, then why do they show out their stomachs? It’s a way of letting you know that they feel comfortable enough to share their most private parts with you. The silver lining is that your cat is showing trust and loyalty.

The ability of cats to hide their waste in grass or sand is a fascinating trait. This game of ‘find the treasure’ could become extremely unsanitary, but each dropping has a unique fragrance that identifies the cat that left it there.

This trait is great if your cat is trying to avoid predators. Your cat will be protected, and the scent marker will be eliminated by hiding droppings. Despite the fact that modern house cats don’t have to worry about predators, they have an impulse to hide droppings.

A confident feline may choose to leave their waste exposed and smelly for everyone to notice. Although it’s not the most fashionable cat behavior, it comes from pure instinct. Cats may scatter their exposed droppings around the house to mark their territory.

This is a typical behavior seen in newly adopted cats. Additionally, it can be a sign that your cat isn’t happy with the state of the litter box. Either the box needs to be cleaned, or the smell of the sand isn’t entirely appropriate.

Even if you give your pet an expensive luxury cat bed or a plush king-size mattress, they may still choose to curl up in a cardboard box that ends up in the recycling bin. Your cat will gravitate to the smaller area rather than the room where they can stretch out.

It’s because your cat feels safe and secure from all directions in small, contained settings. Imagine it as if the cat is in the wild. In the wild, it would refuse to sleep in an unsafe place where it might be attacked by a predator. The perfect place for a cat to hide is in a tiny area.

The expression your cat gives you as it looks off into the distance with its jaws open and its nose wrinkled is known as the Flehmen Response. It indicates that your cat is detecting a strange fragrance from its surroundings.

The cat’s acute sensory structure on the top of its mouth permits the fragrance to pass through its quite unsettling grimace. No scent is too complicated for your furry little friend with that expression on their face. It’s time to scan your room!

It can be a little scary to catch a peek at your cat’s fully dilated eyes! Cats usually hunt in the dark, so they need all the light they can muster from their surroundings. Expanding pupils helps them find dinner.

During the day, your cat may be in heat or be displaying signs of stress if its eyes are large. It’s a good idea to watch out for variations in your cat’s eye dilation whenever possible. Get a vet’s opinion if needed.

Cats enjoy chowing down on grass. Although it may not seem tasty to humans, it’s good for your cat’s health. Folic acid, which is abundant in grass, increases hemoglobin synthesis. In some cases, the green food simply attracts cats.

Cats struggle to properly digest it, but feeding them a few shards helps them vomit anything that might be causing stomach issues and it helps to maintain regular waste movements. So, give your cat some grass for lunch if it has digestive distress!

In yoga, the arched-back stance is known as the ‘cat pose’ for a reason. After a long slumber, cats will frequently arch their backs to get a nice stretch. However, when a cat is afraid or feels the need to protect its territory, it usually arches its back.

It also works well to deter any prospective threat by making its body appear larger and more menacing. With hair standing up and an arched back pose, your cat can become a formidable feline threat that’ll keep predators at bay!

Ever wondered why your cat gives you a friendly noggin bump? Well, it’s the ultimate feline high-five! When your furball rubs their head on you, they’re not just being cute – they’re claiming you as their own with secret kitty pheromones. Translation- you’re adored in the cat kingdom!

Bunting is also a useful tool cats can use to create a calming, cozy atmosphere in high-stress situations. They’ll feel right at home if you give them a few head rubs on objects around the room.

Cats are quite independent creatures, and that makes them ghost their owners sometimes. Fear not; it’s a cat thing! Cats need solitude to recharge. If your furball goes AWOL, they’re off exploring, embracing their inner adventurer. Don’t fret; they’ll always return.

Their solo escapades are their way of finding peace, especially in a busy home. After their short adventure, your kitty will reappear, perhaps at the food bowl, reminding you that even the most independent cats need their humans – if only for a tasty meal!

A weird ‘gift’ from your cat is their way of showing love! While a deceased animal might not be your ideal present, for them, it’s a heartfelt gesture. By sharing their catch, they’re welcoming you into their feline world, proving you’re part of the family.

This weird hunting instinct symbolizes their affection. Cats bring their prey to you as an offering, displaying trust and loyalty. So, if you find a tiny trophy waiting for you, take it as a sign of their love. It’s their way of saying, “You’re special to me!”

Ever tried giving your cat a bath? Spoiler alert – it’s not a cat’s idea of fun! Cats hate water, and it’s not just a matter of preference – it messes with their fur texture, making them uncomfortable. So, let your kitty handle bathing their way.

Cat grooming is a careful process, and they’re experts at keeping themselves clean. Bathing them disrupts this routine, leaving them stressed. Plus, soaked fur slows them down and feels strange, making them less agile. You need to embrace their natural hygiene habits and let them stay dry and happy!

Google ‘cat scared of cucumber;’ and you’ll thank yourself for it. Enjoy endless amusing content that features cats running away in terror at the sight of the scary veggie while you have a laugh.

Although they aren’t usually thought of as nightmare fuel, experts believe that a cat’s brain may be alerted to the presence of a snake by the size and form of a cucumber. This confusion explains your cat’s jump-scare response that makes millions of people chuckle on the internet.

Cats have little trouble climbing trees, whether it’s to escape an approaching predator or to race after prey. Their agile limbs and sharp claws allow for an effortless climb. But sometimes, with all the chaos, cats will climb a little too high and get stuck.

Since their natural tendency is to jump rather than climb, cats may find it difficult to descend from treetops. This tends to cause nervousness, which slows down the descent. With some sweet rewards and a little coaxing, cats can gradually develop the confidence to descend safely.

No, you don’t have a furry shadow, it’s just your kitten following you around the house. Cats are comfortable around their owners, and that’s why they try to stay close to them. It’s usually because the cat is looking to play with its owner.

The majority of house cats spend a lot of time by themselves, so they need entertainment. Additionally, this allows your cat to establish its territory and leave its scent behind wherever it goes. It’s a gentle reminder that your cat owns your house.

This unusual herb bounces even the most laid-back cats off the walls. The reason is nepetalactone. The chemical present in catnip is responsible for the fleeting but peculiar reaction cats appear to have when exposed to it. Sounds weird, right?

It’s believed to activate the same brain regions as pheromones. This explains why your cat may try to chew on it or roll around in it. Because catnip is neither toxic nor addictive, your cat can enjoy the experience without any worries!

Cats have mastered the art of vigilance while snoozing, taking the expression ‘sleeping with one eye open’ quite literally. They possess a unique ability to enter a state known as ‘shallow sleep,’ in which one eye remains partially open or half-closed for alertness.

When your cat doesn’t feel entirely at ease in its surroundings, this dozing technique kicks in, allowing them to keep a watchful eye out for potential threats. It’s a brilliant adaptation, ensuring your feline friend can relax while staying vigilant.

Move over, humans, cats have joined the screen craze, too! Those flashy images and weird sounds are pure feline kryptonite! Just put on a bird video and see your kitty enjoy the show for hours. It stimulates the sense of hunting in cats.

But wait, there’s more! Cats can now level up and become gamers, swiping their way through tailor-made e-games. Who knew our furballs had a knack for virtual adventures? Get ready for a purrfectly playful screen time showdown with your tech-savvy cat – the ultimate gaming buddy!

For cats, chasing a small red dot around a room is the perfect way to pass the time while playing. It fulfills every requirement to bring out your cat’s inner predator. Cats love this exercise because it gives them an excellent workout.

Chasing light allows them to use their natural hunting instincts. No matter where you aim the laser pointer, your cat will detect it and follow it with its peripheral vision and tracking skills. Lights also work well as a reusable toy that doesn’t break.

You’re not only a great companion and food provider to your cat, but you also make a comfortable bed for your kitty. If you allow them, they’ll probably snooze on you from morning to night because humans are good conductors of heat that keep cats toasty.

Cats will frequently cuddle up between your legs or on your chest in an attempt to absorb as much warmth as possible. Additionally, it’s how they express their love and affection for you. Their defenses are lowered when they sleep, making it a vulnerable activity.

Kittens knead their mother’s teats during nursing to encourage milk flow. Even after weaning, they may continue this comforting ritual on humans. This behavior is fondly called ‘making biscuits’ or ‘making pizza.’ It’s a cute way to bond with your pet.

As they knead, cats release scent from glands in their paw pads, marking you as their territory. It’s a delightful reminder of their affectionate loyalty, turning each knead into a cozy bonding experience. After all, who wouldn’t enjoy being kneaded by their purrfect little companion?

Discovering your cat in a deep sleep, curled up like a cozy ball with its tail wrapped around it and its head nestled into its chest, is a common sight. Cats adopt this position not just for comfort but also to conserve body heat during their snooze sessions.

However, if you notice your cat frequently taking this fetal position, it might signal discomfort or illness. Keeping a watchful eye on their sleeping habits can provide valuable insights into their well-being. If the fetal position becomes a regular choice, it’s time to give your cat some extra attention.

A cat will always land on all fours, regardless of height or jumping point. This life-saving ability in cats is due to a righting reflex that activates the moment they fall from a significant height. That’s why they don’t shy away from climbing trees.

Although it can appear as though your cat is acrobatic, all it’s doing is flipping around to land on their feet, thanks to a reflex. They can twist their way out of any awkward landing thanks to their extremely flexible bone structure and their highly attuned hearing.

Join in on another viral cat phenomenon with some tape to draw a shape. You can draw anything you want, and your cat will always end up exactly in the middle because their eyes are designed for long-distance vision.

Given how much cats adore boxes, it’s possible that they’ll mistake the flat shape for a three-dimensional box. Cats view what humans would consider to be just tape on the floor as an entirely new box to explore. Ignorance really is bliss!

After you carefully fill a bowl with food, your cat probably snatches it up with its paws and starts splattering bits of food all over the floor. It’s untidy and somewhat impolite (don’t they realize how much that food costs?), but it’s a natural instinct for them.

This behavior also occurs when they’re preparing to pounce on a pest inside the house or after they’ve played with a toy. The good news is that your domestic cat still has a strong hunting instinct – in case you ever have a pest problem in your home.

When you see your cat staring out the window, looking at the birds in the yard, try to listen carefully. You might hear chirps and chatters that almost sound like a bird or a rodent. It might sound cute, but it’s not!

Your cat makes this sound because it can’t get to its prey, and that makes it frustrated. You may also see it making chewing or biting movements that show anticipation of the hunt. It’s completely normal behavior for a cat.

Some cats have a peculiar habit of licking humans’ hands with their sandpaper tongues or gently nibbling on their human’s fingers. Whether this experience feels pleasant or slightly uncomfortable varies from person to person. This behavior might be a sign of affection or a comforting gesture.

While some speculate it could be due to the salty taste of human skin, cats aren’t typically drawn to salty foods, so the exact reason remains a mystery. One thing we do know is that cats groom their littermates and bonded companions.

You might have seen that your cat doesn’t adhere to your sleep schedule. While many believe cats are nocturnal, they’re more accurately described as crepuscular creatures. Their prime waking hours align with dusk and dawn – those magical moments when the world transitions between night and day.

During these low-light periods, cats can hunt, avoiding potential predators with their sharp senses. This instinct to be active when light is scarce is deeply ingrained in their nature. Even if your cat lives indoors, this behavior persists and gets your cat into action mode at strange hours.

Although humans can’t go around licking others, it’s a common practice among cats. Their tongues, equipped with tiny hooks, serve multiple purposes. When your cat licks you, it signifies a grooming gesture. It shows their care for your well-being, ensuring you’re clean and healthy.

Moreover, it marks their territory, signaling to other cats that you’re off-limits. So, each feline lick is a blend of affection, hygiene, and protective instincts all rolled into one. However, constant licking may be a sign of irritation or skin disease.

Living with a cat means accepting that flat surfaces are fair game. Their wild relatives exhibited similar behavior. Cats in the wild frequently look for cool, hard surfaces to rest on. Particularly in warm areas, these surfaces can aid in the more efficient dissipation of body heat. That’s why it’s an innate tendency embedded in their DNA.

Your cat will probably sleep on the floor if the temperature in the room gets too warm. Generally speaking, the floor is colder than the other surfaces in the house – particularly if it’s tile or cement – offering comfort to your cat.