Cats are fascinating creatures, often leaving their guardians puzzled by their quirky and sometimes bizarre behaviours. As a guardian to a curious cat named Pickles and a Siberian Husky named Luna, I’ve spent years observing and studying animal behaviour.
Here, we’ll explore 10 unusual cat behaviours and uncover their reasons, helping you better understand your feline companion.
1. Kneading
They’re kneading if your cat presses their paws rhythmically against you or a soft surface. This endearing behaviour originates from kittenhood when they knead their mother’s belly to stimulate milk flow.
As adults, kneading is a sign of comfort, contentment, and relaxation. It’s often accompanied by purring, indicating that your cat feels safe and happy in your presence.
Some experts believe kneading also serves as a way for cats to mark their territory, as the scent glands in their paws release pheromones onto the surface they’re kneading. While it’s generally a positive behaviour, be mindful of your cat’s claws—trimming them can prevent accidental scratches. Kneading is a beautiful reminder of your bond with your cat.
2. Chattering at Birds
Have you ever noticed your cat chattering while watching birds through a window? This peculiar behaviour is a mix of frustration and excitement. Some experts believe it mimics the killing bite cats use on prey, as the chattering motion resembles how they deliver a fatal bite to the neck of their prey.
Others suggest it’s an involuntary response triggered by their hunting instincts, reflecting their eagerness to catch the bird. While it might seem odd, this behaviour is normal and highlights your cat’s natural predatory instincts.
Providing interactive toys or puzzle feeders can help channel this energy positively, keeping your cat mentally and physically stimulated.
3. Bringing You “Gifts”
While finding a dead mouse or bird on your doorstep might be unsettling, this is your cat’s way of showing affection. Cats bring food to their family members in the wild, particularly kittens or less skilled hunters.
By presenting you with their “gifts,” your cat treats you as part of their clan and demonstrates their care for you. It’s also a sign that they see you as a provider and want to contribute to the household.
While it’s not the most pleasant behaviour, responding calmly and avoiding scolding your cat is important, as this could confuse or upset them. Instead, gently dispose of the gift and consider keeping your cat indoors to protect local wildlife.
4. Head-Butting
When your cat bumps their head against you, it’s called bunting. This behaviour shows affection and trust, as cats have scent glands on their heads that release pheromones.
By rubbing against you, they’re marking you as part of their territory and creating a sense of familiarity and security. Bunting is also a way for cats to communicate their bond with you, as they reserve this behaviour for those they feel closest to.
If your cat head-butts you, it’s a compliment—they say you’re part of their family. Responding with gentle pets or kind words can reinforce this bond and make your cat feel loved and appreciated.
5. Zoomies
Sudden bursts of energy, often called “zoomies,” are a typical cat’s behaviour. These episodes usually occur when cats have pent-up energy or feel playful.
Zoomies can involve running at top speed, leaping onto furniture, or darting around the house in seemingly random patterns. This behaviour is natural for cats to burn off excess energy and express their joy.
While it’s entertaining to watch, ensuring your cat has a safe environment to zoom around in, free from hazards like sharp objects or fragile items, is important. Regular playtime with interactive toys can help reduce the frequency of zoomies by stimulating your cat physically and mentally.
6. Hiding in Boxes
Cats have an undeniable fascination with squeezing into small spaces, especially boxes. This behaviour stems from their instinct to seek out safe, enclosed areas where they can observe their surroundings without being seen.
In the wild, small, hidden spaces protect from predators and provide a secure spot to rest. Boxes offer a similar sense of security and comfort for domestic cats. The enclosed space helps reduce stress and gives them a place to retreat when overwhelmed.
Providing your cat with boxes or caves can enrich their environment and satisfy their instincts. It’s a simple yet effective way to keep your feline friend happy and content.
7. Staring at Nothing
If your cat seems to be staring at an empty wall or space, don’t worry—they’re not seeing ghosts. Cats have highly sensitive senses, including exceptional hearing and vision, which allow them to detect subtle movements, sounds, or even changes in light that humans can’t perceive.
They might be tracking a tiny insect, noticing a dust particle floating in the air or reacting to a sound outside your hearing range. While it might seem strange, it’s normal and reflects your cat’s natural curiosity and alertness.
8. Knocking Things Over
Cats often knock objects off tables or shelves, much to their guardians’ frustration. This behaviour can combine curiosity, playfulness, and a desire for attention. Cats are naturally curious creatures, and the movement and sound of a falling object can be intriguing to them.
They may also enjoy the reaction from their guardians, making it a way to seek interaction. To discourage this behaviour, provide plenty of interactive toys and playtime to entertain your cat.
Additionally, placing fragile items out of reach can help minimise the temptation to knock things over.
9. Sleeping in Odd Positions
Cats are known for their ability to sleep in seemingly uncomfortable positions, from curled-up balls to sprawling on their backs with legs in the air.
This flexibility is due to their highly adaptable bodies and their instinct to stay alert even while resting. Curling up in a tight ball helps conserve body heat, while sprawling out allows them to cool down. These positions also enable them to spring into action quickly if needed. Providing your cat with cosy sleeping spots, such as soft beds or warm blankets, can enhance their comfort and make their odd sleeping positions more enjoyable.
10. Licking You
If your cat licks you, it shows affection and trust. Cats groom each other in the wild as a bonding activity known as allogrooming.
By licking you, your cat treats you as part of their family and shows that they care. This behaviour also helps them mark you with their scent, reinforcing your bond. While it’s a sweet gesture, some cats may lick excessively due to stress or anxiety. If this is the case, it’s worth investigating the cause and consulting your vet for advice. Otherwise, enjoy this loving gesture from your feline friend.
Final Thoughts
Cats are complex creatures, and their behaviours often leave us scratching our heads. Understanding the reasons behind their quirks can deepen our bond with them and provide a more enriching environment. If you ever have concerns about your cat’s behaviour, consult your vet for personalised advice.
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