If you’ve ever watched cat videos (and who hasn’t?), you’ll know that cats simply act in ways that are strange. Sometimes, these behaviors have obvious causes. Other times, not so much.
Below, we’ve tackled 20 of the strangest cat behaviors and explained them. Now, you’ll have a cheat sheet to help interpret all your cat’s unique behaviors (and those you see in funny videos). Let’s dive in.
The 20 Strange Cat Behaviors
1. Kneading
Cats will often knead, which happens when they push their paws over a soft surface. Usually, they do this when they are content. This behavior stems from their kittenhood when they would knead to help push the milk out of their mother’s mammary glands. In adulthood, it signals that they are relaxed and comfortable. It may also be a sign of affection.
2. Presenting Their Butts
If your cat has ever turned around and shoved their butt in your face, you’ll know what we’re talking about. It may seem rude, but it’s actually a friendly gesture that means they trust you and want to greet you with their scent. They think you want them to stick their butt in your face!
3. Countertop Cruising
Why are cats so insistent on walking along the countertop? It’s a natural instinct for them to seek a vantage point where they can survey their territory and avoid potential threats. While cats don’t get attacked by predators in our homes, it is still an instinct from their wild days when they may have. Countertops may also contain food leftovers and other interesting objects that call for their attention. The counter is also a convenient place to stay out of reach of other pets, such as dogs.
4. Staring at Nothing
If your cat seems to be fixated on something you can’t see, it may not be because they’re seeing a ghost. Instead, they may simply be looking at something you can’t see, like a tiny insect or speck of dust. Sometimes, they may even see a reflection of light or a shade on the wall that they find rather interesting.
5. Rolling Over
Cats often hate their bellies being rubbed, but then why do they roll over like a dog? Instead of asking for belly rubs, it’s a way for them to show trust. It means they feel safe and comfortable around you. Plus, it may also be a way for cats to stretch.
6. Covering Poop
You’ve probably noticed your cat covering their poop in the litter box. In fact, this is why litterboxes just work so well! It’s a way of hiding their scent from predators or other cats that might challenge their territory. However, some cats may leave their poop uncovered to mark their dominance or express dissatisfaction with the state of their litter box.
Sometimes, if a cat feels safe, they may simply not cover their poop because they don’t feel the need to.
7. Covering Food
If your cat tries to cover their food bowl after eating, it’s like an instinctive behavior they inherited from their ancestors. In the wild, cats would hide their food to save it for later. Of course, covering it was often the most viable option. They may also do it if they don’t like the food or aren’t hungry.
8. Eating Plastic
Does your cat eat or chew on plastic bags, wrappers, and other items? It’s likely because plastics are often made with animal byproducts, which can be tasty to cats. It isn’t just that your cat is being weird. The plastic may actually taste good! Some cats may do it for fun, or out of boredom, and it’s important to provide them with sufficient daily exercise, mental stimulation, and environmental enrichment to reduce this behavior. Swallowing pieces of plastic can lead to digestive health issues and even an obstruction if a larger piece is ingested..
9. Headbutting
You may have been headbutted by your cat more than once. Most of the time, if you hang out with a cat for long enough, they’re going to rub their heads all over you.
It’s a way for them to mark their territory with their scent glands and show affection and trust. It can also be a request for attention or food.
10. Chattering
When your cat makes rapid clicking sounds, it’s called chattering. This sound is actually made with the cat’s teeth, though it often doesn’t sound that way.
It’s believed to be an expression of frustration, excitement, or predatory instinct. Some experts believe it’s a way of mimicking the killing bite or practicing for the hunt. Cats will often do this when watching birds or other prey animals out the window.
11. Zoomies
Has your cat ever suddenly run around the house at high speeds? This is called the “zoomies,” for obvious reasons. It’s a way of burning off excess energy, exercising their muscles, and satisfying their hunting instinct. It can also be triggered by frustration, boredom, or excitement.
Some cats will never get the zoomies, while others may get it all the time.
12. Slow Blinking
Have you ever seen your cat slowly blink at you from across the room? It’s a sign of affection and trust that means they are relaxed and happy in your presence. You can return the gesture by slowly blinking back at them. Sometimes, the return of the gesture is enough for cats to get up and come towards you.
13. Purring
We all know that cats purr, but the reason behind it is unknown to most people. Often, it is a sign of contentment and comfort. However, it may also help cats heal from injuries and reduce stress. Therefore, some cats will purr when they are in pain or stressed. It isn’t always a good thing.
14. Hissing
Cats typically hiss when they are fearful or aggressive. However, cats can also hiss for other reasons. If the cat is in pain, they may hiss at absolutely nothing. Other times, kittens may hiss for no reason simply other than they are practicing.
15. Sitting in Boxes
Most people know that cats sit in boxes all the time. They will sit in just about any basket or container that they fit in (and try to sit in those that they can’t fit in).
It’s a way of creating a cozy and secure hiding place where they can relax and observe their surroundings without being disturbed. It can also be a form of play. Some cats will hide in boxes and then jump out at anyone passing by.
16. Knocking Things Over
If you own a cat, you’ve probably noticed them knocking random things over—often on purpose. Many cats do this as a way to play. They may be bored and want something to play with. It may also be attention-seeking behavior. If you pay attention to them when they knock things off, then they’ll probably continue to knock things off!
Other cats may do it simply because they like to. There may not be any obvious reason behind it.
17. Pouncing on Nothing
You may have noticed your cat pouncing—on absolutely nothing. Cats may intensely focus on a spot and then suddenly pounce on it, even if there’s nothing there. This behavior is an instinctual response to their hunting instincts, keeping their skills sharp.
It’s most commonly seen in kittens as a form of play. However, this isn’t rare to see in older cats, too.
18. Bringing “Gifts”
You have noticed “gifts” of all sorts on your porch. Cats sometimes bring dead or injured animals to their owners. It’s a natural instinct to present their hunting prowess and share the spoils with their “family.” Some may claim that cats may be trying to teach you how to hunt. They bring you the dead thing so that you will learn what to do with prey. But in reality, the most likely explanation is that they feel the safest at home, so they bring their prey there to enjoy it without being disturbed or interrupted. This is true even if they only want to play with it, rather than eat it.
19. Strange Sleeping Places
Cats have a knack for finding odd places to curl up and sleep, like boxes, sinks, or laundry baskets. It could be a preference for enclosed spaces that make them feel secure and hidden. Other times, cats may seek out very warm places, which can lead to them laying on all sorts of weird things.
20. Playing with Water
Most people believe that cats absolutely can’t stand water. However, this isn’t true! Some cats are fascinated by water and may paw at it or play with it. Certain breeds are more prone to playing with water than others. If introduced early, some kittens may even like to swim!
Conclusion
Cats are fascinating creatures with a wide array of strange and intriguing behaviors. From kneading and zoomies to head-butting and “making biscuits,” their peculiar actions often leave us amused and wondering about their motivations. While some behaviors can be easily explained by their natural instincts and evolutionary history as hunters, others remain mysterious.
Understanding these strange cat behaviors can provide insights into their needs, emotions, and overall well-being. It is important to remember that each cat is unique, and behaviors may vary from one feline companion to another.
Additionally, while most strange behaviors are harmless and normal, sudden or drastic changes in behavior should be monitored and evaluated by a veterinarian to ensure the cat’s health and happiness.
Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock
The 20 Strange Cat Behaviors
