Where are my cat lovers? Come on, get out of the bush and put that adorable kitty down, please! We need to talk.
Well, thank you for meeting me here, I just wanted to ask you what is the strangest thing your cats ever did and you don’t understand why? Oh, hi little guy! Awww, he is rubbing his face on my new pants… Forget the pants, my cats do the same thing. I always thought that they just want more food, but it seems that a lot of their habits are not purely the desire for food. Everything has a meaning and I am going to tell you about 10 strange cat behaviors and their explanations.
I.Chattering
You have probably heard your cat emit a fast and intense teeth chattering- especially when they spot a bird while gazing out of a window. Behaviorists speculate that this is because your cat is frustrated that they cannot get outside to hunt prey. They also may be excited and slightly aggravated.Others say that this strange jaw movement may be your kitty’s natural instinct that allows their muscles to prepare for the act of killing prey. In conclusion, they are not crazy or talking as I thought and you surely did it too.
II. Rubbing their faces on you
When your kitty rubs his head on you, he is doing more than just showing you affection and saying hello. He is actually doing something that behaviorist’s call “bunting”. Pheromones are actually being released from his head and it is his way of showing ownership over you. Just as a cat would rub on furniture to leave his scent to mark his territory- he is showing pride in that you are his. From now on, it is proven that we are our cat’s proprietes.
III. Bringing you little “Gifts”
Behaviorists have a few theories about why your cat is persistent in his pursuit of leaving you their kills. Even though this habit may be perceived as a gross one, your kitty is acknowledging you as a member of his group, and is sharing his hunting success with you. He could be thanking you for taking care of him or perhaps you pay more attention to him when he generously brings you rodents, birds, or insects.
IV. Eating Non-Food Items
Does your cat enjoy chewing on non-edible items such as wools, cloth, inedible plants, plastic, or metal? This could be a sign of a rare condition in cats called pica. Often the cause of this is unknown; however, some proposed reasons include mineral deficiencies, anemia, hyperthyroidism, genetics, boredom, and stress.If your cat is showing symptoms of pica, it is time to have a full examination by a veterinarian in order to rule out any underlying problems. Treatment may include dietary adjustments, placing bitterants, such as “Grannicks Bitter Apple Spray” on the chewed objects, providing multiple small meals throughout the day rather than one or two large meals, providing stimulation through games, social interaction, and alternative chews.
V. Feline Kneading
When your cat presses his paws into you, and massages back and forth- this can be a rather enjoyable feline behavior. Your kitty’s instinct to do this traces back to their earliest days of nursing. By pressing his paws on his mother’s mammary glands, it encouraged better milk production. When your cat does this as an adult he is either content, and showing that he is happy, or he is trying to alleviate stress and the habit is one to calm him down. Either way, take it as a compliment that you remind him of his mommy!
VI.If I Fits, I Sits
Cat’s ability to fit themselves “comfortably” into tight spaces never ceases to amaze, or entertain us for that matter. There are plenty of comfy places they could rest instead, like say that cat bed you purchased them. So why do they choose to curl up in boxes, bathroom sinks, small baskets, etc.?
Small spaces make your cat feel safe and secure. If they were out in the wild, they would not want to be unprotected in an open area because this would make them more susceptible to predators. Felines also have a natural instinct to ambush. By hiding in small tiny spaces they are able to watch and observe their surroundings from a distance.
VII. Knock It Off!
For no apparent reason, your cat randomly starts batting things off of the table, and calmly watches it fall to the floor. This can be a rather frustrating antic as a cat owner- but your kitty is not just trying to aggravate you, we promise.
You know what they say about cats and curiosity, well it is as simple as that- he is just curious and potentially bored! Although this is entertaining for him, it is a sign that you should try stimulating him with some new toys if you’d like to curb this naughty habit.
VIII. Oh You’re Using That?
Magazines, laptops, books, clothes you’ve laid out, you name it- your cat loves to lay on it at the exact time that you’re using it. Your kitty knows if he plops himself down on whatever you’re paying attention to- chances are, he will get some affection.He is also leaving his scent on your belongings, as a way to claim his territory that you are indeed his.
IX. 2 a.m Zoomies & Cat Calls
Don’t you just love when you’re fast asleep and you’re jolted awake by the sound of your cat barreling down the hallway? Or fluffy is yowling away while you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep? Most house cats have an enormous amount of energy that is pent up during the day and needs to be released. This combined with their nocturnal instincts to hunt during the night may wreak havoc on your sleep.
I suggest regularly exercising your cat during the day in order to avoid random sprints throughout the house in the middle of the night. You can also try feeding him right before you go to bed, and to curb the desire to hunt at night you may want to try providing her with food puzzles to keep her engaged while you snooze.
X.Cat Eyes
One minute your cat’s eyes are glued on you, the next he seemingly wants nothing to do with you. So what gives?
When your cat is staring you down he is probably just trying to get your attention. If the stare is intense, this “staring contest” could mean that he is on high alert about someone or a situation. It is advised to not look at your cat directly in the eyes. As with any animal, cats see this is an act of aggression in preparation for a fight. Have you ever noticed your kitty slowly blinking at you? Behaviorist call this act “kitty kisses.” These slow blinks are your feline’s way of showing affection and telling you that they like and trust you. If you blink slowly back at them, they most likely will continue to blow “kitty kisses'' your way.
Other times you couldn’t get him to look at you if your life depended on it. Just like humans, cats appreciate alone time. When he needs some quiet solitude, give him his space. This will strengthen his respect for you and don’t worry- he will seek you out when it’s cuddle time!
So, are you still confused why your pet does weird things and think they are pure craziness or I have made you love them more?
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