catmando.blog

If you own a cat or been around cats, you know that they are one of life’s most mysterious animals.  One minute they are curled up peacefully beside you or lying on your lap, and the next they are racing through the house, staring at a blank wall, or knocking your belongings onto the floor.  Although some feline habits seem strange, most have logical explanations rooted in instinct, communication, and emotion.

Here are 10 unusual cat behaviors and what they may really mean.

1.  Kneading With Their Paws

Cats will often push their front paws repeatedly against blankets, furniture, or their owners.  This behavior begins when they are kittens, when kittens knead their mother’s belly to encourage milk production.  Adult cats usually knead because they feel comfortable, safe, and content.

2.  Staring at You

One of the freaky things they will do is stare at nothing in particular.  A cat may stare because it is curious, wants food, or is waiting for your attention.  A relaxed stare accompanied by slow blinking is often a sign of trust.  If you want, you can slowly blink back to communicate your affection.

3.  Knocking Things Off Tables

Cats are curious and use their paws to investigate objects.  Knocking something onto the floor may be a form of exploration, play, or attention-seeking.  Be careful how you react to this type of behavior, your reaction can encourage it to continue, especially if the cat learns that dropping an object makes you respond immediately.

4.  Suddenly Racing Through the House

These high-speed bursts or “zoomies” as they are commonly called, are one way your cat releases stored energy, especially after sleeping for several hours, which they all do.  Indoor cats that do not receive enough playtime may experience zoomies more frequently.

5.  Bringing You Dead Animals

A cat that brings home a mouse, bird, or insect is not necessarily trying to upset you.  Hunting is a natural instinct for them.  Some experts believe cats bring prey to their owners because they view them as members of their family who need to be fed or taught how to hunt.  Ultimately, it is a gesture of love.

6.  Sitting in Boxes

This has to be one of my favorites.  I cannot even think about the number of pictures I have of our former cat sitting in a box.  Boxes provide small, enclosed spaces where cats feel protected from possible threats.  They also offer warmth and a good hiding place for watching the environment.  To a cat, an ordinary cardboard box can feel like a secure private room.  Don’t throw out that Amazon box before throwing it on the floor and watching your furry friend investigate it.  (Be sure to take pictures)

7.  Chattering at Birds

When watching birds or squirrels through a window, cats may make clicking or chattering sounds.  This behavior may reflect excitement, frustration, or an instinctive hunting response.  The cat can see its prey, but cannot reach it.

8.  Showing You Their Rear End

Although this behavior can seem rude to humans, it is usually a sign of trust.  Cats use scent to communicate and may present their rear end as part of a normal feline greeting.  Your cat is not trying to insult you,it feels safe around you.

9.  Sleeping on Your Head or Chest

Cats may sleep on you because they enjoy your warmth, scent, and heartbeat.  Choosing such a vulnerable sleeping position also shows that the cat trusts you.  You or your bed may simply be the safest and most comfortable place in the house.

10.  Staring at Empty Walls

Cats have sharper hearing and can detect small movements that humans miss.  Your cat may hear insects, pipes, rodents, or sounds inside the wall.  However, frequent staring combined with confusion, unusual vocalization, or other sudden behavioral changes should be discussed with a veterinarian or with your exterminator.

Most strange cat behaviors are perfectly normal.  By paying attention to your cat’s body language, routines, and environment, you can better understand what your feline companion is trying to communicate.  What looks strange to us often makes complete sense in the secret world of cats.