Decoding Cat Behavior

These majestic fur balls are not just cute; they bring a unique blend of humor and companionship to our lives. Strolling around your house like it’s their kingdom, relishing their meals, seeking solitude yet ready for a cozy snuggle when love is in the air—cats are not only adorable but also indulge in behaviors that could seem weird to us humans. However, what appears unnatural often has a logical explanation. In today's article, we will talk about nine strange things cats do and explain the meaning behind them.

1. Kneading

Cats have a unique way of expressing their love and affection towards their owners, and one of the cutest ways they do so is through kneading. If you've ever noticed your furry friend pushing their paws against your body or a blanket while purring contentedly, that was them kneading, or as many call it, “making biscuits.”

Kneading is more than just a display of happiness and comfort; it’s a window into the mind of a cat, revealing their emotions, instincts, and memories. This instinctual behavior begins in kittenhood when they knead their mother’s stomach to stimulate milk production. As adults, cats knead to show a range of emotions from happiness and contentment to playfulness and affection. It’s also a form of self-expression and self-soothing, calming themselves down when upset or anxious and releasing built-up energy. By pushing their paws against a soft surface, they stimulate their sweat glands, leaving their scent and marking their territory.

So, the next time your cat begins to knead you, cherish the moment. It’s a tender expression of love and comfort and a testament to the strong bond you share.

2. Burying or Covering Their Poop

Cats are known for their grooming habits, but did you know their behavior extends beyond just personal hygiene? One intriguing aspect is how they handle their litter—burying their poop or covering their pee. This instinctive behavior keeps their environment clean and fresh.

The answer lies in their biology and upbringing. From a young age, cats learn from their mothers to conceal their waste, a survival instinct dating back to their wild ancestors who covered their tracks to avoid predators. Domestic cats retain this behavior, considering their litter box their personal territory. They’re also sensitive to smells and will cover their waste to mask the odor, ensuring their environment remains fresh. If your cat doesn’t cover their waste, it could indicate they don’t feel secure in their litter box, necessitating changes to ensure their comfort.

3. Bringing You “Gifts”

Behaviorists have a few theories on why your cat insists on leaving you their kills. Though this habit may be perceived as gross, your kitty brings you dead animals as a gift, acknowledging you as a member of its group and sharing its hunting success with you. It could also be their way of thanking you for taking care of them.

If you’d like to curb this behavior, try putting a bell on their collar, making it more challenging for them to hunt.

4. Chewing on Things

Cats chew on things for various reasons, primarily boredom and anxiety. As natural hunters, they love to chew on objects mimicking their prey. Without enough stimulation, they may chew on anything they find around the house.

Another reason is early weaning. Cats weaned too early may feel a need to nurse on soft objects for comfort and security, often chewing on woolen items, stuffed toys, and similar objects. However, chewing on certain things like plastic bags can be dangerous, causing blockages in their digestive system.

To prevent this, provide plenty of physical and mental stimulation, offer toys, puzzle feeders, and interactive play opportunities. Creating a cozy space with a blanket or bed can help them feel secure, reducing anxiety and preventing harmful chewing.

5. Drinking from the Faucet

Seeing your cat waiting patiently by the sink for a drink can be surprising, but it’s actually a natural habit. In the wild, cats drink from running water sources, which are less likely to contain harmful bacteria compared to stagnant water. This instinct drives them to prefer running water at home.

Providing a cat fountain or pet faucet can give your cat access to running water, satisfying their instinct without relying on you to turn on the faucet.

6. 2 AM Zoomies and Cat Calls

If you’re a cat owner, you’re probably familiar with the sound of your furry friend barreling down the hallway or yelling in the middle of the night. These random spurts of energy, known as zoomies or cat calls, can be adorable yet frustrating.

Cats are naturally nocturnal, with enormous energy pent up during the day. Combined with their hunting and playing instincts, this results in wild sprints and loud meows at night. To prevent this, provide plenty of physical and mental stimulation during the day, regular playtime, a balanced diet, and food puzzles to keep your cat active and engaged.

7. Licking After They Bite

Have you ever been bitten by your cat, only to be followed by a curious licking session? This seemingly contradictory behavior is normal for cats. Biting is a natural part of their play, hunting, or affection. However, it can sometimes indicate aggression or stress.

Licking, on the other hand, is a form of grooming and affection. Cats are naturally clean creatures, and licking removes dirt, oils, and potential parasites. When they lick you, they’re essentially giving you a bath and showing affection. Additionally, licking is a way for cats to bond and mark you with their scent, claiming you as their own.

8. Ignoring Your Very Existence

Cats are often seen as being lost in their own world, unlike dogs who constantly seek human attention. While it might seem like your cat is ignoring you, it’s actually their natural behavior. Cats are independent and solitary, not trained to listen or obey commands like dogs.

Cats communicate with their owners when they need something, such as food or a litter box change. They show affection in their own way, like rubbing against your legs or bringing you gifts. Instead of interpreting their silence as ignoring you, think of it as your cat being content with their own space, not requiring constant attention.

9. Making Bird Noises

Cats are known for their unique behavior, and their fast and intense teeth chattering, or “bird noises,” is one example. This chattering is often observed when a cat spots a bird outside a window, causing excitement and frustration. While they may want to pounce and hunt, being unable to do so results in this chattering sound.

Behaviorists believe this chattering manifests their natural hunting instincts. The rapid jaw movement prepares them for the act of killing prey. Some experts think it’s a way for cats to hone their hunting skills, practicing even if they can’t capture their prey. Regardless of the reason, this chattering is normal and one of the many unique behaviors that make cats fascinating creatures.

So, the next time you see your cat making biscuits, bringing you a dead animal, or chewing on your couch, you’ll know the reasons behind these behaviors.