A Deeper Look at Strange Cat Behaviours
Cats are such funny creatures. There are some very weird behaviours they all seem to have, but the good news is they are all totally natural and there are some good reasons for them.
Pawing at Water
It is believed cats like to paw at their water for a few reasons. The first is that they simply like the interaction – perhaps the noise, the feeling, or both. The second is that they like to drink moving water, and giving it a slap might be their way of making that happen. Lastly, it might be to see where the water line is. Some cats jiggle their water then look down at it before having some.
Burying their Poop
Talk about a convenient habit for an animal to follow instinctually. As cat owners, we can all appreciate their clean habits. Burying their feces as well as constantly bathing themselves makes it both fun and easy to take care of them!
Laying Down in the Middle of Your Activity
Ever notice how your cat chooses your laptop or card/board game as their favourite place to lie down? As a species, they love to be the centre of attention, but on their schedule. If they’re ready for some pets, you’d better get ready too, or they’ll drop in on your activity!
Teeth Chattering
Lots of cats like to chatter at their prey. This seems like an odd behaviour to us, but there are some theories for it. It could be their way of attracting prey, warming up their jaw muscles for a hunt, or expressing their frustration for not being able to catch something.
Headbutting
This is a healthy behaviour denoting their happiness and feelings of trust and admiration for the people on the receiving end. If your cat headbutts you, that’s a good thing!
Kneading with Paws
Another sign of a happy or content cat, kneading with their paws on a soft surface reminds them of kittenhood, when they would knead their moms to produce more milk. Again, it’s a good thing!
Pointing Their Rear-end at You
Cats tend to point their rear-ends at other cats or people as a sign of trust. This is an indication they feel safe around whatever creature they’ve chosen to bless. It might seem gross, but it’s almost like how other animals show their necks as a sign of trust.
Racing Around the House
Cats are animals with great strength and agility. Sometimes they need to burn off their energy in a healthy way and racing around the house is about the best way to do it. Try not to punish them for this as it is natural behaviour. If they are knocking things over, lean into it and clear out a path for them.
Bringing Presents
Some cats like to bring toys and socks to their owners as gifts. In some cases, they might even bring a dead mouse. At the end of the day, these are acts of kindness from your cat, who is simply trying to provide for the family.
Attacking Feet
Old cats tend to care less about feet, but kittens love to pounce on them. Don’t worry about it though. It’s just them sharpening their hunting skills. They aren’t actually trying to hurt you.
Sleeping All Day
Cats are crepuscular animals (those most active at dawn and dusk). As a result, they sleep a lot. This behaviour is completely normal and to be expected of any healthy kitty.
Knocking Things Off Tables
Similar to attacking feet, but a behaviour that doesn’t go away with age, cats love to knock things off of tables and experts believe it’s their way of practicing hunting. Cats like to play with their prey and when something small enough is sitting precariously on a ledge, they can’t help but tap it around until it falls off.