Cats are nothing if not entertaining. We can always count on our feline housemates to offer a head butt, a good zoom around the house in the middle of the night, and other amusing antics. But kitty quirks all have a purpose–even if we don’t quite understand what that purpose is.
Some Behaviors are Well Documented, Others Remain a Mystery
Take for instance, a cat “chattering” at something outside the window. Veterinarians and animal scientists aren’t exactly sure why cats chatter, but some assume it is a show of frustration when directed toward a bird or squirrel that’s annoyingly out of their reach. Others assume the cat might actually be trying to mimic its prey to attract them. Regardless of the reason, it’s fun to watch.
Most Cat Behaviors Have a Very Distinct Purpose
Head butting. The technical term for this behavior is bunting, referring to the way a cat butts it’s head up against you, or rubs it’s head against objects. The actual purpose for this action is to mark the person, pet or object being rubbed with the cat’s scent and claim them as their own.
Purring. Just as a cat purring makes its owners happy, but it goes deeper than that for the cat. While the sound can mean that the cat is feeling joy, it can also mean that they are feeling anxious and need to calm themselves. The frequency of purring has been shown to have healing properties, which can make purring good for both of you.
Midnight “zoomies.” We’ve all seen dogs running in circles with wild abandon, but cats do a similar version of zoomies. Except for cats, they typically prefer to zoom in the middle of the night when the house is at its quietest. The reason for this is two-fold. First, cats are nocturnal animals, so they’re most active at night. Secondly, it’s a way for an indoor cat to burn up the excessive energy they would normal expend during a hunt.
Sitting or lying in boxes. The surest way to catch a cat? Put an empty box on the floor. While cats can be serious predators when outdoors, they also need to be safe from hunters larger than they are. A safe, confined space gives cats a sense of comfort and security.
Covering their poop. Cats typically learn to use litter boxes from their mothers, and domestic cats in particular learn early on to cover their waste. Cats in multi-cat households communicate volumes in the litter box and want to keep their messages private. If they don’t cover their waste, it’s typically an attempt to claim territory.
Kneading. Kittens knead their mother’s bellies to stimulate their mammary glands so they can nurse. This behavior remains with cats well into adulthood, and indicates that they associate a soft surface or your body with the comforts and caring of their mother.
A wink or slow blink. Also called a cat kiss, a wink or slow blink is your cat’s way of telling you that it loves you. It’s a non-threat signal they use with their owners and with other cats they are comfortable with. If you send your kitty a cat kiss, chances are good they will respond in kind.
When Does Strange Cat Behavior Signal a Potential Problem?
It’s not normal for cats to not clean themselves or sleep constantly. These could be the signs of illness. Likewise, it’s not normal for cats to be overly excitable and unable to calm themselves. That could be an indication your cat is anxious. If you find your cat sitting with its head against the wall or against a solid piece of furniture, it could signal serious neurological issues. The Veterinarians at Jacksonville Community Pet Clinic can help you pinpoint when a strange cat behavior is normal and when it isn’t.
