Cats are full of curious behaviors that often leave us scratching our heads. For instance, why do they munch on grass or dip their paws in water before drinking? As cat owners, we spot these habits all the time, but we don’t always take the time to understand why they happen. But hey, learning more about what’s going on behind the scenes can really help us take care of our furry friends! Here are some cat behaviors and the quirky explanations behind them:
1. Cats Touching Water with Their Paw Before Drinking
Ever notice your cat tapping the water with their paw before taking a sip? They’re not just playing; they’re measuring the water’s depth! By creating ripples, they get a better sense of the water level and avoid getting their nose wet (yuck!). Their eyes aren’t great at seeing things right in front of them, so this paw-swipe helps them judge distance. Plus, they love running water, so you might find them sipping from faucets or even the toilet. If you want to make sure your cat stays hydrated, an automatic water fountain is a great option!
2. Cats Eating Grass
So, your cat munches on grass like it’s their favorite snack, huh? Well, they’re actually doing it to help their stomachs. Grass can make them vomit and expel hairballs or anything else they’ve ingested that isn’t digestible. It also gives them a little boost of folic acid, which helps with oxygen transport in the blood. My cat Sophie loves grass so much it had me worried—check out my article When Cats Eat too Much Grass if you want to know more!
3. Cats Purring – More Than Just Happiness
You probably think a cat’s purr equals pure happiness, right? Well, yes, but also no. Cats purr when they’re content, sure, but they also purr when they’re feeling stressed, anxious, or even in pain. According to El Gato Veterinary Hospital the vibrations from purring release endorphins, helping cats relax and even heal. So, your cat might be purring while curled up with you on the couch, but also when they’re feeling a bit under the weather!
4. Why Do Cats Act Like They’re Burying Their Food?
This one might make you laugh, but it’s actually pretty clever! Cats have this instinct from their wild ancestors to “bury” their food to hide its scent from predators. So, if your cat’s trying to cover up their dinner, don’t scold them! Gently distract them, and they’ll probably stop, but deep down, it’s just instinct.
5. Why Do Cats’ Pupils Dilate When They Play?
When your cat’s pupils are all big and wide during playtime, it’s not just because they’ve had too much catnip! Dilated pupils are a sign of excitement. Big pupils allow more light in, giving them better vision to spot their prey (or that pesky toy mouse you’re throwing across the room).
6. Why Do Cats Knead?
If you’ve ever caught your cat rhythmically pushing their paws against a soft blanket or your lap, it’s pretty adorable, right? This kneading behavior comes from kittenhood when they kneaded their mom’s belly to get milk. As grown-up cats, they do it because it’s comforting and a way to mark their territory with scent glands in their paws.
My Cat Sophie Kneading in her New Bed
7. Cats Chattering at Birds
When your cat sees birds through the window and starts chattering like a little machine gun, it’s not just for fun. This vocalization is a mix of excitement and frustration at not being able to catch their feathered friends. Some experts think it mimics the killing bite they would use in the wild, while others say it’s a natural reaction to their hunter instincts kicking in.
8. Cats Sleeping in Tight Spaces
Cats love squeezing into boxes, sinks, or tiny little nooks. Why? It’s all about safety and comfort. In the wild, cats sought small, enclosed spaces to feel safe from predators while enjoying a warm and cozy spot. So, don’t be surprised when they choose a tiny box over a spacious bed—they just want to feel secure!
9. Cats Bringing “Gifts”
If your cat has ever brought you a “gift” (whether it’s a dead mouse, a toy, or even your favorite sock), it’s not because they’re trying to be funny. It’s their way of showing love and possibly teaching you how to hunt! Wild cats teach their kittens to hunt by bringing them prey, and your cat may be following that instinct to share the love. According to Animal Behavior Expert Amy Sojai cats, and especially female cats, bring “gifts” to show their desire to feed their families, and of course, you are part of it.
10. Cats Zooming Around at Night (Midnight Zoomies)
Ever wonder why your cat suddenly runs in circles at 2 a.m.? Meet the midnight zoomies. This burst of energy is part of their natural crepuscular behavior—they’re most active during dawn and dusk. If they haven’t had enough playtime during the day, they’ll release that pent-up energy with a good old zoomie session!
12. Cats Sitting on Your Stuff
Your cat seems to have an unexplainable love for sitting on your laptop, your book, or whatever you’re currently using. It’s not a coincidence! They’re looking for warmth, marking territory, or just craving attention. Since your belongings carry your scent, sitting on them makes your cat feel safe and close to you.
Cat Behaviors You Should Discourage
While cats are adorable, some behaviors are definitely better left behind!
If Your Cat Is Curious About Pills
Keep your pills out of reach! Cats can’t process medications like paracetamol or aspirin, and these can be super toxic to them. If your cat gets into anything that could be harmful, get them to the vet ASAP.
If Your Cat Bites You
Biting may seem cute when your kitten does it, but when they grow up, it’s a different story. To prevent this, don’t allow it to become a game. A loud “ow!” when they bite mimics how cats communicate pain, signaling them to stop. Offer them interactive toys to redirect that energy into fun play, and keep them mentally and physically engaged with regular exercise. If the biting persists, it could be a sign of cat stress or anxiety so check out their environment to make sure it’s a stress-free zone.
If Your Cat Knocks Things Off Tables
It’s not just mischief—when your cat knocks something off the table, they’re testing their environment! The motion mimics batting prey around, and if you react, they might do it again just to get your attention (or for the fun of it!). It’s all about stimulating their hunting instincts. However, this behavior can lead to safety hazards, especially with breakable items like glass. A curious cat could unintentionally cause a dangerous situation, like someone stepping on broken glass. It’s a behavior worth discouraging for the safety of everyone, including your kitty! To discourage this, try providing your cat with interactive fun toys to redirect their energy, and ensure your surfaces are clear of breakables.
Understanding Your Cat’s Quirks
Cats are full of surprises! Whether it’s a random zoomie, a gift, or a surprise purr, these quirky behaviors are all part of what makes them unique. By understanding them, you can help your cat feel safe, happy, and loved in their quirky little world!
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