30 Strange Cat Behaviors and Why Do They Do Those

Cats have long captivated humans with their enigmatic ways. Did you know that cats have over 100 vocalizations besides meowing? This fascinating fact is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to understanding our feline friends. As cat owners, we often find ourselves puzzled by their seemingly strange behaviors. This article delves into 20 mysterious cat behaviors, explaining their origins and providing insights to help you better understand your furry companion.

Communication Behaviors

Purring

Purring is perhaps the most recognizable cat sound, often associated with contentment. However, this soothing vibration serves multiple purposes. Cats purr not only when they’re happy but also when stressed, in pain, or even to promote self-healing.

Interestingly, the frequency range of a cat’s purr (25-150 Hz) has been suggested to have therapeutic effects. Some studies indicate that these vibrations may aid in tissue regeneration and bone healing. This could explain why cats often purr when injured or recovering from illness.

Cats can produce various types of purrs, including:

Soft, continuous purrs: Usually indicating contentment
Rumbling purrs: Often heard during feeding time or when seeking attention
Chirping purrs: Sometimes made when greeting other cats or humans

Meowing

Unlike popular belief, adult cats rarely meow at each other. Meowing is primarily a behavior cats have developed to communicate with humans. Kittens meow to their mothers, but as they grow, they typically reserve this vocalization for their human companions.

Different meows can signify various needs:

Short meows: Generally a greeting
Multiple meows: Excited greetings
Mid-pitch meows: Requests for food or attention
Low-pitch meows: Often complaints or expressions of discomfort
High-pitch meows: Usually indicating pain or distress

As cats age, they may become more vocal. Senior cats sometimes meow more due to cognitive changes or increased need for attention.

Hissing and Growling

When a cat hisses or growls, it’s clearly communicating discomfort, fear, or aggression. These vocalizations are usually accompanied by specific body language:

Flattened ears
Arched back
Puffed up fur
Dilated pupils
Twitching or swishing tail

If you encounter a hissing or growling cat, it’s best to give them space. To de-escalate the situation:

Slowly back away
Avoid direct eye contact
Speak in a soft, calm voice
Provide an escape route for the cat

4. Tail Talk

A cat’s tail is a remarkably expressive appendage, capable of conveying a wide range of emotions and intentions.

Image: cat tail positions and meanings chart

Here’s a brief guide to tail positions and their meanings:

Tail high and straight: Confidence, friendliness
Tail curved like a question mark: Playful, approachable
Tail low and swishing: Agitation, potential aggression
Tail puffed up: Fear or aggression
Tail wrapped around another cat or person: Affection

It’s important to note that tail communication can vary slightly between breeds and individual cats. Always consider the entire body language and context when interpreting your cat’s tail signals.

Social Behaviors

5. Head-butting or Bunting

When your cat gently bumps its head against you, it’s engaging in a behavior called bunting. This affectionate gesture serves two purposes:

Showing trust and affection
Marking you with their scent

Cats have scent glands located on their faces, particularly on their cheeks, chin, and forehead. By rubbing these areas against you, they’re depositing their scent, effectively claiming you as part of their territory.

Bunting is also observed between cats in social groups, reinforcing bonds and establishing a communal scent profile.

6. The Slow Blink

Often referred to as a “cat kiss,” the slow blink is a powerful form of cat-to-human communication. When a cat looks at you and slowly closes and opens its eyes, it’s signaling trust and affection.

You can reciprocate this gesture by slowly blinking back at your cat. This simple act can help strengthen your bond and make your cat feel more comfortable in your presence.

7. Face Rubbing

Similar to head-butting, face rubbing is another way cats mark their territory and show affection. When a cat rubs its face against objects in your home, it’s leaving its scent behind, creating a familiar and comforting environment.

When your cat rubs its face against you, it’s not only marking you but also showing trust and affection. This behavior is often more pronounced when you return home after being away, as your cat refreshes its scent on you.

Bonus Behavior: Allogrooming

Allogrooming, or social grooming between cats, is a behavior that strengthens social bonds. Cats groom each other in areas that are hard to reach, like the head and neck. This behavior not only serves a practical purpose but also reinforces social hierarchies and familial connections within a group of cats.

In multi-cat households, observing allogrooming can provide insights into the social dynamics between your feline companions.

Hunting and Play Behaviors

8. Pouncing and Chasing

Even well-fed house cats retain their hunting instincts. Pouncing and chasing behaviors are manifestations of these innate predatory drives. These actions help cats stay physically and mentally sharp.

For indoor cats, it’s crucial to provide outlets for these behaviors. Interactive toys that mimic prey movement, such as feather wands or robotic mice, can help satisfy their hunting instincts. Regular play sessions not only provide exercise but also strengthen the bond between you and your cat.

9. Chattering at Birds

Many cat owners have observed their feline friends making a distinctive chattering sound while watching birds through a window. This behavior, characterized by a rapid jaw movement accompanied by a series of chirps or clicks, has several theories behind it:

Predatory excitement: The sound may express frustration at not being able to reach the prey.
Hunting strategy: Some researchers suggest it might be an attempt to mimic bird or rodent sounds to lure prey closer.
Instinctive response: The chattering might be linked to the “killing bite” reflex, a rapid neck movement used to break prey’s neck.

While the exact reason remains debated, this behavior is a fascinating glimpse into your cat’s predatory nature.

10. Bringing “Gifts

Finding a dead mouse or bird on your doorstep might not be your idea of a great gift, but for your cat, it’s a significant gesture. This behavior stems from a cat’s instinct to provide for their family or teach hunting skills.

In the wild, mother cats bring prey to their kittens to teach them how to hunt and eat. Your well-fed house cat might be trying to “feed” you or teach you these important skills.

To manage this behavior:

Keep your cat indoors to prevent hunting of local wildlife.
Provide plenty of interactive play to satisfy hunting instincts.
Use puzzle feeders to simulate the challenge of “hunting” for food.

11. Kneading or “Making Biscuits”

The rhythmic pushing of paws against a soft surface, often accompanied by purring, is known as kneading. This behavior originates in kittenhood when kittens knead their mother’s belly to stimulate milk flow.

In adult cats, kneading can indicate:

Contentment and relaxation
A way to mark territory through scent glands in their paws
Preparation for rest, as wild cats might knead tall grass to create a soft sleeping spot

If your cat kneads on you, it’s a sign of trust and affection. However, if their claws cause discomfort, gently place a soft blanket between you and your cat to protect your skin.

Bonus: Sudden Bursts of Energy or “Zoomies”

Those moments when your cat suddenly tears through the house at top speed, often late at night, are affectionately known as the “zoomies.” This behavior, technically called Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), is normal and serves several purposes:

Releasing pent-up energy, especially in indoor cats
Mimicking the short bursts of activity wild cats use for hunting
Expressing excitement or happiness

To manage zoomies:

Engage in regular play sessions, especially before bedtime.
Provide vertical spaces and cat trees for safe running and climbing.
Create a stimulating environment with toys and scratching posts.

Environmental Interactions

12. Sitting in Boxes or Small Spaces

A cat’s affinity for boxes and small spaces is rooted in their instinct for safety and security. In the wild, enclosed spaces offer protection from predators and a vantage point for observing surroundings.

Benefits of box-sitting for cats include:

Stress reduction
Temperature regulation (boxes provide insulation)
A sense of control over their environment

To cater to this preference, provide your cat with various “hiding” spots like boxes, cat caves, or cozy beds with high sides.

13. Hiding in High Places

Cats are natural climbers and often seek out high perches. This behavior serves several purposes:

Provides a sense of security and control
Allows for better observation of their territory
Offers an escape from ground-level stressors (like other pets or children)

Creating vertical spaces in your home can greatly enrich your cat’s environment. Consider installing cat shelves, tall scratching posts, or cat trees to satisfy this natural inclination.

14. Scratching Furniture

While frustrating for owners, scratching is a natural and necessary behavior for cats. It serves multiple purposes:

Removes old claw sheaths, keeping claws healthy
Marks territory through scent glands in paws
Provides a satisfying stretch for muscles

To protect your furniture while meeting your cat’s needs:

Provide appropriate scratching surfaces (posts, boards) with various textures
Place scratching items near favorite scratching spots
Use positive reinforcement to encourage use of designated scratching areas
Consider nail caps or regular trimming as humane alternatives to declawing

15. Toilet Paper Unrolling

The sight of shredded toilet paper strewn across the bathroom floor is familiar to many cat owners. This behavior is driven by a cat’s attraction to movement and texture. The unrolling motion triggers their play instinct, while the soft texture appeals to their sensory preferences.

To prevent toilet paper destruction:

Store rolls in a closed cabinet
Use a toilet paper cover
Place the roll with the paper hanging from the back, making it harder to unroll
Provide alternative toys with similar textures or movement

Bonus Behavior: Paper and Plastic Bag Fascination

Many cats are inexplicably drawn to paper and plastic bags. The crinkly sound, coupled with the novelty of a new object in their territory, makes these items irresistible to many felines.

While this behavior is generally harmless, supervise your cat around plastic bags to prevent suffocation risks. Paper bags (with handles removed) can make for safe and entertaining cat toys.

Sleeping and Resting Behaviors

16. Sleeping in Unusual Positions

Cats are known for their ability to sleep in seemingly uncomfortable positions. This flexibility allows them to:

Adapt to various sleeping surfaces
Regulate body temperature
Stay alert to potential threats

Common cat sleeping positions include:

The loaf: Paws tucked under, resembling a loaf of bread
The contortionist: Twisted in seemingly impossible shapes
The belly-up: A sign of complete relaxation and trust

Cats spend about 15 hours a day sleeping, with older cats sleeping even more. Their sleep cycles include short periods of deep sleep followed by longer periods of light sleep, allowing them to remain alert to their surroundings.

17. Showing Their Belly: A Gesture of Trust

When a cat exposes its belly, it’s displaying a significant amount of trust. The belly is a vulnerable area, and showing it indicates that the cat feels safe and comfortable in its environment.

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean the cat wants a belly rub. Many cats may react defensively if you touch their exposed belly. Instead, appreciate the trust your cat is showing and respond with gentle pets on the head or chin if they seem receptive.

Bonus: Sunbathing

Cats are drawn to warm, sunny spots for several reasons:

Heat regulation: Cats have a higher body temperature than humans and seek out warmth
Vitamin D synthesis: Sunlight helps cats produce vitamin D, essential for bone health
Relaxation: Warmth promotes relaxation and comfort

While sunbathing is generally beneficial, ensure your cat has access to shade and fresh water to prevent overheating. For indoor cats, consider creating a sunny spot near a window with a comfortable perch.

Water-Related Behaviors

18. Drinking from Unusual Water Sources

Many cat owners notice their pets eschewing their water bowl in favor of dripping faucets, toilet bowls, or even outdoor puddles. This preference for moving water is thought to be an instinctual behavior:

In the wild, moving water is often fresher and safer than stagnant water
The movement and sound of running water may be more attractive to cats

To encourage proper hydration:

Use a cat water fountain to provide moving water
Place water bowls away from food bowls (cats naturally prefer to drink away from their food source)
Use wide, shallow bowls that don’t interfere with whiskers

19. Playing with Water

While many cats avoid getting wet, some show a fascination with running water. This behavior might be linked to:

Curiosity about the movement and reflection of water
The challenge of “catching” the water
A preference for fresh, moving water for drinking

If your cat enjoys water play, you can encourage safe interaction by:

Providing a shallow water dish for paw-dipping
Using water fountains with cascading water features
Supervising play with a slowly running faucet

Eating and Dietary Behaviors

20. Eating Non-Food Items (Pica)

Pica, the consumption of non-food items, can be concerning in cats. Common targets include:

Fabric
Plastic
Plants
String or yarn

Potential causes of pica include:

Nutritional deficiencies
Stress or anxiety
Medical issues like gastrointestinal problems
Boredom or lack of environmental enrichment

If you notice your cat regularly eating non-food items, consult with a veterinarian to rule out medical causes and develop a management plan.

21. Grass Eating

Many cats occasionally nibble on grass, a behavior that puzzles many owners. Theories behind grass eating include:

Aiding digestion or inducing vomiting to clear hairballs
Providing additional fiber
Fulfilling a nutritional need for folic acid

While occasional grass eating is normal, be cautious of outdoor plants that may be toxic. Provide safe alternatives like cat grass for indoor cats.

22. Food Covering or “Burying”

Some cats appear to “bury” their food by pawing at the floor around their bowl. This instinctual behavior stems from wild cats’ habit of hiding leftover prey to prevent scavenging by other animals.

In domestic settings, food covering might indicate:

The cat is saving the food for later
Dissatisfaction with the food or its placement
An attempt to hide the scent of the food

If this behavior becomes problematic, try feeding smaller portions more frequently or changing the location of the food bowl.

Grooming and Hygiene

23. Over-Grooming

While cats are known for their meticulous grooming habits, excessive grooming can be a sign of underlying issues. Over-grooming may lead to hair loss, skin irritation, or even open sores.

Potential causes of over-grooming include:

Stress or anxiety
Allergies (food or environmental)
Skin conditions or parasites
Boredom or compulsive behavior

Signs that grooming has become problematic:

Bald patches or thinning fur
Skin redness or irritation
Spending excessive time grooming one area
Aggressive reaction when interrupted during grooming

If you notice these signs, consult with a veterinarian to identify the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan. This may include addressing environmental stressors, changing diet, or in some cases, medication.

24. Hairballs

Hairballs are a common issue for many cat owners. As cats groom themselves, they ingest loose fur, which can accumulate in the stomach and form hairballs. While occasional hairballs are normal, frequent hairballs may indicate an issue.

To help prevent hairballs:

Brush your cat regularly to remove loose fur
Provide a high-fiber diet to help move hair through the digestive system
Consider hairball-specific cat foods or treats
Use pet-safe lubricants or gels designed to help pass hairballs

If your cat is frequently producing hairballs or showing signs of distress, consult with a veterinarian, as excessive hairballs can sometimes indicate underlying digestive issues.

Nighttime and Sensory Behaviors

25. Meowing at Night

Increased vocalization at night can be frustrating for cat owners. This behavior can stem from various causes:

Natural nocturnal tendencies (cats are crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk)
Hunger or thirst
Need for attention
Medical issues, especially in older cats
Cognitive dysfunction in senior cats

To manage nighttime meowing:

Establish a consistent feeding schedule, including a meal before bedtime
Engage in interactive play sessions in the evening to tire out your cat
Provide environmental enrichment to keep your cat occupied
Ignore attention-seeking meows to avoid reinforcing the behavior
Consult a vet if the behavior is new or accompanied by other symptoms

26. Staring Contests

Cats use eye contact as a form of communication, but the meaning can vary depending on the context:

Slow blinking: A sign of affection and trust
Wide eyes with dilated pupils: Excitement or fear
Narrow eyes with constricted pupils: Aggression or irritation

When a cat stares at you, it might be:

Seeking attention or food
Showing affection
Asserting dominance
Feeling threatened (if accompanied by other aggressive body language)

Always consider the entire body language when interpreting a cat’s stare. Avoid staring back at an unfamiliar or agitated cat, as this can be perceived as a threat.

27. Whisker Twitching

A cat’s whiskers are highly sensitive sensory organs that help them navigate their environment. Whisker movements can indicate a cat’s emotional state:

Forward-pointing whiskers: Interest or alertness
Pulled-back whiskers: Fear or aggression
Relaxed whiskers: Calm and content
Twitching whiskers: Excitement or sensory stimulation

Whisker fatigue is a condition where a cat’s whiskers become overstimulated, often from repeatedly brushing against the sides of a narrow food or water bowl. To prevent this, use wide, shallow bowls for feeding and drinking.

28. The Flehmen Response

The Flehmen response, often mistaken for a snarl, is a behavior where a cat appears to grimace with an open mouth. This action allows scents to reach the vomeronasal organ (also known as Jacobson’s organ) located in the roof of the mouth.

Common triggers for the Flehmen response include:

Investigating urine marks
Smelling pheromones from other cats
Encountering new or strong odors

This behavior helps cats gather more information about their environment and other animals, playing a crucial role in social and territorial behavior.

Stress-Related Behaviors

29. Excessive Vocalization

While some cats are naturally more vocal than others, a sudden increase in meowing can indicate an underlying issue:

Medical problems: Pain, thyroid issues, or cognitive dysfunction in older cats
Stress or anxiety: Changes in environment or routine
Attention-seeking behavior
Hunger or thirst

To address excessive vocalization:

Rule out medical causes with a veterinary check-up
Identify and address potential stressors in the environment
Establish a consistent routine for feeding and playtime
Provide environmental enrichment to reduce boredom
Use positive reinforcement to reward quiet behavior

30. Inappropriate Elimination

Urinating or defecating outside the litter box is a common problem that can have various causes:

Medical reasons:

Urinary tract infections
Bladder stones
Kidney disease
Arthritis (making it difficult to enter the litter box)

Behavioral reasons:

Stress or anxiety
Litter box aversion (due to cleanliness, location, or type of litter)
Territorial marking
Changes in the household (new pets, moving, etc.)

To address inappropriate elimination:

Consult a veterinarian to rule out medical issues
Ensure the litter box is clean and easily accessible
Provide multiple litter boxes in multi-cat households
Experiment with different types of litter
Address potential stressors in the environment
Use enzymatic cleaners to thoroughly clean soiled areas

Wrapping Up

Understanding your cat’s behavior is key to fostering a strong, positive relationship with your feline friend. While we’ve explored 20 strange cat behaviors, it’s important to remember that each cat is an individual with its own unique personality and quirks. Remember, if you notice sudden changes in your cat’s behavior or are concerned about any particular behaviors, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian.

Key takeaways:

Many “strange” behaviors are normal for cats and serve important purposes
Understanding cat body language and vocalizations improves communication
Environmental enrichment is crucial for a cat’s physical and mental well-being
Regular veterinary check-ups can help catch and address potential issues early

By embracing and working with your cat’s natural instincts and behaviors, you can create a harmonious household that meets both your needs and those of your feline companion.