Cats are endlessly entertaining creatures, full of quirks and amusing behaviors that can leave us scratching our heads or laughing out loud. While some of their antics may seem bizarre, most of their behavior is rooted in instincts, communication, or simply their unique personalities. Here are 13 funny cat behaviors explained to help you better understand your feline friend.
1. The Zoomies
If you’ve ever witnessed your cat racing around the house at top speed for no apparent reason, you’ve experienced the infamous “zoomies.” This burst of energy, also known as “frenetic random activity periods” (FRAPs), is your cat’s way of expelling pent-up energy.
Cats are naturally crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk. These zoomies are their way of mimicking the hunt and play they would engage in if they were in the wild.
2. Knocking Things Off Tables
Why do cats have an irresistible urge to knock items off surfaces? This behavior stems from their hunting instincts. By pawing at objects, cats test if something is prey or inanimate.
Additionally, it’s their way of exploring the environment and grabbing your attention. After all, nothing gets a human moving like the sound of a cup crashing to the floor.
3. Chattering at Birds
When your cat sits at the window and starts making strange chattering noises at birds or squirrels, it’s both cute and mysterious.
This behavior is believed to be a mix of excitement and frustration. Some experts also think it mimics the killing bite—a rapid jaw movement that cats use to dispatch their prey.
4. Sitting in Small Boxes
Why buy an expensive cat bed when your feline prefers the Amazon delivery box? Cats are drawn to small, enclosed spaces because they provide a sense of security. In the wild, a hidden spot keeps them safe from predators while they rest. Plus, squeezing into a box might just be fun for them!
5. Making Biscuits
“Making biscuits,” or kneading, is one of the most endearing cat behaviors. This rhythmic pressing of their paws against soft surfaces traces back to kittenhood, when they kneaded their mother’s belly to stimulate milk flow. As adults, cats knead when they’re relaxed and content, showing their love for their human or their environment.
6. Sticking Their Butt in Your Face
As strange as it seems, a cat showing you its rear end is a gesture of trust and affection. In feline social behavior, cats sniff each other’s rear ends as a way of saying hello and exchanging information. By presenting their butt to you, your cat is essentially offering you a feline handshake.
7. Ignoring You When Called
Unlike dogs, cats are not eager to please their humans. They are independent creatures that prioritize their own desires. While your cat likely knows its name, it will only respond when it feels like it. This aloofness isn’t a sign of disobedience; it’s just their way of maintaining control over their actions.
8. Sleeping in the Sink
Many cats have a strange obsession with curling up in sinks. This behavior could be due to the cool, smooth surface, which feels refreshing against their fur. The sink’s bowl shape also provides a snug and secure environment, much like a box or a cozy bed.
9. Running Away After Using the Litter Box
If your cat bolts out of the litter box after doing its business, it may seem comical but has practical roots. In the wild, the scent of waste could attract predators, so cats instinctively distance themselves from the area. For domestic cats, it’s likely a habit ingrained from their wild ancestors.
10. Staring at You While You Sleep
Waking up to your cat’s unblinking gaze can be both amusing and unsettling. Cats may stare at their owners for a variety of reasons, including hunger, curiosity, or simply watching over you. As predators, they are naturally observant and tend to study their surroundings, including their humans.
11. Bringing You “Gifts”
Whether it’s a toy, a sock, or (unfortunately) a dead animal, cats love to present their humans with “gifts.” This behavior is rooted in their hunting instincts. In the wild, mother cats teach their kittens to hunt by bringing them prey. By gifting you something, your cat might be sharing its “hunt” or trying to teach you how to fend for yourself.
12. Pawing at Water Before Drinking
Some cats have a peculiar habit of pawing at their water bowl before taking a drink. This behavior may stem from their instincts to test the water’s depth or remove debris. It could also be a quirky habit unique to your cat, as cats love to interact with their environment in unusual ways.
13. Sitting on Your Keyboard
Cats seem to have a radar for when you’re busy with work, often planting themselves right on your keyboard. This behavior is a combination of seeking attention and enjoying the warmth of the laptop. Cats are also drawn to your scent, and the keyboard, being something you frequently touch, holds a lot of it.
Cats’ funny behaviors are more than just amusing quirks—they’re windows into their unique personalities and instincts. Understanding these actions not only deepens your bond with your feline friend but also adds a layer of appreciation for their fascinating nature. So, the next time your cat knocks over your cup or curls up in a box, remember there’s always a reason (and a whole lot of love) behind their antics.