The Weirdest Cat Behaviors and Why They Do It
As a cat owner, it's easy to become bewildered by the unique behaviors of our feline friends. While some behaviors can be frustrating, others can be downright bewildering. From covering their poop to digging in peculiar places, cats are full of surprises! In this article, we'll explore some of the weirdest cat habits and uncover the reasons behind them.
Fur-Surprising Cat Behaviors
Ever heard of a cat that hates plastic bags so much it's willing to claw and bite to avoid them? Or a cat that prefers the outdoors to the safety of your home? These and other odd behaviors will be explained in this article. Let's dive in!
1. Covering Poop: The Great Cat Cleanup
Have you noticed your cat burying its poop in a peculiar place? This is one of the oldest and most instinctual behaviors in cats. By covering their waste, they are trying to eliminate their scent from the area, essentially marking it as safe for them to return. This behavior serves as a form of communication and helps to keep their territory clean and inviting.
2. Making Toilets Anywhere: Why Cats Cover Poop
Cats have been known to relieve themselves just about anywhere, often finding unconventional places as their bathroom. The instinct behind this behavior is to maintain their territory and keep it scent-free. By using locations like rugs or soft furniture, they are marking these areas as safe and clean.
3. Eating Plastic Grass and Plants: Not Just for Watering Plants
Have you noticed your cat munching on the plastic grass in your houseplants? It's not entirely clear why cats do this, but it's speculated that it could be a form of stress relief or an attempt to mimic their natural prey. Some cats eat grass to induce vomiting and help rid their stomach of hairballs or other indigestible objects. However, it's essential to ensure they are only eating grass and not toxic plant materials.
4. Farting: Nature's Cat Whistle
Cats, like many other animals, can produce gas. While this is a natural occurrence, the odorousness of these feline farts can be quite alarming. The reason behind this behavior is that gas accumulation in the digestive tract can be a byproduct of dietary changes, gas-forming bacteria in the gut, or even scar tissue from previous infections.
5. Butting Heads: Asserting Territory and Affection
Cats often butt heads and use their heads to nudge each other. This behavior serves multiple purposes, including asserting dominance or territory and showing affection. By rubbing their scent glands on objects, they are marking their territory, while gentle head butts indicate they are comfortable in the environment.
6. Chattering: Strange Cat Sounds Explained
Cats may chatter their teeth, looking like they are playing with invisible prey or simply mimicking the sounds of birds or mice. This behavior is often linked to predatory instincts or excitement. Some cats may chatter when they see a bird or an insect through a window, showing that the stimulation and response are linked to hunting behavior.
7. Ignoring You: The Art of the Cat Ignoring Game
Have you ever tried to get your cat's attention, only to have them completely ignore you? This behavior is often a sign of dominance or boredom. When a cat is ignoring you, it's not necessarily that it doesn't care about you but rather that it wants to assert its control over the interaction. It's a way of saying, "I'm in charge here." However, if it's done frequently, it's essential to rule out any underlying health issues or environmental stressors.
The New Brother: Adaptation and Acceptance
Introducing a new brother or sister can be a challenging transition for any cat. During my experience, one of my cats, Citty, initially despised her new brother. However, over time, she has adapted to his presence and no longer sees him as a threat. It's a testament to the adaptability of cats and their ability to form new relationships even with unexpected companions.
Exploring the Outdoors and Pickup Trucks: A Phobia Revealed
One of my cats, who had a rather traumatic experience as a kitten, was terrified of pickup trucks. This fear was so intense that it caused her to go berserk during a routine trip to the vet. Once we introduced her to outdoor spaces, she found the confined and unknown environment over-whelming. Over time, she learned to overcome her fear by gradually getting used to the outdoors, thanks to my patient and consistent approach.
While my cats are unusual in some ways, they share these behaviors with countless other cats. Understanding and embracing these quirks can help you build a stronger bond with your feline friend and enjoy their unique world to the fullest.