There are probably no animals with more stereotypes and simplifications. Cats are known to be malicious, aloof, and walking their own ways. The cat’s behavior may therefore often seem strange and illogical, but in many situations it is a message that the pet wants to convey. Below are some feline behaviors that may be surprising and incomprehensible. Their causes, however, are not complicated or magical at all. Check what exactly feline behavior means!
Mysterious cat behavior – rubbing against objects
Anyone who has come into contact with a cat at least once knows very well that its characteristic behavior is rubbing against objects and people. Sometimes this is how pets greet us. Other times, they wander around the house, rubbing their mouths against almost every piece of furniture. What does it mean?
Rubbing against objects – is it strange cat behavior?
To understand a cat’s behavior like this, it is important to understand that it is a territorial animal. Cats regularly roam their territory, leaving their scent traces there. Pheromones, located, among others, in the cheeks and fingertips let other individuals know that the kitten lives in this area and its presence must be taken into account.
Cats and their behavior – purr rubs against people
And why is the cat rubbing against you? Typically, such behavior can be interpreted as a gesture of friendship. When greeting a stranger, it is best to extend a single finger to it and wait for the animal to rub its mouth against it after being sniffed. If this happens, you can be sure that you have gained some credit of trust. When you come home from work and your pet greets you at the door, rubbing, it “reminds” you of its smell. This behavior of the cat means that the pet brings you back into its territory.
Rubbing against the edges of objects with the cheek
You have certainly noticed situations where the cat rubs against the edges of furniture or other objects in front of it. Is it about leaving your fragrance behind? Not only. In fact, cats are short-sighted. What is directly in front of them they see very faintly and out of focus.
Sensory hair (i.e. whiskers) and the Jacobson organ help them map their surroundings. The latter is responsible for an additional chemical sense in cats – something on the verge of taste and smell. By rubbing against objects, you can send information about their shape, size and location to your brain when your eyesight is unable to do so.
Cat’s behavior – scratching
Cats scratch, and this is no wonder. It was especially painful for cat keepers who damaged some furniture, carpets and other accessories. There is no getting away from scratching.
What does this typical cat behavior mean? During this activity, cats not only sharpen their claws (because, contrary to appearances, they do not rub them off at all). Scratching relaxes and allows you to leave a very clear scent trail, coming from the glands on the pads of the paws. The scratching post should therefore be an integral part of a cat’s apartment.
How to prevent a cat from scratching your home?
You need to know that cats scratch three types of surfaces:
Vertical scratchers
To save your furniture from a sad fate, you should equip yourself with three types of scratching posts. The most important is the vertical scratching post. On the market square, you can find multi-level towers consisting of shelves, houses and hammocks. Such an accessory is most useful, but it does not always fulfill its basic function.
The most important are the posts with a scratching surface. In many cases they are simply too low. A good horizontal scratching post is one where the cat can stretch out and stretch its spine completely. Keeping your cat fit is essential!
Horizontal and oblique scratchers
It is also worth equipping yourself with horizontal scratchers made of good quality cardboard. Choose those that are properly profiled – they will also serve as a lair and a place to play. The oblique scratching post is also important. You can buy it separately or as part of a larger whole. The behavior of a cat that scratches will not be a nuisance when you have such accessories.
Cats and their behavior – hunting
Unlike dogs and many other animals, cats have retained quite a lot of their original nature. Many researchers believe that despite ten thousand years of coexistence between humans and cats, the process of domestication of these animals is still ongoing. Every cat – from the common leprechaun to the well-groomed British cat – is a predator and must hunt.
On the one hand, hunting is the natural behavior of a cat. On the other hand, a conscious guardian knows that a pet may search for prey in the wild. By locking him up at home, as some say, will you limit his natural instincts? In no case.
Cat behavior – hunting at home
In domestic cats, hunting should be replaced by play. This is the basis for peaceful coexistence with the cat. Rods, plush mice or escaping balls are for the purr the equivalent of the victim he hunts. In this way, the pet discharges the accumulated energy and satisfies its instincts.
How can play replace hunting cats?
Not only the domestic cat, but also most of its wild cousins, live according to the hunting cycle. During sleep, energy accumulates in them, which then has to be spent on hunting. After catching the victim, it is consumed, followed by a thorough toilet, thanks to which the cat washes away the smell of food.
Maintaining the hunting cycle is crucial to a feline’s happiness. Food should be divided into several small portions. After playing, invite your cat to eat.
Cats and their behavior – staring into space
In many cultures, cats are considered extremely spiritual animals. Lots of people are even convinced that cats can see ghosts. Does this behavior of the cat have any justification? All because these animals have a general tendency to stare at invisible people elements of space. They often follow what is not there and listen for silence.
Rational explanation for such cat behavior
In fact, this is perfectly normal behavior for a cat, whose senses are much more developed than ours. Cats can hear much better. They also have the ability to see UV rays. As predators, they react quickly to even the slightest movement.
A speck of dust flying in the air, a flying fly or a falling pen at a neighbor from above. These are all things that people won’t notice so easily. Cats, on the other hand, see and hear them perfectly and often focus their attention on them. There is no answer to the question of whether cats can see ghosts. However, it can be assumed that they see more than we do.
Why are the purrs not drinking water? Is this disturbing behavior of the cat?
This question is bothering many caregivers. Of course, it’s not true that cats have no interest in water at all. However, they drink little of it. Definitely not enough. The solution to this puzzle and the source of the cat’s behavior lies in evolutionary issues.
Have you ever heard of pseudaelurus? This prehistoric cat became extinct eight million years ago. However, it is very important because, according to scientists, it gave rise to all modern felids. Including the genre the domestic cat.
Why don’t cats drink a lot of water?
Pseudaelurus evolved in the areas of today’s Africa. Due to the very limited access to water, he obtained the necessary fluids mainly from food. Strictly speaking – straight from the eaten victims. This is probably why, to this day, cats do not need to consume large amounts of water. They get it directly from food. This is why it is so important that the basis of their diet is wet food.
Is it possible to change this cat’s behavior?
Of course, it makes sense to encourage your cat to drink. They are more likely to reach for running water than standing water, so it is worth buying a good quality cat fountain. It can contribute to keeping your cat healthy. However, if you only have a bowl, place it as far away from the food as possible. There is still an atavistic conviction in the purrs that the victim lying close to the water breaks down faster.
Cat’s strange behavior – what should you worry about?
Cats hide their pain and discomfort as much as they can. Unfortunately, they are very often very sick when a person sees their problems. That is why it is worth having eyes around your head and paying attention to all unusual and strange behavior of the cat. What is this about? They should definitely bother you:
- loss of appetite;
- attempts to hide from the world;
- deterioration of the condition of the coat;
- vocalization when using the litter box;
- apathy;
- avoiding play;
- vomiting and diarrhea.
Cat’s behavior and routine disorders
The symptoms listed above belong to the group of the more obvious ones. The key to catching disturbing phenomena quickly is to realize that cats are lovers of routine. They usually react with quite a lot of stress to disturbances in the regular schedule of the day. If a pet suddenly changes its rituals, this behavior of the cat is a clear sign that something bad may be happening to him.
The cat’s behavior at the litter box is his message
A prime example is the routine of using the litter box. You usually get angry and irritated when cats start to kill off of her. They should also be of concern:
- changing the frequency of walking to the litter box;
- vocalization;
- wriggle;
- getting in and out;
- resignation from burying manure (if previously it was the norm).
Try to understand your pet. This is how he signals to you that he is uncomfortable.
Cat’s behavior disturbing? React!
Urinating or defecating on beds, armchairs or clothes is usually interpreted as being spiteful. Meanwhile, cats do it most often to get your attention. They cannot speak, so they show you as much as they can that something is wrong with them. The cat’s behavior is a cry for help, so don’t yell at the pet, but take it to the vet.
The world of cat communication and habits is really fascinating. As you try to get to know your cat better, you will quickly understand that your pet uses all sorts of ways to show you that you are important to him. Careful observation of your cat and being aware of its daily rhythm will give you a clear signal when to start worrying. It is worth remembering that a cat’s apparently very strange behavior may be a symptom of an illness. So do not underestimate deviations from the norm and act responsibly.