Why cats have some random behaviors?

We all know cats are pretty crazy and that is why we love them so much.  But sometimes they do things that have us shaking our heads in wonder.  We think the behavior is totally random, apparently it isn't.   There are some rational explanations of why they do some of these things.

Image: Pixabay

Nail Biting

Just Like humans, it is a bad habit and may do it because they are bored or nervous.  They may also be giving themselves a manicure.  Try clipping their nails more often or give them plenty of scratchers to help them with boredom and stress.

Zoomies

All cats will occasionally do the zoomies when they race through your house bouncing off furniture. Did you know a cat can run up to 31 MPH?  When your cat is doing the zoomies  they are exercising.  They have a lot of energy and it needs to be release.  Consider a harness and taking your cats for a walk or get them a cat wheel to run on.  (check out onefastcat.com )

Sitting with no modesty

Why would you sit in an not so modest position?  Because it is comfortable of course!  If your kitty is laying sprawled open, legs wide, tummy bared, they are happy, relaxed and trusting.  They know they are safe in your presence and can relax. 

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Rubbing Against You

Cats rub against you for the same reason they rub on furniture,  she is giving you her scent.   By releasing pheromones from her face she is showing ownership and that you are her human. 

Image:  Tracie Hall/Flickr

Hissing

Cats will hiss usually because they are afraid, but they also do it for anger.  They are warning you that they are not happy or afraid and to back off.  They may be afraid of someone or something.  Respect their space and let them calm down before you show them that you love them and all is ok with their world. 

Image:  Pixabay

Ears Pointed

Does your cat have their ears upright, slightly pointed?  That usually is an indication of them being on alert.  They are listening intently to their surrounding.  We see this behavior a lot with the blind cats.   Their hearing is so acute, they hears flies that you and I don't even notice. 

Little Meow

A short sweet meow is usually a greeting.  Your kitty is saying hi.  

Image:  storem/Flickr

Chattering

Have you heard that weird teeth-chattering sound come from your cats?  We hear it from our leukemia and FIV positive cats when they are watching the birds.  They are probably frustrated they can't get what they want. 

Eight laying in the sun

Rolling and showing their bellies

Kitties love to roll on the ground and who you when they want to play and they trust you.  A playful roll is just that-an attempt to get you to play with them or give them belly rubs.  Eight will throw himself on the ground in front of you and beg for belly rubs.

Peanut loves to knead

When your cat kneads (or making biscuits as some people call it)  their paws it typically means they are happy and content.  It is a trait taught by their mothers when nursing, kittens would knead their paws to get milk out of their mother.

Image: Jim/Flicker

Potty outside of the litter box

A lot of people think when a cat that usually uses a litter box suddenly stops it is because they are angry with your or something else.  We think it there could be many other causes.   

Have you had the cat checked to make sure they are not sick?  

Is there another cat bothering your cat when they try to use the litter box?

Have you changed your litter  or the place that you keep it?

Are you keeping the box scooped and cleaned?

Is your cat getting older and having problems getting in and out of the box?

Is it possible that there is an unfixed stray cat outside in your neighborhood?  (Your cat can smell that cat from some distance. )  If there is a cat in heat or an unfixed male in your area your cat could be marking your house to keep You safe from the other cats.  They are protecting you,  not being bad.

We see this behavior with our cats,  if they start spraying like crazy we put up the trap and we typically catch a stray unfixed cat.

Image: Tnarik Innael/Flickr

Biting

Cats can bite for all kinds of reasons, they are stressed, annoyed, angry or just want to play.

If your cat bites you is it a love bite?  Gentle, didn't break the skin?

Or is it a full on several teeth bite?    

Look at the bite and see if you can figure out which one you are dealing with.  

Regardless,  Do not hit the cat for biting, say No and walk away.  If the bite had broken the skin immediately scrub your hand with soap and lots of water,  really seriously flush it for 5 minutes or more.  You need the bacteria washed from the wound or you will end up with a serious cat bite infection.  Bites are something to take very seriously,  wash wash wash and wash it some more.   If your hand or body part that was bitten starts swelling, immediately go to the doctor.  Don't wait for it to get worse, go immediately to urgent care or the emergency room if you have to.  A cat bite can turn into an infection that can become very serious very quickly.