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Behavior Basics

Weird Cat Behaviors, Explained

By Joanne Eglash

Cats often surprise us with their unpredictability and, at times, they may even seem downright ditsy. Big Boy, the extremely large cat who charmed my mother for more than fifteen years, was fond of darting into the kitchen sink. There he would sit, staring into the dish drainer as if it contained the answers to the mysteries of the universe. To avoid disrupting his peaceful meditations, my mother would use the bathroom sink upstairs. It was clear who owned whom in that relationship, but it begs the question: Why do felines like Big Boy behave in such puzzling ways in the first place?

Wacky Cat-isms
“The why part [of cat weird] is easy -- cats and people are different species with different genetic evolutions,” says Oceanside, California-based Animal Behavior Consultant Arden Moore, who is the author of pet books such as The Cat Behavior Answer Book: Practical Insights & Proven Solutions for Your Feline Questions (Storey, 2007). As an example of a basic difference between cat and human behavior, Moore points to the fact that cats “rank as one of the top snoozers of all creatures, averaging around 16 to 17 hours of sleep each day. Most people are lucky to get seven hours of sleep a night.”

Cats as Comedians
Karen Santos, companion animals manager at the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in Yarmouth Port, Mass. contends that cats have a “better sense of humor” than humans. She attributes this to the fact that cats “live more in the moment,” adding that “They don't hold grudges and when they do, they are short-lived and specific to a particular event.” That distinction could explain why one of my own cats, Miss Manners, tends to sulk in the coat closet for about an hour after returning from a trip to the vet. After her kitty retreat has ended, Miss Manners shows she has forgiven me by rubbing against my ankle and purring sweetly.

The “closet-sulking cat” illustrates just one kind of seemingly flipped-out feline. See if your own cat falls into one of the following types:

The Esther Williams Cat
This is a feline that, despite all scientific claims to the contrary, enjoys swimming and being near water. Your favorite feline may be exhibiting an evolved trait linked to breed. “Some cats love to swim, especially certain breeds like the Turkish Van,” explains Moore. In their pursuit of water, these cats may even hop into the shower stall or bathtub to join their humans.

The Bowl Prober
Bowl probers sometimes paw their water bowls before they drink. The reason: it’s following the pattern of “wild cat ancestors who need to test the water to make sure it is safe,” says Moore. Cats’ paw pads constitute one of their most sensitive areas so, “Pawing the water helps some indoor cats check for any possible ‘dangers’ lurking in the water bowl.”

Mr. or Ms. Confidence
If you have a dominant and confident kitty, you may be in luck. Moore says this feline type makes the perfect candidate for toilet training. Before you toss the cat litter box, though, be forewarned. She cautions, “This training can be thwarted if you -- or others in your home -- forget and put the lid down or shut the bathroom door.”

The Herb Lover
The herb-loving cat is always more than eager to get its paws on catnip. Feline fans of this perennial member of the mint family roll in it, sniff ecstatically at it, and close their eyes blissfully as they indulge. But, as many as 30 percent of adult cats have absolutely no interest in catnip, according to Moore. “Some cats prefer honeysuckle, which must be moistened to release its active ingredients,” she adds.

The Ear Licker
Some cats seem to have a human earlobe fetish. They’ll lick the ears of their owners, or even those of startled guests, with apparent enjoyment. Moore offers a simple explanation: “A young kitten separated from its mother before being weaned may be determined to lick your earlobes with its rough tongue. It may mimic the suckling it enjoyed while nursing.”

Food Burier
Santos notes that some cats scratch around their food dishes, almost as if they’re trying to “bury” their food under the kitchen floor or other surface. This behavior may reveal their lineage. “The wild ancestors of cats would bury their food to save it for later, so they could return to it.”

The Gift Giver
Has your cat ever suddenly dropped a toy mouse in your lap? Several cat owners have reported receiving such unexpected gifts, whether they want them or not. The moment becomes even more memorable if the mouse was a once-live real one. Santos explains that it is your kitty’s way “of showing affection.”

Predator to the Invisible
Cats playing games with a speck of dust are not, contrary to their humans’ bewilderment, losing their kitty minds. That speck of dust or ray of sunlight that they are chasing serves as entertainment, according to Santos. Call it the “Project Runway” or “Top Chef” equivalent of relaxing amusement in the kitty’s world.

The Crazy Running Back
Almost all cat owners have observed what some call the “kitty crazies.” Their cat abruptly runs around, occasionally leaping into the air like a ballerina or a football star on too much caffeine and then just stops as if nothing had happened. Santos theorizes this behavior can be attributed to a feline’s inherited need to stay in shape for hunting.

Whether your cat has a bathtub fetish or, like Miss Manners, is fond of kneading hats, one thing is clear: Such behavior makes perfect sense to felines. So long as the behavior isn’t destructive to you, your cat and your surroundings, it’s best to take inspiration from your cat. Live in the moment and think of cat weird as the new feline wonderful.

About The Author

Joanne Eglash is a journalist with over 15 years experience whose work has appeared in Working Mother magazine, Kids Health, The Christian Science Monitor and numerous other publications. She currently lives with two elderly cats, Miss Manners and Ashley.

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32 Reader Comments | Add a comment

cats

this is good information

Posted by stephani on 03/30/08 at 11:32pm EST

weird cat behavior

I love it! This is such a cute article. And so right-on for my kitty plus helpful.

Posted by Kim on 04/01/08 at 11:41am EST

cat behaviour

There are so many cat behaviours there probably isn't enough space to list them all. None of the ones listed above apply to my three cats, but where do i start on the behaviour of the cats that have spent their lives with me...?

Posted by geraldine harrison on 04/01/08 at 04:06pm EST

Food Burier

I thought it was her way of disapproving of the food - but you say she was burying it to come back later...good to know!

Posted by Terri on 04/01/08 at 05:24pm EST

cats

I have 4 cats and each one is a hoot to be around! this did explain a lot about one of my cats named Beauty, shes a big dust in the air chaser!

Posted by kat on 04/01/08 at 11:48pm EST

my cat lives the house and gets pregnant by running out the door. when the door is open what can i do about this. besides gettin nuttered and paying about 500 dollars

Posted by yovonne on 04/02/08 at 07:48pm EST

cat running out the door

There isn't a lot you can do but get the cat spayed. My cats love to go outside when the weather is right, but they are trained not to go outside unless I give the "outside" command. Even then I keep a very close eye so that they stay out of danger. Some cats are very sneaky and no matter how cautious you are they will find a way to sneak past you. If you get her spayed, she will stop going into heat and stop running out to relieve herself, i.e. get pregnant. Believe me having your cat spayed is worth the $$.

Posted by Stephanie on 04/04/08 at 04:23pm EST

Head Sitting

Our second largest cat, Boy Wonder, loves to climb up on my pillow at night and lie down. Wether my head orface is there already makes no difference to him-he'll just plop down, grab around my head, and go to sleep. Most times he's right across my eyes. Now, since I shave my head this does keep it warm. BUT he like to lick my head and he has the raspiest tongue.

Posted by Joe on 04/04/08 at 05:04pm EST

cats

i have 2 cats, and my calico who is crippled and never goes outside, she does the food hiding and pawin the water sometimes she turns the whole bowl over.thanks for the info

Posted by jeri on 04/07/08 at 07:25am EST

Cat Crazies

Simon, a very large orange tabby, has a cloth toy that he holds in his mouth and 'calls' much like a mother cat does to her kittens except his voice is loud. Roger, a regualr size grey & black tabby, has a major running fit after leaving the liter box. He runs from one room to the next, up and over everything in sight with big black eyes and his tail partially fuzzed, lasts for up to 2 minutes.

Posted by Bonnie on 04/09/08 at 03:55pm EST

My Little Shadow

I would really like to find out why my 9 month old female cat follows me around the house. She has became so attached that she will wake up if I leave the area she's sleeping in and follow me. Is she really just that attached to me or is there some kind of scent that I have which makes her want to follow?

Posted by Liah on 04/11/08 at 01:20am EST

Wierd Cat Behavior

This was a great article. I have two cats, one female and one male. The male kitty, Toby, has done some really strange things like the running aroung all of a sudden like he is on crack or something then he just stops. Nice to know that this is normal behavior for kitties. I think that it is cute when he does it.

Posted by Tammy Moore on 04/11/08 at 06:49pm EST

re: My Little Shadow

Hi Liah She is just that attached to you. At that age, little kitties are always underfoot b/c they want to be where the action is. At least, that is my experience with the 5 cats I have had over the last 15 years.

Posted by Barbara Zucker on 04/13/08 at 10:16am EST

if goin to come back?

last night i got home late pass midnight open my door ...boom ther go my cat running out side.must of the time he enters tru the back of the house but i wait and wait but nothin im sad cuz i have him for a long time now i miss him...

Posted by Luis on 04/13/08 at 10:35am EST

Kitty shadows...

Both my cats (Maine Coon mixes) follow me around as well. If we're all in the living room, and I get up and go into the guest room, they'll follow me, even if they were sleeping. I think they're just interested to see what I'm doing and like to know where I am.

Posted by Lauren on 04/14/08 at 12:12pm EST

Cat's Spraying

we have5 cats in total 2 of them are in a spraying war How do we get them to stop and what can we get to get rid of the smell and clean up

Posted by Cassie on 04/15/08 at 07:51pm EST

TERRIBLE HABIT

I ADOPTED A CAT 3 YEARS AGO FOR THE LOCAL SHELTER. SHE WAS 3 YRS OLD, FIXED AND DECLAWED. SHE HAS, ON AND OFF SINCE I GOT HER, DISPLAYED AWFUL BEHAVIORS. SHE USED TO USE MY BED AS A CAT BOX UNTIL I HAD TO THROW IT OUT! SHE NOW USES THE COUCH EVERY DAY! WHAT IS WRONG WITH HER? IF THERE ARE PEOPLE IN THE ROOM SHE USES THE BOX BUT NOT ANY OTHER TIME. I HATE TO TAKE HER BACK BUT I CANT TOLERATE THIS! AND THE SPRAY I BOUGHT DOESNT WORK. WHAT CAN I DO?

Posted by LINDA LEE on 04/16/08 at 06:57am EST

If goin to come back?

I'm sure your cat is back by now. My cat isn't supposed to go out, but some times he does. He's stayed out all day or all night before, but he always comes home. Cat's like to explore. Im sure yours will come back if he hasn't already. I he hasn't been nutered he'll want out more and will stay out longer.

Posted by Ruth Jochims on 04/16/08 at 10:15am EST

howling all night long

This is soooo wierd because my cat Simba(burmese sabel cat)meows when we all go to bed and I just don't know why. He goes room to room and meows for 3 min in each room.(we have to more cats)I cant get any sleep at night. In the morning he's fine he is normal but it's at night when he's crazy. Please help me!!

Posted by Question on 04/16/08 at 04:05pm EST

midnight

I have three cats Simba, Shenzi, and midnight. Before I got the new kitten midnight always came out to say hi and play with simba now he sleeps in a chair and never comes out. I wish he would come out and play with the other kitties. Please help me get my midnight back I miss him!!!!

Posted by Question on 04/16/08 at 04:09pm EST

shoe fetish

I have had Soxx for 13 years and early on in his life, Soxx developed a liking for other peoples shoes. He will wait for that person to relax, take their shoes off, and suddenly he is all over them. He will place his head inside them and then roll over them. This has "won" him over to even the least likely cat lover. Just one area I what to share about him.

Posted by D.A. Courtney on 04/16/08 at 09:57pm EST

WOW!

My cat has TOTAL bowl-thing. And he has 'Pappy Butch Syndome' whitch is asyndrome that yuour cat finds reasons JUST TO LAY DDOW|N!

Posted by Autumn on 04/17/08 at 12:33pm EST

kitty chews on his tail

we have two kitties both tonkinese, 9 months and 5 months. The younger one chews on his tail all the time, and he also chews on the other ones tail. He doesnt seem to be hurting himself or the other kitty but I want to stop it before it becomes a serious problem. What can we do to stop this

Posted by Ali on 04/17/08 at 01:29pm EST

weird cat behavior

my male cat has been making weird meows at my door since my mom passed away he goes by the door as if he sees something there and jumps up and appears to follow something we cannot see oddly he never meows unless he is doing this and i notice it at certain times of the day anyone ever experienced this? and if so is it possible that cats sence spirits?

Posted by SHANNON KIMBALL on 04/21/08 at 09:20am EST

My cat attacks us

My cat Kasper will attack us for no reason at all...or if we tell him "No". We don't know what to do with him, one minute he can be loving and the next he'll claw us or bite us. HELP!

Posted by Dahlia De Leon on 04/21/08 at 02:14pm EST

my cat has become distant

My cat is 4 years old, he always sleeps in my room at night and has his own blanken on his own blanket. In the last 3 weeks he has stopped following me around and no longer comes to sleep in the bedroom or come when I call him. He has been very itchy and is excessivly grooming. He is still eating and drinking water -Any ideas? We are going to the vet in case there is something wrong :(

Posted by Alix Ayala on 04/22/08 at 12:34pm EST

re TERRIBLE HABIT

To the gal with cat who uses bed as a litterbox: what you described is classic behavior of a cat who is in pain, trying to tell its human that it has a urinary infection, impacted anal glands, or some other undiagnosed problem of the elimination tracts. Only a vet can properly determine what the root of the symptoms are. PLEASE have a vet examine your cat, and tell all those behaviors, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Certain neglected problems can eventually get excruitating for the cat, besides possibly fatal. It WON'T go away by itself, without vet's help. Good luck to your cat, and you!

Posted by Cat Lady on 04/25/08 at 08:51pm EST

re TERRIBLE HABIT, afterthought

ALSO, another reason for that behaving CAN sometimes be if the litterbox has suddenly become unpleasant to the cat. Such as, it doesn't get cleaned of cat's use of it often enough. Think about it: nobody likes to use a toilet that's not been flushed. Another reason is if the litter has recently changed, especially to one with a scent or texture the cat dislikes. Scented litters are for human convenience. But cats sense of smell is greatly stronger than humans's. Would you want to use a toilet in a room with 50 gaudy air freshener smells? ... Just more tips to add to my previous post, about medical reasons a cat may eliminate in inappropriate places.

Posted by Cat Lady on 04/26/08 at 03:22pm EST

cat behavior

I have two spay cats. and Idon't know why they always run outside. I figure since ther'e spay they would be fine. what can I do?

Posted by valrntina gonzalez on 05/01/08 at 11:55am EST

Strange Vocalizing

My 17-year-old female cat, Smudgy, has an annoying habit of meowing persistently for no discernible reason. She often does this while looking (from the outside) at the doorway of a bedroom where she spends a lot of time sleeping. It doesn't matter if the door is open or shut. She meows and looks very reluctant to go into the room...even if she just came out of it minutes before. My other cat, a very close and longtime male friend of Smudgy's, passed away about 2 years ago. He (Snowy) and Smudgy were together for about 15 years. Smudgy's caterwauling seemed to start sometime around Snowy's death. Is it possible that Smudgy might still be in mourning? The bedroom that Smudgy meows at used to be occupied almost exclusively by Snowy; and Smudgy rarely (if ever) ventured into it. Anybody have any ideas about this?

Posted by Bill on 05/02/08 at 04:27pm EST

bird noises

is it normal for a cat to make bird noises? my cat baby will make pigeon noises when she startled and when my mom talks to her. other than that, she doesnt make that noise.

Posted by melissa on 05/03/08 at 09:47pm EST

predator

My cat is an Esther Williams, Bowl Prober, Herb Lover cat. She is a Maine Coon, but often she likes to "drown" her toys. I find her catnip squirrel in the toilet on many occasions. She also likes to lay in the bathtub and wait for me to turn on the water. Silly kitty.

Posted by Cindy on 05/12/08 at 09:42pm EST