12 Fascinating Cat Behaviors You Didn’t Know About

Cats are mysterious creatures that never fail to surprise us with their quirky habits. From their adorable head bumps to their sudden bursts of energy, our feline friends keep us guessing about what they’ll do next.

I’ve put together a list of 12 fascinating cat behaviors that might surprise you.

Slow Blinking

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Cats often blink slowly at people they trust. This is called a “cat kiss,” and it’s a sign of affection. When your cat does this, try blinking back slowly. It’s a great way to bond with your furry friend.

Kneading

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Ever wonder why cats “knead” with their paws? This behavior starts when they’re kittens to stimulate milk flow from their mother. Adult cats do it when they’re happy or trying to mark their territory. It’s like they’re saying, “This is my comfy spot!”

Chattering at Birds

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You might hear your cat make a strange chattering sound while watching birds outside. This is actually a sign of frustration because they can’t catch the bird. Some experts think it might also be a reflex action as the cat imagines catching its prey.

Bringing You “Gifts”

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Don’t be grossed out if your cat brings you dead mice or toys. They’re actually trying to teach you how to hunt! In the wild, mother cats teach their kittens to hunt this way. Your cat sees you as part of its family and wants to make sure you can survive, too.

Sitting in Boxes

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Cats love squeezing into small spaces, especially boxes. This behavior comes from their wild ancestors who sought out small, enclosed spaces for protection. Boxes make cats feel safe and help them reduce stress.

Showing Their Belly

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When a cat rolls over and shows its belly, it’s a sign of trust. However, it’s not always an invitation for a belly rub. Some cats might react defensively if you touch their belly. It’s best to let your cat guide you on how they like to be petted.

Head Bumping

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Cats have scent glands on their heads. When they bump their head against you, they’re marking you as part of their territory. It’s a sign of affection and ownership. Your cat is basically saying, “You’re mine!”

Drinking Water in Weird Ways

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Some cats prefer moving water and might paw at their water bowl before drinking. This comes from their wild instincts to avoid still water, which could be contaminated. That’s why some cats love drinking from faucets or cat water fountains.

Midnight Zoomies

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Ever notice your cat racing around the house for no reason, especially at night? These sudden bursts of energy, often called “zoomies,” help cats release pent-up energy. Cats are most active in the wild at dawn and dusk, which explains their nighttime antics.

Sleeping in Weird Positions

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Cats can sleep in the strangest positions, from sprawled out to curled up in tiny balls. These different positions help them regulate their body temperature. A curled-up cat is trying to stay warm, while a stretched-out cat is trying to cool down.

Whisker Twitching

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A cat’s whiskers are super sensitive and help them navigate their environment. When a cat’s whiskers twitch, it often means they’re excited or focusing on something. It’s like they’re using their whiskers as radar to check out their surroundings.

Hiding in High Places

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Cats love to climb and perch in high places. This behavior comes from their wild ancestors who climbed trees to survey their territory and stay safe from predators. When your cat sits on top of the fridge or bookshelf, they’re just following their natural instincts to find a good lookout spot.

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Mary Apurong

Mary Apurong is an experienced writer and editor who enjoys researching topics related to lifestyle and creating content on gardening, food, travel, crafts, and DIY. She spends her free time doing digital art and watching documentaries. Check out some of her works on Mastermind Quotes.