Has your cat behaved in a way that is beyond your comprehension, such as sitting in a box, or eating non-food items? Read the post below to understand your cat better. 

Sitting on Anything that Fits

The ability of a cat being able to fit themselves into tight spaces will never cease to amaze us. Why would they choose to do that when there are comfy places they could rest instead? Well, small spaces make them feel safe and secure. If they were out in the wild, they would not want to be unprotected in an open area because it would make them more vulnerable to predators. 

Additionally, cats have a natural instinct to ambush. Hiding in small tiny spaces allow them to watch and observe their surroundings from a distance.

Rubbing

Rubbing is more than just showing affection and saying hello. Your kitty is actually doing something called “bunting”. Pheromones are being released from your feline’s head. It is their way of showing ownership over you, just like them rubbing on furniture to leave their scent to mark territory. Basically, your kitty is showing pride in that you are theirs.

Eating Non-Food Items

If your cat enjoys chewing on non-food items like wood, cloth, plastic, metal or plants, this could be a sign of pica. Pica is a rare condition in cats that could be caused by mineral deficiencies, anaemia, genetics, boredom and stress. 

Bringing You “Gifts”

Although this behaviour may seem like a gross one, your cat is actually acknowledging you as a member of their group. They are sharing their hunting success with you and could be thanking you for taking care of them. 

Midnight Cat Calls

Have you ever been woken up by the sound of your cat barreling down the hallway in the middle of the night? Most domestic cats have a huge amount of energy pent up during the day which needs to be released. Combining this with their nocturnal instincts to hunt during the night may cause you plenty of sleepless nights. 

We suggest regular exercise for your cat during the day to avoid random sprints in the middle of the night. Besides that, you can try providing them with food puzzles, to restrict their desire to hunt at night.

Do take note that if your excessively vocal cat is a senior, it could denote a serious but treatable condition. Book an appointment with a vet if this is the case.

Urinating Outside of the Litter Box

Commonly known as inappropriate elimination. Understanding the underlying causes of this condition can help ease the frustration. Inappropriate elimination can be caused by medical or behavioural issues. 

Medical causes: 

• Bladder and urinary tract conditions
  • Cystitis
  • Infection
  • Bladder stones
  • Urethral obstruction 
• Colitis, constipation or anal sac disease
• Pain or discomfort, including arthritis, or other conditions affecting the nerves, muscles or joints

Behavioural causes:

• Stress or anxiety due to other pets or changes in the household such as 
  • Moving
  • The birth of a child
  • Visitors
• Box, litter, location and maintenance preferences

If your cat is urinating outside of the litter box, visit a veterinarian to find the cause.

Chattering

Have you heard your cat emit a fast and intense teeth chatter? Chattering is especially let out when they spot a bird while gazing out of a window. Animal behaviourists say that this is caused by your cat being frustrated that they cannot go outside to hunt prey. Some may say that it allows your kitty’s muscles to prepare for the act of killing a prey. Nevertheless, chattering is a completely normal behaviour for your feline.

Kneading

Kneading is when your cat presses his paws and massages back and forth. The reason why they do this traces back to their earliest day of nursing. By pressing their paws on the mother’s mammary glands, it encourages better milk production. If your adult cat does this, it can mean two things. One, he is content and showing that he is happy. Two, he is trying to alleviate stress and this calms him down. 

Ear Twitching

Do you see your kitty’s ears twitching back and forth? This is one way that they express anxiety or agitation. Although if their ears are slightly pointed upright, this means that they are alert and listening to their surroundings. 

Cat Eyes

One moment your cat’s eyes are glued on you, the next they seem like they want nothing to do with you. Why?

When your cat is staring them down. They are trying to get your attention. However, if their stare is intense, this could mean that they are on high alert about someone or a situation. It would be best to not look them directly in the eyes because they see this as an act of aggression. 

Do you notice your cat slowly blinking at you? Animal behaviourists call this act “kitty kisses.” This is their way of showing affection and telling you that they trust you. If you blink slowly back at them, they will most likely continue to blow “kitty kisses” your way!

Sometimes if you cannot get them to look at you, it could mean that they want some alone time. When that happens, give them space and this will strengthen their respect for you. 
Feel intrigued by what your cat does? Read our editorial on feline body language to understand your cat better.