5 STRANGE CAT BEHAVIORS EXPLAINED
Cats are funny, amazing animals, with no two kitties the same. Their unique personalities and quirky traits make them purrrfect pets. These quirky traits often leave us wondering about cat behavior meanings.
Although our cats are certainly vocal, deciphering their meows and hisses is another story. Here's the trick: you need to pay closer attention to their body language to understand their feelings.
When it comes to understanding cat behavior, how well do you feel you know your kitty? Can you tell when they are hungry, bored, scared, irritated, or ill? Believe it or not, cats tell us these feelings using sounds and gestures.
CAT BEHAVIORS EXPLAINED
As you build a close bond with your kitty, you’ll begin to notice certain things she does that indicate how she’s feeling. To help you understand what your furbaby is trying to tell you, we’re here to help. We’ll shed a little light on why cats do what they do. Keep reading for cat behaviors explained!
Why Do Cats Blep?
Why do cats blep, and what exactly is blepping? The wonders of being a furparent!
Blepping is when a cat (or doggo) sticks their tongue out and then forgets to put it away. The results make for paw-some photo ops, but there is more to this behavior.
Cuteness aside, cats blep as a way of investigating their environment. Having their mouths open and tongues out helps your kitty smell, and forgetting to put them back in is often due to being distracted or fascinated.
In other words, when your cat bleps, it is being a floofy detective. Cue the "awes"!
Why Do Cats Sit on Everything?
Do you find your cat sitting on your things when you put them down on a table, on the bed, or on the floor? It turns out there are a few reasons for this.
The first reason is that the object might smell like you. If something smells like you, cats like to be near it because it makes them feel happy and safe.
The second reason is that cats want to mark their territory. They do this by transferring their pheromones, found on their faces and paws, to whatever they are sitting on.
The third reason cats sit on everything is because that thing is warm. You’ll notice your laptop might be a popular spot, and now you know why.
Why Do Cats Follow you Around the House?
While cats love their space, there are times when you will find your kitty following you - everywhere! On the other hand, there are times when your cat might be following you for companionship. Sometimes, it's a combination of the two.
Next time your cat follows you around, listen out for your cat’s meow. This is often a sign that they are trying to get your attention. If you hear your cat’s meow while they are following you, there’s a good chance they are hungry, and it’s time for some food.
With us working from home more often, your cat may have gotten com-fur-table- with you being around. You may find that when you do go out and come home again, your kitty is extra affectionate and follows you from room to room. This can be a sign of separation anxiety.
Having a better understanding of why your cat follows you will help you know what they need from you. Being the great pawrent that you are, this is important.
Why Do Cats Sneer?
Have you ever noticed your cat making a particular facial expression that looks like a grimace? This is sneering, and while it may seem like your cat is uncomfortable, it is nothing to worry about.
This reaction, known as the Flehmen response, is common in many animals, including cats, goats, tigers, and horses.
When you see your cat sneering, she’s analyzing a particular scent. This behavior is used primarily to analyze pheromones from other cats, especially those found in urine.
However, a cat will use it for other interesting scents that require more thorough investigation, too.
Why Do Cats Hate Water?
The age-old question: why do cats hate water? We have the answer!
If you have ever been stuck out in the rain without an umbrella, you will know that your hair is difficult to manage once wet. Turns out, this is the same for our kitties.
Cats feel weighed down by their wet coats, and it can take ages for them to try again. Naturally, being wet is a one-way ticket to Uncom-fur-table Town.
Being meticulous groomers, a wet coat is not easy to clean and manage. However, with cats spending a lot of their waking hours grooming themselves, you won’t have to bathe them very often. This is good news for you and for your kitty!
There's also the theory that this behavior links back to their Ancient Egyptian roots. You can read more about why cats hate water, and what you can do to make your cat more com-fur-table around it, here.
When it comes to our furbabies, their behavior speaks volumes. Whether it is cats flicking tails or purring, they have their own special way of communicating with us (though if you do see cats flicking tails, we suggest you leave them alone, lol. This can indicate that they are irritated and you may get a scratch or bite).
We’ve got lots more pet owner tips and advice coming your way! If you’re a pawrent who wants the best for your furbaby, why not sign up for our newsletter? Don’t miss out on more pawsome content, giveaways, and exclusive deals!
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