Ever wondered why your cat does weird things like sticking its bum in the air to greet you, attacking your hand for no apparent reason or head butting your leg? Well wonder no more as today we take a look at 7 weird things cats do and find out exactly why they do them!
1.When your cat sticks its bum in the air
You know when you’re stroking your cat and it sticks its bum in the air? Well, although it might look a little gross, the good news is that this is actually your cat’s friendly way of saying ‘Hello, it’s me!’
Cats identify each other primarily by smell and when he lifts up his tail and shows you his bum, he’s actually inviting you to give it a sniff to confirm that it’s him! I wouldn’t recommend taking him up on it though!
2. When your cat shows you its belly like it wants you to rub it, then attacks your hand when you do
Don’t worry, your cat doesn’t suddenly hate you and she’s not doing it to be mean. She shows you her belly as a sign of trust and when you go to stroke it, you are actually (in her eyes) abusing that trust.
The underside of a cat is its most vulnerable area, where all its vital organs are located. When you go to touch it, an instinctive defence mechanism is triggered and you end up with a sore hand
3. When your cat scratches your lap while you’re stroking it
This rather painful sign of affection is known as kneading. There are a few theories as to why cats ‘knead’, the most common being that it comforts them – reminding them of when they were kittens and would knead to stimulate their mother’s milk.
Your cat kneading your leg is a sign that he is very relaxed.
4. When your cat chatters at birds
Most cats love looking out the window and if your feline friend spots a bird outside, she will often start making a chirping, chattering sound. It sounds a bit like she is talking to herself and there are a few theories why cats make this sound when they spot prey outside.
The first theory is that she is simply frustrated at not being able to get outside, the second that, on the contrary, she is trying to control her excitement and the third that she is chattering in anticipation of the kill.
Or perhaps she is just talking to herself after all!
5. When your cat head butts your leg
Of course your cat isn’t really head butting your leg, he’s doing two things.
Firstly, he’s showing you affection and marking you as his property by rubbing his scent on you. Other cats will know to steer clear as you’re already someone elses special human.
Secondly he’s probably asking for chin rubs, strokes and cuddles… so oblige him!
6. When your cat crams itself into boxes and other tiny spaces
If it fits, I sits!
Again, there are a couple of theories of why cats like to squeeze into tight spaces. Your cat likes to feel safe and secure and being literally ‘boxed in’ on all sides will help with this. Also, cats like to be warm and the small space is a good way for your cat to preserve body heat.
They also might do it just because they can… wouldn’t you!
7. When your cat chews on plants and grass
Many cats love to chew on grass, but the reason why can be a little perplexing as they normally throw up soon afterwards. Surely this can’t be something that your cat enjoys?
Well, there are actually good reasons for your cat having a grassy supper, particularly if they are good hunters. Cats consume their prey whole (fur, bones and all) and throwing up gets rid of all the indigestible material from their stomach.
The juice from grass is also high in folic acid, which is an essential vitamin for your cats bodily functions.
Hopefully that answers a few of your questions… share your new found knowledge with a fellow cat lover below!