Your Cat’s Oddest Behaviors, Explained

Sprinting Around The House Is A Way To Release Energy

Ever have a moment where you hear a strange noise, and then your cat barrels into your room at top speed out of nowhere? Well, the good news is that it’s not abnormal for your feline friend to be sprinting around the house. Cats have a lot of energy, and since house cats don’t hunt, they need a way to release it.

House cats don’t have a large space to run around and have no prey to catch, so they release this energy in bursts of activity, usually by sprinting through the house. If your cat tends to do this a lot, maybe think about playing with them more.

Be Thankful If A Cat Brings You A “Present”

It’s a bit shocking when a cat drops a lifeless mouse at your feet, but we’re here to tell you that the thought comes from a good place. In order to survive when they’re kittens, the mama cat brings her babies food, so it’s possible that your cat learned the notion from its mother.

If your cat brings you a “present,” or food, it’s their way of accepting you as a member of their pack. Then again, other specialists think it’s nothing more than a cry for attention. We like to think the former explanation is the reason, and they’re accepting humans into their weird cat group.

Isolating More Often Than Usual Might Mean They’re Stressed

Your cat might be experiencing high stress if you find them hiding and isolating more than normal. If your cat seems to be hiding under the bed, in the closet, or other isolated places more often than usual, without any clear explanation, it might be time to take a trip to the vet.

Of course, if you see them hiding under the bed more often and you can identify a source of stress, do what you can to eliminate and manage it for the health of your cat.

Lounging Around With Sprawled Out Legs

Walking into a room and seeing your cat lounging on a chair with sprawled out legs can look pretty silly. But it actually means something fairly important. The position means that the cat feels relaxed, comfortable, and safe in the room with you.

When a cat exposes its tummy to you, it is a sign of vulnerability and means that you are not a threat to them. You should feel honored that your cat trusts you enough to rest cozily! And if your kitty sprawls out like this on a regular basis it means that you have one content creature on your hands.

Stay Away If A Cat Is Twitching Their Ears

Cats communicate with their ears. Each of their little movements means something different. When they start twitching their ears back and forth it is usually a sign that the cat is anxious or agitated. You might want to leave your cat alone when they’re in this type of state.

On the other side of the coin, when their ears are facing forward it means that they are good and content. Just keep an eye out for when their ears are either backward or lying flat down, because it means they’re irritated or feeling scared and defensive.

Attacking Your Feet Is Their Way Of Playing And Practicing

Imagine this: you’re sitting on the couch, minding your own business, when a ball of fur comes out of nowhere and starts attacking your feet. This can be a surprising situation, especially if you’re not wearing any socks and your kitty’s sharp little claws and teeth nick you.

The good news is that they’re not trying to attack you. Well, not really. This behavior usually means that your cat wants to play and that it’s practicing its pounces and jumps. Most cats are playful by nature, and when they’re bored, they’re looking for some type of game. If you’re not into foot attacks, give them a toy or string!