Shocking Truths
Behind 11 Strange Cat Behaviors
Article by Cheryl Lock of petcentral.chewy.com
ASK THE EXPERTS WITH CODY
To learn the true meaning behind some common but seemingly strange cat behaviors, we spoke to Kat Miller, Ph.D., director of anti-cruelty and behavior research at the ASPCA and a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist.
Sleeping in a Tight Ball. Many mammals actually sleep this way, as both a way of retaining heat and to keep themselves protected. “They either push into small spaces to have some security with solid walls around part of their body so they can’t be snuck up on, or they roll into a tight ball,” explains Dr. Miller. “It’s also similar to the way a bird tucks its wings in, or tucks one foot up into his feathers. It’s an easy way to retain heat.”
Kneading. This behavior traces back to a feline’s earliest days: “Kittens kneed their mom’s belly to encourage milk production,” says Dr. Miller. “When cats grow up, it’s often performed when they’re relaxed or cozy.” It could also be that whatever material your cat is kneading — a soft blanket or maybe even your skin — reminds him of his mother’s belly. “They could also knead when they’re upset or scared, as a way to self-
calm.”
Pawing at Their Litter. The little kitty now on your bed has evolved from cats that lived in the desert. “Whether or not your cat decides to dig a hole to hide their urine and feces before or after they go will depend on the cat, but this behavior is generally a mark of their territory,” notes Dr. Miller. For example, if your cat’s litter box is located where he doesn’t spend most of his time, he would probably consider that his peripheral territory, and that will affect whether or not he decides to cover his feces.
Smell is a very important factor for cats to define their own space. If your cat considers his litter box to be outside of his normal “territory,” he might not cover the remains, as advertisement he still considers that area his. If it’s inside his territory, he might be more inclined to cover up the smell, since generally cats are pretty clean creatures.
Exposing Their Belly. This one can be tricky – and harmful if not played right! On the one hand, your cat could be in a happy, playful mood, content to let you reach out and give her a tummy rub. “Cats