Having a cat (or several) provides you with unconditional companionship. However, when sharing the space with your pet, you may have noticed some quirks of your furry companion that range from adorable to just plain weird. Knowing your cat will help you strengthen your bond. Therefore, below we explain the five most unusual behaviors of your cat and their explanation according to science.
Affection in cats
If you’ve ever bumped into your cat while he was entwining himself between your legs, he’s probably trying to tell you that he loves you. “There is a gland in their cheeks that they use to mark scent. In a way, they mark you as part of their group,” explained Emma Grigg, an animal behavior specialist at the University of California.
If your cat seeks your company, it probably feels safe by your side. This is a sign of trust that can vary depending on the bond you have.
Purr
According to the researcher, one of the most frequent mistakes is to think that cats only purr when they are happy. Although purring is usually a sign of satisfaction, cats have also been observed to purr when injured or near death.
Therefore, purring is also believed to help them request care, attention, or comfort.
Knead
Cats love to knead white objects or surfaces from time to time, like blankets or their favorite person.
According to the scientist, it is most likely that this behavior was inherited from when he was a puppy. When they nurse, kittens tend to knead their mother to help the milk come out. When they do it in a favorite person or bed it is a self-soothing behavior.
Vocalize when they see birds
Animal behavior specialists believe that sound reflects their emotion, especially when they see prey that they cannot easily catch.
Similarly, cats that move their bodies before pouncing on the toy could do so for various purposes, such as having a better view of prey or improving their depth perception.
Sleeping on top of the keyboard
Cats love to sleep on laptops. Not only because of the heat they provide, but because they also try to mimic our actions.
Thus, it could be a social bonding behavior. “They are seeking our attention. They want to be with us at that time,” says the researcher.
Cats are attracted to objects that smell to us and, at the same time, mark their scents on our belongings as part of their territory.
