Cat content is a cornerstone of the internet. Why do felines continue to fascinate us? It’s because there’s always a method to their madness! No matter how strange, each and every quirky trait is inherited from their predatory predecessors. Let’s break down some bizarre feline behaviors and the meanings behind them.
Racing Around the House
Also known as the “zoomies”, cats will occasionally break into a sprint around the room without warning.
As cats have become domesticated, they have less of a need to hunt, defend their territory, or protect themselves from predators. Their bodies instinctually still store the energy for these activities should the need arise. A good zoom around the room is a great way to get rid of some unused fuel.
“Scruffing”
“Scruffing” or grabbing a kitten by the skin on its neck is a harmless mechanism mother cats use to get their kittens from point A to B. While it may not look gentle, it’s a clever way to keep kittens safe.
When grabbed by the neck, a kitten will automatically go limp. This allows the mother cat to easily transport her kittens to food or safety without the worry of a wiggly offspring falling out of her grip and into harm’s way.
Scratch That
No, your cat isn’t trying to ruin your new couch on purpose. There are a few reasons why your feline feels the need to scratch your couch to pieces.
Cats will scratch objects to sharpen their claws. A cat is both a predator and prey and so it must keep its nails ready to defend itself or to catch dinner. It’s also a way for cats to mark their territory — not only are scratch marks visual cues that the area is taken, but the act of scratching also releases pheromones embedded in a cat’s paws. Scratching objects also helps to remove dirt and skin cells to keep their nails and paws clean.
Slow Blink
Cats are notorious for not wearing their hearts on their sleeve. It can be difficult at times to tell if your cat likes you or thinks you’re an annoying vending machine. An easy way to gauge if your love is requited is to notice how your cat blinks at you.
If your cat makes eye contact with you and slowly blinks, congratulations, it loves you back! Slow blinks are an acknowledgment that you’re its caretaker and that it loves you for it. Of course, sometimes it just means that they’re tired. It’s all part of the charm.
Purring
Usually induced by a good stroking session, a cat’s purr is a pure and ‘purrfect’ way to know its content. It signals that your cat is enjoying your company or a particular activity.
The vibrations that emanate from a purr also have self-soothing and self-healing benefits. Studies indicate that the frequency is so high it can assist our feline friends in repairing bone, muscle, and tissue damage. As a bonus, it can also help the humans around calm down.
Cough Up Hairballs
Coughing up hairballs is an iconic cat move. Your kitty isn’t dabbling in arts and crafts, instead, it’s just getting rid of excess hair.
Your cat grooms itself by licking its body. As it does this, microscopic hooks on its tongue help to remove any excess body fur. The problem is the fur is swallowed and builds up in its stomach. The only way your cat can get rid of the build-up is by coughing up a hairball now and then.
