10 Strange Cat Behaviors Explained

[KamaAina]

http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/10-strange-cat-behaviors-explained

There’s no denying that cats are excellent companions, but sometimes they do something that leaves you scratching your head in total confusion. If you’re used to dogs, cats' social interactions and the way they communicate can be very confusing. Yet it's these special behaviors, like affectionate head-butting and their penchant for cardboard boxes, that make us love them so much.

To help you better understand your elusive feline, we rounded up 10 cat behaviors that people commonly consider mysterious. You’ll find that many of these habits aren’t weird at all for cats — they’re normal.

No elevator butt?

[Feral Child]

1. #1

They got it wrong. They say that behaviorists don't know "why cats sometimes emit a clacking sound..."

This is the flehman response. There's a special feature in the roof of the mouth on some animals, including felids, called the Jacobson's Organ, or vomeronasal organ (VNO).

By flattening the nasal openings and rapidly covering/uncovering this organ with the tongue they are able to increase their ability to detect and sensitivity to specific smells such as pheromones in urine.


This is pretty basic. Haven't looked at the other 9 yet, but I hope their information becomes more accurate.


EDIT: #s 2>9 are accurate, to my knowledge. Odd they missed #1.

[mythology]

2. In my experience all cat behavior can be summed up as such

Because they can, just accept your feline overlord's whims. Unless you have multiple, in which, may whatever deity you follow have pity on your soul and your feline overlords don't have conflicting whims.

[Arugula Latte]

6. I surrendered to the kitties long ago.

The funny whims of kitties are one thing that make them so entertaining and the best pets to have.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

3. As far as crying at night is concerned, my old guy cat was doing that about two years ago

Another DUer in the Pets Group suggested that he might be losing his night vision and unable to find his way around.

I put a nightlight in the bathroom, where his litterbox is, and in the kitchen, where his food is.

I had no more problems with nighttime meowing.

[Xyzse]

5. Awwwwwww, that is so sad and cute at the same time.

I don't know how I feel about that.

[DebJ]

4. I thought the head rubbing on the leg was part of a marking process

where oil or scent glands get rubbed on you.

[gvstn]

7. Here is another take on some of those behaviours.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/adamellis/shocking-truths-behind-what-cat-behaviors-actually-mean

[KT2000]

8. this is closer to the truth

tummy rub and attack!!