Cats make excellent mates, but they can be curious beasts. They like to bump their heads against you, knead our laps, sleep in tight boxes, and engage in weird behaviors. What do these behaviors mean, and when should you seek help from your veterinarian and claim cat insurance?
- Bouncing off the walls
Cats, and kittens, can be very energetic and playful. However, sometimes they throw out all that energy by skittering from room to room, jumping up and down on the furniture, and going insane. This kind of behavior can also be a reaction to catmint, which can make cats act goofy for short periods. All that vigorous activity is regular, but it can lead to injuries. So it’s helpful to look around your house and ensure your cat’s area is safe. If this behavior disrupts your household, you should find ways to help channel your cat’s energy.
- Head bumping
When your cat bips and bops you with its head, they are showing you affection. They let everybody know that you belong to them. In addition, cats have pheromones on their cheek that mark you as their asset. But don’t worry if your cat doesn’t bump into you. There are more ways cats show their love.
- Chattering
Have you ever heard your cat chitter-chatter while watching the birds fly around the backyard? That sound comes from their exhilaration at seeing potential prey combined with the frustration of being unable to get at them. Cats can also make weird noises like chirping, yowling, and hacking.
- Chewing unnatural things
Some cats chew on weird things, like wool socks, blankets, plastic bags, or rubber bands. This behavior can be due to anxiety, illness or boredom. It can also occur in felines who were brought up too early and are urged to nurse on delicate items, blankets or stuffed animals. This habit is threatening since it can cause intestinal blockages, choking, and other problems. If your cat is chewing on indigestible things, you should visit your vet to figure out the cause and the best course of care. You can also claim your cat insurance in case of pet medical aid.
- Napping in tight places
Cats love to slide into small spaces like dresser drawers, boxes, bathroom cabinets, or closets where they feel secure and cozy. They may even prefer these places over comfortable beds. This behavior can be spotted back to their wildcat ancestors, who would sleep safely hidden away to help avoid predators.
- Giving gifts
Cats are infamous for leaving us undesired gifts, such as dead mice or birds. This is their gesture of thanking us for all we do for them. While you should feel honored that your cat wanted to share their spoils with you, you should avoid making a big deal about it.
- Ignoring you
If your cat’s not noticing you, it’s probably not because of anything you did. Some cats need a little time to themselves now and then. So it’s a good idea to leave your cat alone when they are acting this way. But, don’t worry—they’ll come to seek you out for some attention when they want it.
- Kneading
Why do cats knead stuff with their paws? It goes back to their kitten days when they would press on their mother’s stomach to stimulate milk flow. They might also do it simply because they feel content and relaxed. Kneading shouldn’t be problematic unless your pet’s claws are digging into your thighs. In such a case, it might be time to get nail clippers and safely trim them down.
- Knocking Things Over
It can be frustrating and startling when your cat shoves a book off your stand or pushes over an article, but this is normal behavior. Cats have sensitive paws and like swaying things around. This is something they do to their prey too. Cats also knock things down to get your attention. It is best to be ignorant when your cat is engaged in this activity, or you might reinforce the behavior. Putting valuable or breakable objects out of the paw’s reach is advisable.
While some cat behaviors are endearing or silly, others can be troublesome, like being up all night or going outside the litter box. While there are things you can try to address behavior issues by yourself, you should talk to your animal doctor if you have any concerns or questions. Don’t forget that diagnosis and treatment for behavioral conditions can be covered if you have veterinary Insurance.
