10 weird things that only cats do (and why they do them)

Cats are fascinating, mysterious, and sometimes just downright strange. As a cat owner, you’ve probably noticed this: your cat suddenly stares at a blank wall, dashes through the house like a madman, and then lays down right in the middle of your keyboard. But why do cats do this, exactly? In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 most typical, crazy, inexplicable (but secretly completely logical) cat behaviors – with explanations!

1. Sprinting in the middle of the night

Suddenly, at three in the morning: the sound of galloping paws and a cat racing from one room to the next. Then a sudden pause, followed by another sprint, as if something invisible is chasing it.

Why?

Cats are naturally crepuscular animals. They are most active in the early morning and evening. Combine that with the energy built up throughout the day and… voilà, you get a nighttime zoomie session.

2. Crawling into boxes, no matter the size

You’ve just opened a package, and before you can even put the box away, your cat is already happily lying in it. It doesn’t matter how big or small – if it has corners, it’s 'approved'.

Why?

Boxes give cats a sense of security and shelter. They are perfect hiding places – and cats love to keep an eye on their surroundings without being seen themselves.

3. Staring at you while slowly blinking

That dreamy, slow blink… your cat seems to be gazing at you as if in love. You blink back, and for a moment, it feels like you truly understand each other.

Why?

In cat language, a slow blink is the ultimate sign of trust and affection. So, if your cat does this, you can feel flattered!

4. Lying on your laptop (exactly when you need it)

As soon as you’re focused on typing, your cat enters the scene. Literally. She settles herself right on your keyboard as if it’s her throne.

Why?

Your laptop is warm and smells like you. Add to that the fact that you're focused on it, and well, of course, a cat just has to jump right in.

5. Burying food they don’t like

You serve a new type of cat food, and your cat sniffs... makes a disgusted face... and then starts making scratching movements next to her bowl.

Why?

This behavior comes from their wild instincts: burying food to find it later or to hide it from other animals.

6. Licking your face (or eating your hair)

You’re comfortably lying on the couch, and suddenly you feel a rough tongue on your chin. Or your cat is enthusiastically nibbling on your hair as if it’s spaghetti.

Why?

Licking is a grooming behavior and thus a sign of affection. They literally see you as part of the "family" (and you probably smell nice).

7. Sitting with their back to you

You’re sitting together on the couch, and your cat settles next to you… with her backside facing you directly. Not exactly charming, you might think.

Why?

In cat language, this is a sign of trust. Cats only show their vulnerable back (and yes, their behind) to those they trust.

8. Kneading with their paws

Sometimes you see your cat rhythmically pressing her paws on a blanket, your lap, or even another pet. It looks cute, but also a bit mysterious.

Why?

This behavior comes from their kittenhood, when they would knead their mother’s belly to stimulate milk production. For adult cats kneading means "I feel safe and relaxed".

9. Hunting nothing or staring at 'something' you can’t see

Your cat stares at an empty wall for minutes. Or suddenly starts "catching" something in the air, with no visible prey. What are they seeing that we can’t?

Why?

Cats have sharp hearing and vision, especially in the dark. Sometimes they see something you don’t notice; a speck of dust, a shadow, or even their own shadow.

10. Sleeping in places that really don't seem comfortable

A soft bed full of blankets? Meh. The preference goes to a box, a tight spot on top of a shelf, or half-folded over your laptop.

Why?

Cats seek places that feel safe, often high or sheltered. Comfortable for us doesn’t automatically mean comfortable for a cat. If it has a good view, is warm, or smells like their favorite human, then it's perfect.

Recognizable? What does your cat do that’s totally strange?

Cats are and will be independent creatures, that’s what makes them so fun. What crazy things does your cat do? Let us know and tag @Petbnb_nl on social media with your story (and a photo, of course!).

Want to leave your cat in good hands during your vacation? Book a loving sitter via Petbnb, where your cat can also just act weird! 😺