Cats are fascinating creatures and often enigmatic. As owners, we often face behaviors that may seem mysterious or confusing. From the famous obsession for cardboard boxes to their unpredictable movements, each action of your cat has an explanation. Here's a analysis of mysterious behaviors of cats to better understand these four-legged companions.
1. Why do cats love cardboard boxes?
One of the best known (and most fun) behaviors of cats is their obsession with the Cardboard boxes. Just put an empty box on the floor so your cat will rush almost immediately.
Explanation:
- Safety instinct : Cats, even domesticated, keep a strong Protection instinct. A cardboard box, with its closed walls, offers a perfect hiding place where the cat feels sheltered. This gives them a sense of security and comfort.
- Stress reduction : Closed boxes create confined space, which helps reduce stress. Several studies have shown that cats like to hide to calm down in moments of tension.
- Game and curiosity : Cats are animals curious by nature. A box represents a new terrain to explore, triggering a playful behavior at home.
2. Why are cats rubbing against us?
Cats tend to rub against legs of their owners or other objects of the house. This may seem like a simple gesture of affection, but it actually hides much deeper behavior.
Explanation:
- Marking its territory : By rubbing yourself against you or against furniture, cats deposit pheromones on these objects. It is a way to mark their territory and to mean that you (or these objects) belong to them.
- Request attention : When your cat rubs itself against you, it is often to attract your attention. He may be hungry, willing to play or simply seek affection.
- Sign of confidence : This gesture also means that your cat feels Security and in confidence with you. He considers you a member of his group.
3. Why do cats knead with their legs?
The kneading (or « Make bread ») is a common behavior in cats. When they gently press their legs on a soft surface, like a cushion or even your belly, it may seem strange, but it is a sign of affection and well-being.
Explanation:
- Kitten behaviour : Kittens knead their mother's belly to stimulate milk production. This behavior remains anchored in adult cats as a memory of comfort and safety.
- Marking its territory : By kneading, cats also place their pheromones on the surface, marking their territory.
- A sign of contentment : If your cat kneads you, it usually means that it is happy and relaxed.
4. Why do cats run in every direction for no apparent reason?
Many cat owners have already observed their animals making Crazy racing in the house, often for no apparent reason. This behaviour usually occurs in the evening or early morning, and may seem totally unpredictable.
Explanation:
- Energy release : Cats are predators, even when living in apartments. These crazy races release a repressed energy, especially if your cat has not had enough physical activities or games to spend.
- Hunting instinct : These races are sometimes a reflection of thehunting instinct Cats. Simulating a race or pursuit, they imitate what they would do in nature to catch a prey.
- Time of dusk : Cats are animals twilightThis means that they are naturally more active at dawn and dusk. These excitation moments are therefore linked to their primitive hunter instincts.
5. Why do cats mow in the middle of the night?
The Midnight are another frequent source of questioning for owners. It is not uncommon to hear his cat mow or even scream in the middle of the night.
Explanation:
- Unmet needs : A cat who mimes at night can seek to attract your attention for various reasons: he may be hungry, bored or want to leave the room where he is.
- Night hunting instinct : Cats are active at night because of their nature as night hunters. They can be stimulated by sounds or smells that you do not perceive.
- Stress or disease : If your cat miaules excessively at night, it may also be due to a anxiety1 change in routine or even pain. A visit to the veterinarian may be necessary to eliminate any health problems.
6. Why do cats stare in a vacuum?
It's common to see a cat fixing a wall or an apparently empty area for several minutes, for no apparent reason. This behaviour often intrigues owners.
Explanation:
- Ultra-sensitive perception : Cats have much more developed meanings than humans. They can hear sounds at very high frequency or perceive light movements that we do not notice.
- Natural curiosity : Cats are by nature extremely curious and can remain focused on a small detail, tiny movement or imperceptible noise.
- Meditation Behaviour : Sometimes a cat staring in the emptiness is simply sitting Relax or rest, without any real reason for warning.
7. Why do cats show their belly but don't like being touched?
It is common to see a cat roll on his back, exposing his belly, but be reluctant or even aggressive if you try to caress him at this place.
Explanation:
- Sign of confidence : When a cat shows his belly, he gives you a great honour: he exposes a vulnerable part of his body, a sign that he feels Security with you.
- instinctive protection : However, the protective instinct remains present. Even if he trusts you, the belly is a sensitive area, and touching this area can trigger a defensive reaction in many cats.
- Invitation to the game : Sometimes exposing the belly is a way for the cat to invite you to play, but this does not mean that he wants to be touched at this place.
Summary table of mysterious behaviors of cats
| Behaviour | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Obsession for cardboard boxes | Safety instinct, stress reduction, play environment |
| Leg rub | Marking its territory with pheromones, asking for attention, sign of confidence |
| Threading with legs | Breastfeeding memory, territory marking, contentment |
| Crazy races for no reason | Energy release, hunting instinct, twilight activity |
| Nocturnal miracles | Unmet needs, hunting instinct, stress or illness |
| Fixing in vacuum | Perception of subtle sounds or movements, natural curiosity, meditative behavior |
| Show belly without loving caresses | Sign of confidence, instinct of protection, invitation to the game |
The mysterious behaviors of cats are ultimately not so enigmatic when one understands their origin. These small habits, although sometimes disconcerting, are in reality natural expressions of their instincts and personality. By taking the time to decrypt these signals, you can better understand your companion and strengthen your relationship with him.
