Fortunately, many of these behaviors are perfectly natural.
We were inspired by Chewy’s article, “9 Gross Things Your Cat Does (And Why),” written by Erica Puisis and reviewed by veterinarian Dr. Barri J. Morrison. We are grateful to Chewy and the experts featured in the article for sharing helpful information with the animal-loving community. You can read the full article here: 9 Gross Things Your Cat Does (And Why)
Here are a few behaviors that might seem strange to us but often make perfect sense to our feline friends.
Bringing You an Unwanted “Gift”
Finding a bug, rodent, or other creature brought home by your cat is not exactly most people’s idea of a thoughtful present. To your cat, however, hunting is a natural instinct.
Cats may catch prey and bring it home as part of their normal hunting behavior. One way to reduce the chances of receiving one of these surprising gifts is to keep your cat indoors. In addition to limiting opportunities to hunt wildlife, indoor living helps protect cats from hazards including vehicles, predators, and extreme weather.
Drooling When They Are Happy
You might associate drooling with dogs more than cats, but some cats drool when they are especially relaxed and content.
A small amount of drooling during a cozy cuddle session may simply be one of your cat’s quirks. However, a significant increase in drooling, especially if it begins suddenly or is accompanied by signs of discomfort, deserves attention. When a familiar behavior changes unexpectedly, checking in with your veterinarian is always a good idea.
The Dreaded Hairball
Cats spend a lot of time grooming themselves, and all that cleaning means they inevitably swallow some fur. Much of that hair moves through their digestive system naturally, but occasionally it comes back up as a hairball.
An occasional hairball can be a normal part of life with a cat. Frequent hairballs, however, may be worth discussing with your veterinarian, since they can sometimes indicate an underlying issue.
Putting Their Rear End in Your Face
It may not feel particularly affectionate when your cat turns around and puts their backside inches from your face, but try not to take offense.
Cats use scent as an important way to communicate and identify one another. Because they don’t understand that humans have different ideas about personal space, presenting their rear can be a friendly, comfortable gesture.
If you would rather your cat show affection another way, gently redirect them or offer some pets and attention when they approach.
Digging With Enthusiasm in the Litter Box
Some cats seem determined to excavate their entire litter box every time they use it. Litter flying across the floor can be frustrating for pet parents, but digging and covering waste are natural feline behaviors.
If your enthusiastic digger regularly sends litter outside the box, consider whether a box with higher sides might help contain the mess. Just remember that the digging itself is not bad behavior. Your cat is simply following their instincts.
Strange Does Not Always Mean Something Is Wrong
One of the joys of sharing your home with a cat is discovering all the little behaviors that make them unique. Something that seems odd, messy, or even gross to us may be completely natural from a cat’s perspective.
At the same time, you know your pet best. Sudden changes in behavior, excessive thirst, unusual drooling, frequent hairballs, or other new symptoms should not automatically be dismissed as another feline quirk. A veterinarian can help determine whether there is a medical reason behind the change.
These are just a few of the interesting behaviors explored in Chewy’s full article. For more, including information about spraying, grooming habits, drinking from unusual places and other curious cat behaviors, read Erica Puisis’ complete article, “9 Gross Things Your Cat Does (And Why),” on Chewy: Read the full article on Chewy
Thank you to Erica Puisis, Chewy and the animal experts who contributed their knowledge to help pet parents better understand the cats they love.