12 Unusual Cat Behaviors to Look Out For – and What They Mean!

Cats can behave in all manner of interesting ways. A lot of what they do, we expect from them, and we can understand the meaning. But some cat behaviors are a little odd and can confuse owners. Keep an eye out for these behaviors from any cats you know so that you know how to react. In this guide, we’ll shed light on these perplexing behaviors and provide insights to help you navigate the quirky world of feline antics with confidence.

Rolling Over

Seal Mitted Ragdoll Cat Caymus After Getting Ozone Therapy Rectally rolling happy IMG_4561
Photo credit: Used with permission for Floppycats.

You might think that rolling over is a trick only dogs do, but cats will sometimes roll around. It’s not a trick but a sign that they’re very happy and playful.

Zooming Around the Room

Gus - Ragdoll of the Week playing
Photo credit: Used with permission for Floppycats.

The zoomies can be hilarious. Seeing your cat suddenly bound around the room at top speed is a sight. But just be careful – if your cat doesn’t tend to zoom around and then suddenly starts, it might be fleas.

Presenting Their Butt

Chocolate Bicolor Ragdoll Cat Havana loved by S Bryant outside
Photo credit: Used with permission for Floppycats.

Don’t be alarmed if your cat turns around, raises up their tail, and shows off their butt to you. Usually, this just means they’re relaxed and enjoying your petting.

Kneading You

Honey the white and silver shaded raggamuffin loved by Destin kneading
Photo credit: Used with permission for Floppycats.

Cats knead with their front paws when they’re comfy. It’s a behavior linked to their time as a kitten when they knead their mom to stimulate milk. Kneading with the back paws is a sign the cat is about to pounce or attack, so be careful.

Splooting

Bowie loved by Gale Bowie is a Chocolate bicolor Ragdoll cat splooting
Photo credit: Used with permission for Floppycats.

Splooting – when the cat stretches their front paws out ahead and their rear paws behind – can look uncomfortable. But it’s just a cat’s way of stretching out their joints – nothing to worry about.

Staring at You

Photo credit: Floppycats.

You may feel like your cat has initiated a staring contest with you, and they can be pretty mesmeric. Usually, staring is just a sign of affection but look for other body language that may suggest something else.

Scratching Around Food

Ragdoll Cat Scratching The Floor Around Food
Photo credit: Used with permission for Floppycats.

This isn’t typical behavior, but it can happen. If your cat is scratching alongside their food, it means they don’t like it and want to get rid of it.

Slowly Blinking

Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

A cat’s slow blink is apparently a sign that they feel comfortable and safe around you. And it’s believed that you can make a cat feel safer by repeating the gesture to them.

Dashing Away from Random Things

Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Cats don’t tend to dash away from an object without warning if they aren’t scared of it, so if a certain object causes them to run, they may not like it or may have some trauma related to that item.

Leaving Poop Uncovered

Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

We all know that cats like to bury their poop and like hygienically. If they’re leaving it uncovered, it often means your kitty is annoyed or wants to show dominance over you. It may also be a medical issue, though.

Chewing on Random Things

Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Cats know what is edible and what isn’t, but that doesn’t stop them from chewing on things they shouldn’t. This can be a sign of anxiety or that they’re unwell. It’s also a choking hazard, so keep a close eye on this one.

Ignoring You

Charlie-a-Seal-mitted-ragdoll-cat-with-a-blaze-on-back-patio-IMG_4130-1536x2048 (1)
Photo credit: Floppycats.

Cats have a reputation for being moody or aloof and sometimes ignore you and pretend you’re not even there. This is normal – just let them be, and they’ll soon want your attention again.

Alarming Moments: Cats Caught in Embarrassing and Compromising Situations

Crazy cat look
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Sometimes you’ll catch your kitty in a compromising pose – as these cats prove.

Read More – Feline Fiascos: Cats Caught in Embarrassing and Compromising Situations

Does Your Cat Twitch When Being Pet?

Grumpy cat looking at the camera
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome – sometimes called rippling skin syndrome – is a condition that can affect some cats. It gives them extremely sensitive skin, which can cause them distress, particularly if they are petted in that area.
LEARN THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Unfairly Labeled: Cat Lovers Speak Out Against the Harmful Stereotypes and Unjust Treatment of Orange Cats

Orange cat starring intently at the camera
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Orange cats are more likely to be males than females, but are they the airheaded species of the feline world? Many hilarious videos of cat antics can be credited to fuzzy, ginger kitties, but can the urban legends be true? Can their sweet, affectionate, and simple nature be attributed to genes? 

Read More – Cat Lovers Speak Out Against the Harmful Stereotypes and Unjust Treatment of Orange Cats

The Hidden Triggers: Identifying Common but Unnoticed Allergens Affecting Your Cat’s Health

Grumply cat with gold eyes
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

If your cat is constantly licking, biting, and itching a lot, it could be a sign they’re suffering from allergies. But you might not realize what they’re allergic to – and it could be something you’d never even considered.

Read More – Uncovering Hidden Allergies for Cats

Two Largest Cat Breeds – 17 Pound Cats?!

A Maine Coon cat and kitten
Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Maine Coon cats and Ragdoll cats are the two most popular large cat breeds in the world. They both have long, beautiful coats and imposing figures, and they are both outstanding cats, but there are some key differences between these two gorgeous cats. 

Read More – 18 Differences in Ragdoll Cats Vs Maine Coon Cats

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Hi, I’m Jenny Dean, creator of Floppycats! Ever since my Aunt got the first Ragdoll cat in our family, I have loved the breed. Inspired by my childhood Ragdoll cat, Rags, I created Floppycats to connect, share and inspire other Ragdoll cat lovers around the world,

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