Cat behavior 101 

If you have a cat, you’ve witnessed cat quirks. But many of the strange things cats do are actually quite normal, from clacking at birds to sprinting through the house at 3 a.m. to burrowing into tight spaces for a nap. Read on for insights into weird cat behaviors, especially if you’ve ever asked, “Why does my cat do that?” 

Cat body language  

Cat communication goes beyond meowing, purring, and hissing. Cat kids express themselves in many ways for a variety of reasons.  

Cat headbutting

• This sign of affection has another purpose – your cat kid is marking you as theirs through the scent glands on their cheeks. 

Cat sleeping near you 

• Why do cats lay by your head? They may be seeking out warmth, showing you they trust you, and even imitating the bonding behavior they developed as a kitten with their mother and littermates.  

Cat kneading 

• Also called making biscuits, cat kids knead to stretch their limbs, deposit their scent, and release calming pheromones. 

Cat zoomies 

• Especially common at night, this entertaining (and sometimes exasperating) behavior means your wild child is playing, burning energy, or readying for a hunt (even if it’s just the twist tie on the floor). 

Cat noises and what they mean  

Most of us are familiar with a cat hissing. But why do cats make clicking sounds? If they’ve spotted a bird or small animal out the window, these instinctual hunters are chattering because: 

• They’re flushed with adrenaline and excited about it!
• They’re frustrated they can’t reach their target.
• They’re preparing to pounce, even if they only land on the window pane.
• They may be mimicking the sounds the prey makes to draw it closer and make it easier to catch.

If you don’t want a dead bird or mouse as a gift (another weird cat habit), it’s best to keep your cat kid inside.  

Cats playing with paper and cardboard boxes 

Have you ever unboxed a new item for your cat kid only to watch them play with the packing papers and cardboard box instead? This seemingly weird cat behavior is rooted in their natural wiring. 

• The sounds and movement of paper can make your cat kid think of prey, activating their hunting instincts.
• Your cat kid may be leaving their scent on their new natural toys to mark their territory, especially if they have cat siblings and don’t want to share.
• The smell and texture of paper and cardboard bring out a cat’s natural playfulness and curiosity, while the insulation provides a safe, cozy place to snooze (or hide).

Cats napping in small spaces 

If you can’t find your cat kid, check under the couch. Or in the back of the closet. Or wedged in a shoebox. When it comes to cats doing weird stuff, squeezing into tight spots for naps often lands near the top of the Unusual Cat Behavior list. And just like the other weird cat behaviors, it’s totally normal. 

• Cats seek safety when sleeping, something their ancestors in the wild did for needed rest and self-preservation.
• Hidden spots allow your cat kid to observe their surroundings and potential predators, even if it’s just their dog sibling’s shadow.
• If your cat kid is overwhelmed, they may seek out a small space, especially one covered on all sides, so they can lower their stress.

Cats burying their waste 

Another instinctual cat behavior: burying their business in nature.

Because Naturally Fresh has an earthy look, feel, and scent, cat kids often acclimate to our eco-friendly walnut shell litter faster than other types of natural litters, including corn cat litter, wheat litter, and tofu litter.  

It also eliminates odors better than the competition, which keeps cat kids coming back (and cat parents happy). 

Take our quiz to find out which formula will fit your cat kid and family the best.