The Funniest Things That Cats Do (And What They Might Mean)

There's no doubt about it — cats are peculiar animals. Sometimes their behaviors are quirky, unpredictable, moody, and laugh-out-loud funny! If they're not chattering away in their own language, they're making biscuits on their favorite blanket, bouncing off the walls, squeezing their whole body into a tiny vase, staring at nothing, or swatting at the kibble you just poured into their bowl. But, while your cat might leave you giggling and puzzled almost every day, there's usually a reason for these funny behaviors.

Looking for comfort, releasing excess energy, trying to communicate with the people they love, and just having fun might be some of the reasons why your cat does what they do. Instead of laughing these funny things off, pay attention to what they're doing and what their actions might mean. You may get a better understanding of their personalities, likes, and emotions. Some funny behaviors can even be a sign that something is wrong. Keep reading to learn a new thing or two about your cat's quirks or just to have a few good laughs.

If you've ever watched your cat stare at something and chatter, you've most likely had a little giggle at how funny this quirk is. Cats chatter by rapidly shuttering their teeth and jaw and making high-pitched chirps. One theory behaviorists have is that cats do this to mimic the sound of their prey in an attempt to get close enough to capture it.

It is a relatively new theory based on a study published in the Neotropical Primates 2009 June issue by researchers from The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and UFAM (Federal University of Amazonas). These researchers recorded Amazonian wild cats mimicking the sounds of small monkeys called pied tamarins to lure them down from a tree in an attempt to capture them. The report also suggested that mimicking is a tactic used by jaguars and pumas. If wild cats mimic their prey to lure them, perhaps your feline friend does, too.

However, because cats are typically silent stalkers, making a noise loud enough for their prey to hear seems a bit uncharacteristic. Pam Johnson-Bennett, a cat behavior expert, theorizes that your cat might be chattering out of frustration because they cannot reach the prey they see due to it being too high up or because your cat stays indoors. Another theory is that they're mimicking the killing bite they'd give the prey upon catching it.

Kneading is when your cat moves their toes back-and-forth on a surface as if they're giving a massage. It looks similar to the motion a baker makes with their hands when working their dough, so some pet parents call this cat behavior "making biscuits." Your cat might knead on a fluffy blanket, pillow, clothes, or even your bare skin. But why do cats knead? They might be doing this to get comfortable before a nap, to stretch and release tension in their body, to show affection to their loved ones, to find comfort, or to mark their item with their scent, which is released from their feet glands.

Kneading is instinctual and a behavior that starts as soon as kittens are born. Kittens knead their mothers to get milk out of their teats. Some cats continue this behavior because kneading something soft makes them feel good and offers a feeling of contentment, similar to what they experienced when nursing. Although this behavior is normal in cats, pay attention if your cat suddenly does more often than usual. It could mean they're not feeling well, in pain, or anxious.  Along with kneading, some cats may also suck on the item.

It's impossible not to laugh when your cat gets the zoomies. One second, they're calmly sitting in your lap, and the next, they're running around the house, bouncing against objects, launching off table tops, climbing up your curtains, and attacking the air. It's normal for kittens and cats kept inside all day to experience these random bursts of hyperactivity to release excess energy. Sometimes, zoomies happen after a nap when cats have extra energy to burn, which is why your cat might run around like a maniac at night. It could also happen when cats are playing, overstimulated, or excited.

If the zoomies happen too often, it might mean that your cat needs more stimulation. An under-stimulated cat may become destructive, meow excessively, and overgroom, which can lead to wounds and infections. Others may overeat, which can lead to obesity. To reduce the frequency of their zoomies and prevent frustration, make sure to play with your cat throughout the day. The sessions don't have to be long, though PetMD recommends aiming for 10-to-15 minutes each time. To make the most out of play, try using feather wands and laser pointers. This will allow your cat to get exercise, burn excess energy, and be mentally stimulated.

Although the sight of your cat inside a small object may spike your anxiety and make you feel claustrophobic, the opposite is true for cats. Cats like tight spaces because it makes them feel safer and less vulnerable than open spaces. As a result, they'll sometimes seek out small spaces, like your drawer, or objects like a vase, to de-stress. Being in a small space can also help them adapt to new environments or situations faster. This is why cats hide under the bed when they join a new, unfamiliar home. If you have an anxious cat, place cardboard boxes or a cat cave bed in a quiet area of your home, or make a spot in the back of your cupboard for them to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed.

Now that we know why cats squeeze into tight spots, let's explore how they do it. To understand this, you can't think of your cat's shoulder structure the same way as your own. Unlike a human's rigid shoulder girdle, which is connected by joints, a cat's shoulders are connected to their body with muscles. This gives them incredible flexibility and the ability to squeeze into tight spots to find a quiet place to sleep, hide from danger, and go after small prey, such as mice.

If you catch your cat staring at you — or at nothing — it can seem hilariously creepy, but it's normal behavior. Your cat might stare at you to get your attention or communicate with you that they're hungry, although, in the latter case, they'll likely meow and run to their food bowl. They might also stare at you to show affection. If your cat stares at you with a relaxed face, chances are they feel safe and bonded to you. Slow blinking is also a sign of contentment and love, so return the gesture to your cat by relaxing your face and blinking slowly back at them.

As for why your cat is giving a blank stare at the wall, there's another explanation. Cats are natural observers and enjoy vantage spots, like cat shelves, to watch what's happening around them and stay out of danger. They also enjoy windows to spy on the neighbors and watch the birdlife outside. Your cat could also be staring at what you perceive as nothing while moving their ears around because they're trying to pinpoint where a sound is coming from. You might not be able to hear the sound because it is too high a frequency for your human ears to hear. 

Cats, especially kittens, love to chase things that move, whether it be a leaf blowing in the wind or a red laser moving along the wall. This is also why cats chase their tails – because they twitch and move. A tail is a built-in fluffy toy that your cat might enjoy playing with when their feather wand is packed away. Although normal, this behavior can be a sign of boredom, so make sure you're giving your cat enough attention by playing with them throughout the day and leaving a few toys out for when you're busy.

For cats, tail chasing is both entertaining and a way to release excess energy. However, as cats get older, they usually outgrow this behavior because they quickly learn that it's easier and less painful to catch objects that aren't a part of their own body. Excessive tail chasing as an older cat might mean that your cat is feeling stressed or their tail is itchy, painful, or sensitive. If an adult cat suddenly becomes obsessed with their tail, it's a good idea to take them for a checkup at the vet.

You adopted a cat, not a cow, so why are they eating grass? Many people think it's a remedy for an upset stomach in cats, and they're on the right track. Lynn Buzhardt, a doctor of veterinary medicine and contributor to VCA Animal Hospitals, theorizes that "eating grass makes the cats throw up the less digestible parts of their protein rich meal." So, if a cat eats a feathery bird, they may also eat some grass to help them bring up the feathers or bones they ingested. Another theory is that animals eat grass to get rid of internal parasites. Although cats also eat grass, it might be more of an instinctual behavior because it is unlikely for domestic cats to have these parasites today.

Regardless of what eating grass might mean, it does have some benefits for cats. Grass has trace nutrients as well as folic acid, which are good for cats, especially if they have a low-level deficiency. However, they should get all the vitamins and minerals they need from nutritionally balanced, high-quality cat food, like Hill's Science Diet. That said, even with a good diet, some cats might eat grass for no reason other than because they like the taste of it.

You might find this behavior funny or a little creepy, but cats often grab the opportunity to watch their favorite people use the loo or take a shower. They're not trying to be creepy; they're just interested in what you're doing, and what's inside the room you visit several times throughout the day. The bathroom is a curious place because most people close the door behind them when they use the toilet, so getting to snoop inside will interest your cat, especially while you're in there doing your business. Some cats are little shadows and like to be wherever their owners are, so if that's the bathroom, that's where they'll want to be.

Some cats might watch their caregivers intensely while they're in the shower because they're curious about all the movements they're making while singing their favorite Taylor Swift song. However, it's more likely that your cat is actually watching the falling water around you and how it hits the glass door in front of them. Although your cat likely doesn't enjoy getting wet, they are fascinated with running water, which can keep them engaged during your shower session.

Whether hard or soft, most people find a headbutt from their cat funny and cute. They do this to show affection. When you receive a headbutt, it's your cat's way of giving you a hug, so be sure to return the favor by gently leaning into the headbutt or giving them a cuddle. Cats also headbutt to mark the people they love with their scent. Cats have glands on their faces that release pheromones, so other cats will be able to smell your cat on you. This is your cat's way of bonding with you, and informing other cats that you're a part of their family.

Headbutting might also be your cat's way of checking a new person out and gathering information through their smell. It can also simply be a cry for attention — even if you've been stroking them for ages. Along with headbutting, a happy cat will likely purr and look calm, relaxed, and content.

Even if you're a super pet parent and keep their bowl filled with fresh, clean water, your cat may still opt to hydrate directly from the kitchen faucet or bathtub. Now, this doesn't necessarily mean there's anything wrong with the water quality. If your cat is obsessed with water, especially running water, they may take every opportunity to drink it wherever they see it. 

However, your cat might only want to drink from the faucet because they don't like their bowl or the location where you've placed it. If your cat has a plastic bowl, they might not want to drink from it because of how it smells. Plastic is a porous material that easily traps bacteria, which can cause odors. Perhaps swap your cat's plastic bowl out for a ceramic type and see if it makes a difference. Cats typically won't drink from their water bowls if it's next to their stinky litter box or in a busy, loud area of the house. Some cats enjoy drinking water from a vantage point, and having their bowl on the floor isn't as appealing as the view from the sink. Move your cat's bowl to a quieter, higher spot, as this might help them warm up to their water bowl. You can also purchase a Veken Automatic Cat Water Fountain to provide a continuous stream for them to drink from if they don't like stagnate water.

Poop zoomies look the same as regular zoomies, but the reason for it is different. Poop zoomies are exactly what they sound like — getting the zoomies after pooping. However, it can also sometimes happen right before your cat does their business. Similar to regular zoomies, it consist of playful, energetic behavior for a short period of time, so don't be surprised if you see your cat bouncing from wall to wall after using their litter box, as it's pretty normal behavior.

If your cat gets poop zoomies, it might be because they're trying to get away from their litter box quickly because it's been soiled. It could also be a sign that pooping was painful, or because they're happy about their accomplishment and are celebrating by zooming around. If this is a new or frequent behavior, take your cat to the vet as they might be constipated or struggling with a health problem such as inflammatory bowel disease. Although it could be your cat doing a victory lap and nothing to worry about at all, it's better to investigate the behavior than ignore it.

Your cat can put on quite a comedy show with how they swat at their kibble and chase after it. It doesn't necessarily mean they don't enjoy the food, as they'll likely munch it all up when they're done playing. This behavior comes from instinct; wild cats are natural hunters and typically chase their food before they kill it. Although your house cat's kibble is clearly lifeless, your furry friend may make a game out of dinner to recreate this scenario. This allows them to feel like they earned the reward of eating their food after having to chase after it. Burning some energy before a meal also increases appetite, so they might play a bit to get themselves hungry.

However, when a cat plays with their food and doesn't end up eating, it can be worrisome. Any cat that is refusing to eat, losing weight, vomiting, or having bad breath needs to be seen by their vet. They might be experiencing pain when eating, having an allergic reaction to the ingredients in the kibble, or have kidney disease or gastrointestinal problems.

Unfortunately the gifts our cats drop off at the door usually aren't the exciting kind –  insects, mice, the occasional dead bird. Some cats even prefer to bring back options that are still alive. On the odd occasion, it might even be some random thing, like your neighbor's sock. Some "gifts" are funnier than others, but they might not actually be for you. Some cats bring home items they're interested in because they know it's a safe place to keep them. As a pet parent, this is such a compliment because it shows that your cat feels safe where you are.

Although it can be distressing to see a baby bird carcass, it's important to know how to react to a pet that brings home a dead animal. What they're doing is instinctual, not intentionally malicious or cruel. Getting angry at your pet will scare them and hurt your bond. Instead, return living creatures back to your garden or take them to the vet. If it's dead, give your local wildlife removal company a call to properly dispose of the carcass. Depending on where you live, you may be able to bury the animal yourself. Keep in mind, different counties may have certain laws regarding wild animal burial

The little butt lifts your cat does when you're petting them may look funny, but it's not for nothing. When you pet a good spot, your cat may react by lifting their butt higher to make sure you keep going instead of pulling away. In other words, it's a sign that your cat is loving what you're doing. It's the same as when someone is playing with your hair and you don't want them to stop, so you put their hand back on your head to keep them going.

Shifting their bum could also be a sign that your cat is itchy and you're scratching in the right spot. Every cat gets itchy every now and then, but if you notice them scratching excessively, check for fleas and ticks. If you spot flea dirt or little black fleas moving along their skin when you part their fur, you'll need to start them on treatment, which you can get from the vet. Itchy skin and excessive scratching could also result from allergies, dry skin, anxiety, and skin infections.