4 Strange Cat Behaviors Explained

This post is written by our holistic veterinarian at "I and love and you", Dr. Angie Krause, DVM, CVA, CCRT.

Cats can have seemingly strange behaviors! From chewing plastic bags to crying while carrying around toys, it might be hard to understand our feline friends.

4 Common Cat Behaviors & What They Mean

The following are a few strange cat behaviors decoded:

1. The zoomies. Does your cat ever suddenly speed race around the living room like their tail is on fire? Zoomies mimic hunting behavior. Your cat is pretending to chase a mouse, rabbit, or bird. This is a great time to engage them in play! This is my favorite toy that mimics the flight path of a bird. For bonus points, indulge your cat after play with these Meow & Zen Hearties. This completes the prey cycle by allowing your cat to ‘catch’ their prey and eat.
2. Eating strange things. Some kitties like to chew on plastic bags, eat paper or other strange objects, or suck on blankets and linens. We don’t know exactly why kitties do this. Some theories include weaning too early, anxiety, or other behavioral reasons. I am loved by a kitty that eats paper bags. I know he was weaned too early and he is just a strange guy. Eating paper is usually not a safety hazard. Eating strings and large amounts of plastic can cause intestinal obstruction, which is an emergency vet visit.
3. Asking for pets and then biting. This behavior gets kitties a bad reputation. However, humans are usually to blame for this. People either missed the behavioral cue that their cat didn’t want to be pet or missed the cue that they were finished being touched. Pay close attention to your kitty’s ear position and tail. If your cat’s ears point downward or their tail is swishing back and forth, back away and remove your hands slowly.
4. Sitting in boxes. Most cats love boxes. Usually the smaller, the better. If they can pour themselves into a box, they are happy! Your cat’s preference to sit in a box instead of a cozy bed is rooted in their natural instincts. Small hiding spaces keep wild cats safe while giving them a place to look for danger and prey.

Cats are wonderful, social, and loving animals that are often misunderstood by people. They provide endless hours of entertainment and love.

With love,

Dr. Angie