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Somerset Veterinary Hospital

1322 Berlin Plank Rd.

Somerset, PA 15501 US

814-443-1323

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  • February Newsletter: Weird Things Your Cat Does and What They Mean

February Newsletter: Weird Things Your Cat Does and What They Mean

  • Created in Newsletter Library

Cat looks at hamster with insatiable desire

Does Your Cat Do These Strange Things?

Wondering why your cat suddenly zooms through your house or kneads your favorite blanket? There's actually a good reason for your cat's strange behavior. If you're puzzled by your furry friend's antics, take a look at our list of weird feline habits and the reasons behind them.

High-Speed Sprints

You're sitting on the couch watching TV when your cat runs past you at warp speed. Commonly called the "zoomies," these mad dashes perplex humans but make perfect sense to your cat. Hill's Pet Nutrition explains that your cat may be:

  • Chasing a Pretend Mouse
  • Burning Off Excess Energy After a Long Nap
  • Ending a Visit to the Litterbox

Touching Your Face When You're Asleep

Your cat can't get enough of you, even when you're sleeping. Touching its paws to your face transfers its scent and sends a "this human is mine" message to other animals. It's the same reason your cat likes to rub its face against your legs.

Does your cat gently bat you in the face in the morning? Rolling over or covering your face with the blanket won't stop your furry friend. When your cat decides it's time for you to wake up, you will wake up. Of course, you might be persistent too if you couldn't fill your food dish yourself.

Kneading Clothing and Blankets

As a kitten, your cat moved its paws back and forth on its mother's chest to stimulate milk production when nursing. Years after a cat stops nursing, it still may find this behavior soothing. In fact, it may regularly knead a blanket or even your clothing. Some cats also suck on the fabric when kneading.

The American Animal Hospital Association notes that cats may also knead to create a comfortable place to rest, calm themselves, show pleasure or mark their territory.

Bringing You Gifts

Dropping a dead mouse or cricket at your feet is the ultimate compliment as far as your cat is concerned. Of course, you may not feel the same way. Your pet brings you these items because it considers you an important part of its family and wants you to enjoy a tasty meal of raw mouse too.

If your cat doesn't kill prey, it may bring you a favorite toy instead. Lavish praise, whether you love your gift or not, will make your pet feel its contribution was appreciated.

Chirping

Does your cat make a strange chirping sound when watching a bird, squirrel or another animal through the window? Certified Cat Behavior Consultant Marilyn Krieger told Catster that cats may chirp if they're excited at the thought of catching prey, experience an increase in adrenaline at the sight of prey animals, or feel frustrated that there's a window between them and prey.

Knocking Things Over

Pushing over pens, plants, lamps and other objects may seem to be your cat's favorite hobby. Cats enjoy knocking over objects for many reasons. They may be bored or might want to retrieve something that's inside the object. Purina reports that cat may want to find out if the object could be potential prey.

Cats may also knock things over if they're bored or want to get your attention. Scheduling regular playtime and offering a selection of interesting toys could help curb this behavior.

Do you have questions about your cat's behavior? Get in touch with us and share your concerns.

Sources:

Hill's Pet Nutrition: Cat Zoomies: Why Your Cat Gets Them & When to Call the Vet, 2/17/2020

https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/behavior-appearance/what-are-cat-zoomies

American Animal Hospital Association: Is My Cat’s Kneading Normal?

https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-owner-education/ask-aaha/is-my-cats-kneading-normal/

Catster: Why Do Cats Chirp? All About Cat Chirping, 6/15/2020

https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/why-do-cats-chirp-all-about-cat-chirping

The Spruce Pets: Why Do Cats Knock Things Over?, 9/8/2021

https://www.thesprucepets.com/why-cats-knock-things-over-5117010

Purina: Why Do Cats Bring You Dead Animals?

https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/cats/behaviour/common-questions/why-do-cats-bring-you-dead-animals

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
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Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "The staff at Somerset Vet Hospital have been taking care of my "Sophie" for 11 years. They are such caring and wonderful people."
    Karen L.
  • "Thanks for providing great care for my little Tortie, Tallie when she was suffering from her skin allergies. You prompt care and tender kindness was wonderful. Being new to the area I feel very fortunate to have found your practice! Thanks!"
    Nancy
  • ""Doctor Robert Henry, We want to thank you for literally - SAVING OUR BEAUTIFUL DOBERMAN'S (Precious) LIFE. Your excellent diagnostic skills accurately diagnosed our Doberman's condition. Your protocol in treating him have made for a healthy, happy, loving and playful dog. We can never forget what you did for our dog. We cannot thank you enough"
    Kathy & Roger
  • "I came here 6 years ago when they were the only ones who would see my sick pup, and they were the best! They helped my girl get better and provided her years of loving service until we lost her to lymphoma last year. They still take care of my other babies and do an excellent job of doing so! We're patients for LIFE! Thank you guys for ALL you do :) With Love, Gina & The Crew Mountain Pride Pits."
    Gina
  • "I just wanted to take a minute to say how very grateful I am for the entire team at Somerset Veterinary Hospital. I recently had a cat and two kittens spayed/neutered, and they all came through the procedure wonderfully. Dr. Penny is THE BEST!! The vet-techs and front desk girls are always super nice and helpful. I feel good knowing that my 'family' is in good hands when being treated. Thank you all for all you do!!"
    Thomas B.

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