50 Cute Cats Who Totally Deserve Their Own Dedicated Comedy Show

If you own a cat, or have been around a few, you very well might have seen them doing some super strange but entertaining things. And while you have a good laugh, the feline is probably rolling its eyes behind your back, wondering, “What’s all the fuss about, stooopid hooman?”

There’s actually a scientific explanation for some of their silly behavior, believe it or not. And often, cats are merely following their instincts. For example, that cat sitting on top of the highest closet it can find, perched in such a precarious manner that you’re convinced it’s about to use up one of its nine lives… Well, Mr. Whiskers isn’t just there for the view.

Cats are professional counter-surfers. They love lounging on countertops, shelves, and other second-story territories. The higher, the better. It’s a behavior that pet cats have inherited from their wild ancestors.

“They’re hunters, sniffing out and stalking that tasty butter dish, but also prey. Finding the highest ground in your house offers a nifty lookout, far from dog-sniffing and kid-poking range,” explains the pet site Infurmation. “Plus, it has the added perks of food rewards.”

According to certified feline behavior and training consultant, Dr. Marci, cats use space in a three-dimensional manner, meaning that they often like to be up in h**h places.

“Cats evolved to both escape predation and observe their prey by hanging out in higher places – trees, rock-outcrops, and other perchable locations,” writes the expert.

She adds that some cats have learned that there are rewards to be received by exploring counters and table-tops. “Cats – if food-motivated – can be quite persistent in checking places that might offer delicious snacks,” Marci says.

Another possible reason your cat counter-surfs is out of pure boredom. “Your cat may have learned that getting up on a forbidden surface is a good way to get immediate attention from you, or that there are fun things to play with up there (i.e., objects he can knock on to the floor for his amusement),” Marci explains.

Or maybe they are just curious, after all. And keen to see what you’re up to from a bird’s eye view.

Ever had a cat lift its tail and display its rear end in all its glory? Not exactly the cutest or most charming behavior. But apparently, your cat thinks it is.

"Scent rules the feline world: Cats identify each other by smell," explains Infurmation. "Presenting the tail end first shows you your cat trusts you. That h**h-held tail position offers a friendly greeting. Does your pet consider you a fellow cat? No, but they’re communicating the way they would to other cats."

They're inviting you to take a friendly “howdy” sniff. And of course, you're not obliged to accept the invitation.

Something a lot cuter is finding your cat catnapping while squashed into a small box, some random paper bag or the kitchen sink. They're not doing it to melt your heart. But rather because small hiding places like these make them feel safer. They seek comfort, security and warmth, often in spots that seem strange and questionable (but cute) to you.

"As predators, cats instinctively find hiding places from which to stalk prey. But as prey themselves, they also appreciate defensive hiding spots to stay safe," explains the Infurmation site. "More than that, the swaddling effect that comforts human babies also benefits cats. They can create this hugging benefit by squeezing into boxes to calm their stress."

And lastly, never underestimate a cat staring into space. You might think they've zoned out or that they're deep in a day dream. But there's a lot more to it.

"Cats tune in to their environment," explains Infurmation. "They hear and see things people can’t, like that dust bunny floating through the air 30 feet away. It may f***k you out to see your kitty sitting in a corner staring at something invisible, but rest assured, those feline eyes are trained on something important."

Cats apparently have an eight-octave hearing range, meaning they hear higher and lower sounds than many other mammals. They can potentially track the sound of insects behind a wall, or mice in the ceiling.