Ever wonder why your cat seems to go mad at random moments? “Cats would naturally spend a great deal of time during the day, stalking and chasing prey or avoiding danger in their adrenaline-fuelled lifestyle of hunting and exploring,” Laura explains, noting that the average house cat doesn’t often have the opportunity to do anything dangerous and use up their energy. “Suddenly, often without warning, this energy will burst out and your cat will act out a little fantasy role-playing, alternating between the hunter and the hunted, dashing around the house with a flicking tail and widely dilated pupils.”
“This often occurs at times of the day and night when cats are naturally more active, for example at dusk, and it can be triggered by a loud noise, a visit to the litter tray or something quite inconsequential,” the cat expert continued. “They may stare into the top corner of the room before launching themselves across the carpet, but don’t worry, they’re just using up that excess energy.”
Even though all cats are unique, Laura says there is one plant that has a quite surprising effect on around 80% them: catnip or Nepeta cataria. “An encounter with either the plant itself or with a catnip-stuffed toy can make cats excited, and they may sniff and roll around on the ground or over the catnip,” she explained. “The active chemical in the plant is called nepetalactone and has been likened to LSD. However, its effect is short-lived and harmless.”
“Catnip can be a helpful tool to initiate play with cats, however, kittens under the age of three months old are not receptive to catnip, so it is worthwhile reintroducing it after this age to see if they are receptive to its effects,” Laura noted.
#27 My Cat’s Favourite Sleeping Arrangement: Belly Side Up And On The Bean Bag
Finally, Laura left us with some wise words. “Next time you witness a cat doing something you think is strange, I ask you to think of the cat and their species-specific behaviors, and consider: is it strange? Or perfectly normal for the species?”
If you’d like to learn more about cats from Laura and the rest of the International Cat Care team, be sure to visit their website right here!
And if you’re looking for even more hilarious and bizarre pics of cats after finishing this adorable list, you can find Bored Panda’s last article featuring the What’s Wrong With Your Cat subreddit right here!
#31 Cat Loves To Be Outside Looking In. I Open The Door, She Refuses. I Bring Her In, She Whines To Go Out. Guess Janet Just Likes The Voyeuristic Perspective
#34 I Guess Laying Beside Your Sister In The Sun Was Just Not An Option
#39 Seymour Blue Likes To Be Touching Me At All Times When I’m Laying Down. This Is How He Chose To Do So
