To learn more about how often kitties exhibit behavior that might cause their owners to raise their eyebrows, we reached out to cat lover Cathrine Garnell. Cathrine, who was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda, runs the Bionic Basil & the B Team blog, which covers all sorts of cat content, including feline enrichment tips, hacks and ideas, cat wellness, book reviews, crafting with cats, coloring with cats, product reviews, fashion with felines, brain training with cats and more.
"I have heard stories of cats doing bizarre things, such as climbing up walls or curtains, chasing their tails, and even playing fetch like dogs," Cathrine shared. "Melvyn went through a phase of playing fetch when he was much younger. I suppose it all depends on the cat’s personality and their individual quirks."
Cathrine says she notices things daily that The B Team does that might seem odd but are perfectly normal for cats. "For instance, Melvyn and his zoomies take place around 10:45pm every night, though we know of cats who like to engage in the zoomie-zone in the small hours between 1am and3 am, and this is perfectly normal behavior."
"Also, Melvyn is very vocal and is obsessed with one particular toy; it’s a wand toy with a little white unicorn with a bell," she continued. "Melvyn knows where this toy is kept, and he starts asking for it the minute we’ve finished dinner and will run back and forth to the draw where the unicorn is. He even tries to pull on the drawer if we’re too slow getting there."
"Luckily, in my 25+ years of cat guardianship, the most bizarre thing I’ve probably encountered is Fudge’s love of getting on the roof," Cathrine told Bored Panda. "He likes to scale the tree in the courtyard and walk along the single-story ridge, then peer down onto the main street below. Many times I’ve heard the ‘oooh's and ahhhhh’s’ of walkers passing by who’ve noticed him and his ginormous tail perched atop the roof."
"On one particular day, a family with young children were walking by when a little girl saw him and squealed with delight, then boldly declared, 'Daddy, I want that ginger cat!' All the while, I’m trying to lure him from his favorite spot with a bag of Dreamies!" the cat expert shared.
We also asked Cathrine how cat owners know whether their kitty's behavior is cause for concern or not. "While every cat is different and may exhibit unique behaviors, there are certain signs to look for that may indicate a problem," she says.
"For example, if your cat suddenly becomes lethargic, stops eating or drinking, or displays aggressive behavior, it could be a sign that something is wrong," Cathrine explained. "On the other hand, if your cat is simply exhibiting behaviors that are typical of their breed or personality, there may be no cause for concern. Ultimately, it’s essential to know your cat well and to seek immediate advice from a veterinarian if you have any concerns about their behavior."
Cathrine also shared some advice for new cat owners who aren't well-versed in understanding their pet's body language yet. "Cats have unique personalities, and their behavior can vary depending on their age, breed, and upbringing. Sometimes, cats exhibit strange behavior when they are stressed, anxious, or bored. In such cases, providing them with toys, scratching posts, and playtime can help alleviate their anxiety and boredom," she explained.
"Additionally, it’s essential to provide your cat with a comfortable environment, including a clean litter box, fresh water, crunchies/kibble for in-between meal snacks (unless your kitty is on a diet), and a cozy bed," Cathrine added. "If the cat’s behavior continues to be concerning, it’s best to consult a veterinarian or a cat behaviorist to address the issue."
Cathrine also says it’s important to recognize that cats can display a wide range of behaviors which are considered normal. "Some cats may be more active and vocal, while others may be more laid-back and prefer to spend most of their time sleeping," she shared. "However, it’s important to understand that what is considered “normal” behavior can vary based on a number of factors, including breed, age, and individual personality."
"If you notice any sudden or drastic changes in your cat’s behavior, it’s important to take note and consult with your veterinarian," Cathrine says. "Sudden changes in behavior, such as increased aggression, excessive vocalization, or sudden lethargy, can be signs of underlying medical issues that require attention. It’s also important to recognize that certain behaviors, while common in cats, may not be considered 'normal' or acceptable in certain situations."
"For example, scratching furniture or other household items is a natural behavior for cats, but it can be destructive and cause damage to your home," she explained. "In these cases, it’s crucial to provide appropriate scratching posts and training to redirect your cat’s behavior."
"If your cat’s behavior is causing harm to themselves or others, or for instance, they are not using the litter box and are toileting around the home, it’s vital to seek professional help from a qualified animal behaviorist," Cathrine told Bored Panda. "They can work with you to identify the underlying or trigger cause of the behavior and create a tailored plan to address the issue. With patience, consistency, and proper training, many behavior issues in cats can be successfully resolved."
If you'd like to hear more wise words about the wonderful world of cats from Cathrine, or hear more stories about her kitties, be sure to visit the Bionic Basil & the B Team blog!
To gain an even deeper understanding of our cats' curious behavior, we also got in touch with Rita Reimers, Co-Founder and Cat Behavior Trainer at Cat Behavior Alliance. Rita shared that she's used to most of the weird behaviors her cats exhibit at this point, but they can still surprise her from time to time.
"The zoomies at dusk are a fun one," she told Bored Panda. "Cats naturally get the urge to hunt at dusk and dawn. Your cat may be lazy all day and all of a sudden it looks like the cat got injected with mega caffeine! Sometimes we see our cats staring at a spot on the wall. We see nothing, but they apparently see things we don't!"
"On the flip side, especially with new cat owners, people are often surprised to see just how much cats sleep," Rita added. "We got lots of calls during the pandemic with people asking if it is normal for cats to sleep all day. Yes, it is. People just never noticed it before we were all in lockdown."