Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Vet logo

Our Location

(909) 947-4040

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • What to Expect
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Payment Options
  • About us
    • Meet Our Team
    • Services
  • Contact Us
  • Veterinary Topics
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • 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
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Children and Pets
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Behavior & Training
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Cats
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Pet Dangers
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Newsletter Archive
      • Fun with Pets
      • Unbelievable Pets
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids

Welcome to Inland Animal Hospital

Give call us at 909-947-4040 to schedule an appointment. Sign up below for our newsletter.

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • COVID-19

    Curbside services due to COVID-19. Give us a call for details.
  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.
    Learn More

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Inland Animal Hospital

Monday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-2:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "We have been going to this veterinary clinic for 20 yrs, and the original Dr. Kim was amazing and actually prayed with all pets.
    I loved him and he saved 2 of our dogs lives.
    The now Dr. Kim is absolutely a great Vet and person, he treats your animals like we do "family" he is so compassionate and he doesn't try a milk you for money, if you can't afford certain things he helps to work around it.
    This establishment is THEE ONLY PLACE all of our fur babies have been, as has my family.
    I have recommended this vet to many and they are still taking their animals to him.
    The staff is amazing and all of the different techs over the 20 years have been very helpful and their knowledge is a plus
    I am actually taking my baby in today for his flea medication and I am taking my fur sister in for my mom passed and I promised her I would take good care of her
    Many Blessings to you all...
    Lori"
    Lori
  • "I have all my 3 dogs seen by Dr. Kim now. We used to have other vets for more than 20 years, and I have to say we are very lucky to find Dr. Kim. He's so patient and fully address our concerns, and let us know what our options are. Truly professional! I can see how much he cares, and I feel very confident that my dogs are under his care. Not to mention his staff are also very friendly and professional as well. I would definitely recommend this hospital for your loving pets."
    Kiseki
  • "Wonderful Doctor, explained everything he was doing and why to my kitty. Office staff very helpful!"
    Charleen
  • "Great staff, doctor included!
    Definitely will recommend!! 😁"
    Jeff

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • Caring for Your Older Pet

    Many of the same problems that affect people as they age, such as arthritis and diabetes, can also affect your pet. Making a few changes to the way you care for your furry friend will help you ensure that your pet stays healthy and happy as the years go by. Look for Common Signs of Illness Changes ...

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

    Looking for an explanation for your cat's strange behaviors? ...

    Read More
  • February Newsletter: Where to Start When Training Your Puppy

    Is your puppy ready to be trained? ...

    Read More
  • January Newsletter: National Bird Day

    Got any plans for National Bird Day? ...

    Read More
  • January Newsletter: Don't Forget to Vaccinate Your Pets this Year

    Is pet vaccinated? ...

    Read More
  • December Newsletter: Cold Weather Tips for Your Pets

    Are your pets ready for winter weather? ...

    Read More
  • December Newsletter: Pets and the Holidays: What to Know before Feeding Your Pet Table Scraps

    Could holiday table scraps cause health woes for your pets? ...

    Read More
  • November Newsletter: How arthritis can affect your pet

    Could your pet have arthritis? ...

    Read More
  • November Newsletter: National animal shelter appreciation week

    Looking for ways to support your local animal shelter? ...

    Read More
  • Three Reasons to Always Microchip Your Pets

    Wondering if microchipping is right for your pet? ...

    Read More

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for more articles

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map