The True Reason Why Your Cat Sticks Its Behind In Your Face (Weird Cat Habits, Explained)
Having a cat is incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its fair share of quirky behaviors. Ever wondered why your cat gives you head-butts or insists on knocking your water bottle off the counter?
Cats are well known for their puzzling antics, but there's often a logical reason behind them. From those late-night zoomies to their obsession with boxes, here’s a look at the real explanations behind some of the most baffling things our feline companions do.
Biting Their Nails Could Mean They're Bored
When people bite their nails, it's often linked to stress, anxiety, or just a habitual behavior—and the same can be true for cats. If your feline friend is frequently nibbling at its claws, it might be feeling anxious or uneasy in its environment. Sometimes, it's simply a sign of boredom.
Nail-biting can also be part of normal grooming. But if the behavior becomes constant or obsessive, it’s a good idea to consult your vet. Persistent chewing could point to an underlying issue like a parasite, skin irritation, or infection.
Knocking Things Off The Table For "Hunting Practice"
It's no shock that cats love swatting things off tables—especially if it’s something their human is currently using. Just take a scroll through YouTube and you’ll find plenty of videos showcasing this classic cat behavior. According to scientists, this isn’t just mischief—it’s instinct. Swatting objects mimics how cats play with prey in the wild, helping them hone their hunting skills.
On top of that, cats are naturally curious and easily bored. So, if your water bottle becomes a casualty, it might just be your cat’s way of saying, "Hey, pay attention to me!"
Sticking Their Rear End In Your Face Is A Compliment
If you've spent any time around cats, you’ve probably been treated to the classic tail-lift move—complete with a not-so-glamorous view of their backside. While it might not be your favorite sight, believe it or not, it’s actually a compliment.
When a cat raises its tail and presents its rear, it’s showing trust and affection. This behavior is their version of a friendly greeting, a way of saying, "I feel safe with you." So the next time it happens, try to appreciate it for what it is—a furry vote of confidence.
Rolling On The Floor Can Mean A Few Things
Cats flop onto their backs and roll around for several reasons, but the common thread is comfort. Exposing their belly is a vulnerable act, so they'll only do it when they feel safe and relaxed.
This behavior might just be a way for them to stretch out or scratch an itch, but it could also be a playful invitation, signaling they want your attention. Another possibility? They’re marking their territory—rolling helps spread their scent and claim the space as their own.
Communicating With Their Eyes Doesn't Mean They Have It In For You...But It Might
When a cat locks eyes with you, it's usually trying to get your attention. But not all stares mean the same thing, so it’s important to read the signals. An intense, unblinking stare can be a sign of aggression—definitely not the moment to return eye contact unless you want to risk an unfriendly pounce.
On the gentler side, if your cat gives you a long look followed by a slow blink, that’s a sign of trust and affection. Think of it as the feline version of a smile. Just remember—appreciate the gesture from a distance. It doesn’t always mean they’re in the mood to be picked up!
Chewing On Things Could Mean They're Stressed
Don't worry if you see your cat chewing on things that aren’t food or toys. This might be a sign of a condition called pica. Even experts aren’t completely sure what causes it, but it could be related to nutritional problems or triggered by stress and anxiety.
If your cat begins chewing on random items, keep an eye on them because it could hurt their digestive system. If the behavior continues, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet.
Pawing At Their Water Is An Instinct
Many people think all cats hate water, but that's not always true. While lots of cats avoid getting wet, some enjoy playing with water. If you see your cat pawing at their water bowl, they’re probably just having fun.
On the other hand, some cats care a lot about how fresh their water is. Splashing the bowl might be their way of adding air to it, like the bubbles in a natural spring or fresh tap water. In other words, your cat might be the kind that prefers bottled water at a restaurant.
Catnip Makes Them Feel Extreme Joy
To people, catnip may look like just an ordinary leafy plant related to mint, but for cats, it's something special. The key is nepetalactone, an oil in catnip that activates sensors in their noses.
About 70 percent of cats react with a burst of happiness, and sometimes even behaviors similar to hallucinations. When affected by catnip, your cat might run around, roll, drool, and make unusual noises—though the effects usually last about ten minutes. Even big wild cats like lions and tigers have been known to respond to catnip.
They Follow You To The Bathroom Because They're Curious
When your cat rushes into the bathroom with you, it can feel like a privacy invasion. Science doesn't have a clear answer for why they do this, but there are some good guesses. Some experts think your cat feels vulnerable when you’re not close, so they follow you for comfort and safety.
Other ideas focus on their natural curiosity. Cats are curious animals and want to see what you’re doing in their space. Of course, it might also be that they want attention and know you’re less likely to ignore them in the bathroom.
Hissing Is A Self-Explanatory Behavior
Most people know to slowly back away if a cat is hissing at them. Cats hiss not only when they're angry but also when they feel scared or upset.
Cats usually hiss if they feel threatened by a person or another animal. Maybe someone is coming too close too fast, or the cat didn’t like something you did. Either way, if a cat hisses at you, it’s best to give them space and let them calm down. Usually, they return to normal within a few minutes.
Laying On Your Stuff Means They Want Attention
You know that moment when you're deep into an important task on your computer, and your cat decides the keyboard is the perfect spot to nap? There’s actually a reason behind this classic kitty move.
Cats notice when your attention is focused elsewhere, and they want to be the center of it. By parking themselves on your keyboard, they’re interrupting the distraction — and reclaiming your focus. It’s also a territorial thing: by rubbing their scent on your laptop, they're letting the world (and other cats) know that you, and everything you're working on, belong to them.
Burying Their Droppings Is Instinct
Cats instinctively bury their droppings to avoid attracting predators or upsetting other cats in their group — a survival tactic rooted in their wild ancestry.
If your cat isn't covering their waste, it could be a sign that something’s off. They might dislike the type of litter, the shape or size of the box, or even where it’s placed. Sometimes the issue goes deeper and may be linked to stress, anxiety, or an underlying health problem. When a cat breaks a long-standing habit, it’s usually worth paying attention.
Head-Butting Or Rubbing Is Their Way of Saying "Hi"
You might've noticed that cats love to bump their heads against your legs, arms, or even your face. While it might seem random or even aggressive, it’s actually a sweet sign of affection.
This head-bumping behavior, called "bunting," is your cat’s way of saying they trust you. It’s a friendly greeting and a sign they feel safe around you. Plus, when they rub against you, they’re also leaving behind their scent—marking you as part of their inner circle. In cat language, that’s basically a hug.
Chattering Their Teeth Isn't Bad For Them
If you've ever caught your cat chattering their teeth while watching a bird outside, don’t worry—it’s not a sign of a dental issue. While the exact reason for this rapid, clicking sound isn’t fully understood, there are a couple of leading theories.
Some experts think it’s a sign of frustration, since the cat can see potential prey but can’t get to it through the glass. Others believe it’s tied to instinct—specifically, that the chattering is a way to prep their jaw muscles for the quick, precise movement needed to catch and kill prey. Either way, it’s just your cat being their quirky, predatory self.
Lounging Around With Sprawled Out Legs
Walking into a room and seeing your cat lounging on a chair with sprawled out legs can look pretty silly. But it actually means something fairly important. The position means that the cat feels relaxed, comfortable, and safe in the room with you.
When a cat exposes its tummy to you, it is a sign of vulnerability and means that you are not a threat to them. You should feel honored that your cat trusts you enough to rest cozily! And if your kitty sprawls out like this on a regular basis it means that you have one content creature on your hands.
Kneading You With Their Paws Is A Good Thing
When kittens are born, one of their first instincts is to push on their mother's mammary glands in order to stimulate her into producing more milk. Pretty much, it's a survival tactic. This kneading motion stays with cats throughout their lives, not leaving their memory even years after they've stopped nursing from their mother.
Adult cats tend to do the motion when they associate a soft surface, or your body, with that of their mother's. Many cat behavior specialists believe they knead when they're feeling happy and content with where they are, or when they feel like they need to relieve stress.
If Your Cat Is Ignoring You, Don't Take It Personally
Cats are too smart for their own good; science has proven this. They know their names, and they know their owner's voice, but unlike their dog counterparts, they tend not to answer. This personality trait is partially because cats will tend to only show affection on their terms.
This isn't because they don't hear you, it's that they are choosing not to respond because they're not interested in seeing you at the moment. Just don't take it personally, it's not out of spite, or because they don't like you. Your kitty will come when they feel the need to seek out affection or to play.
Crying At Night Is A Result Of Having No Prey To Chase
If you own a cat, then you know that they tend to be awake and active at the most inconvenient time: when you're trying to sleep. This excess energy may then result in them running around the house and wailing.
These cries could have to do with the cat trying to catch prey within the house, or, if there is nothing to be found, they might be cries of frustration. If these cat-calls bother you, specialists recommend playing with your cat during the day in order to tire them out, in the hopes that they'll be less active at night.
Sprinting Around The House Is A Way To Release Energy
Ever have a moment where you hear a strange noise, and then your cat barrels into your room at top speed out of nowhere? Well, the good news is that it's not abnormal for your feline friend to be sprinting around the house. Cats have a lot of energy, and since house cats don't hunt, they need a way to release it.
House cats don't have a large space to run around and have no prey to catch, so they release this energy in bursts of activity, usually by sprinting through the house. If your cat tends to do this a lot, maybe think about playing with them more.
Be Thankful If A Cat Brings You A "Present"
It's a bit shocking when a cat drops a lifeless mouse at your feet, but we're here to tell you that the thought comes from a good place. In order to survive when they're kittens, the mama cat brings her babies food, so it's possible that your cat learned the notion from its mother.
If your cat brings you a "present," or food, it's their way of accepting you as a member of their pack. Then again, other specialists think it's nothing more than a cry for attention. We like to think the former explanation is the reason, and they're accepting humans into their weird cat group.
They Do Their Business Outside The Litter Box Because They Don't Like The Box
It's always annoying when your pet does their business outside of the designated area, but for a cat, it can also be the sign of a more serious problem. If your cat isn't using their litter box, it most likely means that they do not care for the actual litter box, the litter itself, or the box's location. We know, we know... cats are so materialistic.
The only suggestion we have is to try and change it up, the box, litter, and the location. That being said, it could also be a medical issue, in which case you should bring your kitty to the vet.
Stay Away If A Cat Is Twitching Their Ears
Cats communicate with their ears. Each of their little movements means something different. When they start twitching their ears back and forth it is usually a sign that the cat is anxious or agitated. You might want to leave your cat alone when they're in this type of state.
On the other side of the coin, when their ears are facing forward it means that they are good and content. Just keep an eye out for when their ears are either backward or lying flat down, because it means they're irritated or feeling scared and defensive.
Attacking Your Feet Is Their Way Of Playing And Practicing
Imagine this: you're sitting on the couch, minding your own business, when a ball of fur comes out of nowhere and starts attacking your feet. This can be a surprising situation, especially if you're not wearing any socks and your kitty's sharp little claws and teeth nick you.
The good news is that they're not trying to attack you. Well, not really. This behavior usually means that your cat wants to play and that it's practicing its pounces and jumps. Most cats are playful by nature, and when they're bored, they're looking for some type of game. If you're not into foot attacks, give them a toy or string!
Sniffing Your Face Doesn't Mean They Want To Bite You
Cats are suspicious by nature. So, if all of a sudden your cat is in your face, sniffing your mouth, nose, hair, and skin, don't be too alarmed. Yes, it does feel weird for an animal to be in your personal bubble just to sniff you out, but it is because they are taking in your unique scent.
Your face is a great place for a cat to get a nice whiff of your natural aroma. They want to make sure you are still you and not some impostor that they don't trust. Because, ya know, someone isn't going to take your entire face and become you.
When They Cuddle, They're Looking To Bond
When your cat comes over to you and snuggles up, it doesn't just mean that they like you. According to BASEPAWS, when your cat cuddles with you, they're actively trying to bond. They recognize that they rely on you for care and they want to show that they recognize and appreciate what you do for them.
The next time that your cat snuggles up to you, know that they're showing their appreciation for all that they do, and want to strengthen the bond you share.
Biting To Where It Hurts Means They're Fearful
It's never fun when your cat bites you, but when it does, there are several reasons for it. In the wild, biting is a normal way for cats to express themselves, so it makes sense that they continue the habit even though they're domesticated.
Your kitty might bite you because it's angry or stressed, and they're trying to communicate those emotions to you in the only way they know how. Others believe that it is just a defense mechanism when they're afraid. Then some think biting is equivalent to playing. All we know is that it hurts!
Cats Will Sleep All Day To Save Energy
When kittens sleep, they release growth hormones that are important for their development. This means that young cats sleep a lot, even more than adults, so don't let it be a cause for concern! That being said, adult cats are known to doze off from time to time.
Cats do this to save energy, a trait left over from when they had to expend lots of energy hunting for their next meal in the wild. They will also fall asleep easily if they're bored and there is nothing for them to do. So, if you'd like your kitty to be awake more, try playing with it!
Head Pressing Is Immediate Cause To Go To The Vet
Occasionally, cats will press their heads up against a wall or other hard object for no apparent reason, accompanied by unusual vocal sounds that cats don't typically make. And, no, it's not because they're feeling guilty about something that they may or may not have done.
If your pet is doing this odd act, keep in mind that it is not normal, and you should bring them to the vet as soon as possible. Head pressing is often a sign of damage to the nervous system from some type of trauma, a tumor, poisoning, or other causes.
Purring Is A Form Of Communication And Happiness
There is something oddly satisfying about having your kitty purr while you are petting them. Unfortunately, purring isn't as simple as we'd like to think, and scientists know less about the behavior than any other cat noise. Yes, sometimes the sound means that the cat is happy and satisfied, but it can mean various other things, too.
Cats purr as a form of communication, but also as a way to calm themselves down when they're feeling anxious or stressed. The vibration from the sound soothes them, even causing their owners to calm down, too.
Moving Their Tail Back And Forth Means They're Not Happy
Unlike their dog counterparts, when cats wag their tails it does not mean they are happy to see you. Most often then not, when a cat moves its tail back and forth it means that they are not a happy kitty and would like to be left alone.
The action means that your cat is annoyed and it would prefer to be left alone. However, if a cat is twitching its tail, it usually means that it is very interesting in something, such as a red dot on the wall.
Sleeping On Your Chest Is A Sign That they Feel Safe
It can be a very comfortable feeling having your cat fall asleep on your chest. In fact, it is comforting for your cat, too. Your cat most likely enjoys the warmth of your body while they're sleeping, and might be more comfortable there than anywhere else in the house.
Lying on your chest gives them a sense of security, as they most likely feel safer sleeping close to you. Also, they probably enjoy the rhythmic movements of your breath, as well as your smell. So, when your cat falls asleep on you, take it as a sign of affection!
Kelsey Berish
