The Real Reason Why Your Cat Sticks Its Butt In Your Face (Weird Cat Habits, Explained)
Owning a cat can be very rewarding, but they often have quirky behaviors. Have you ever wondered why your cat likes to head-butt you or keeps knocking your water bottle off the counter?
Cats are famous for their strange habits that can confuse us. But there's usually a reason for what they do. From sudden bursts of energy at night to their love of boxes, here are real reasons behind some of the oddest things our feline friends do.
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.
Biting Their Nails Could Mean They're Bored
When humans bite their nails, it's usually a sign of anxiety, stress, or simply a bad habit. Cats may chew their nails for similar reasons. If you notice your cat nibbling on its claws, it could be due to anxiety or nervousness about their surroundings. Alternatively, they might just be bored.
It could also be part of their grooming routine. However, if your cat is constantly biting its nails, it might be worth scheduling a vet visit, as this could indicate a parasite or infection.
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.
Rolling On The Floor Can Mean A Few Things
Cats lie down and roll around on their backs for a number of different reasons. However, there is one main factor that will have a cat on its back. They only roll over when they feel comfortable because showing off their belly is a sign of vulnerability.
The motion can simply be a way to scratch their back and stretch their muscles, or it can be an attempt to play and get your attention to engage in a game. The last reason could be that they are marking their territory, rolling around and transferring their scent on the ground.
Communicating With Their Eyes Doesn't Mean They Have It In For You...But It Might
When a cat stares at you, more often then not they are trying to get your attention. But you have to be careful about the different types of stares. If a cat is staring at you very intensely, it could be an act of aggression, and it's best not to stare back. You don't want a cat pouncing on your face!
On the flip side of the coin, when a cat stares at you for a long period of time and then slowly blinks, it's their way of showing affection. But that doesn't mean you should go over and pick up the cat!
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.
Knocking Things Off The Table For "Hunting Practice"
It's not surprising that cats like knocking things off of tables, especially if that something is being used by their human. If you don't know what we're talking about just look to YouTube videos of cats knocking things off of tables. Scientists say this behavior is simply a way cats practice hunting.
In the wild, cats play with their prey, so batting things away is good practice, even if it is at the expense of your water bottle. Cats are also naturally curious animals, and easily bored, so they might be trying to get your attention to start a game.
Sticking Their Rear End In Your Face Is A Compliment
If you've been around a cat before then you are aware that they have a tendency to lift their tail and give you a full-on view of their backside. We'll we're here to tell you that even though it might not be the best view in the house, it is one that you should take as a compliment.
Cats lifting their tails and sticking their rear ends in your face should be taken as a sign of trust and affection. When they lift their tails it is their way of being friendly and opening up to you -- take it as a compliment!
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!
