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Image: Little Lady enjoying the sun!

Why Is My Cat So Dang Weird?!

They’re fluffy, they’re moody, and they’re ready to pounce at any given moment! Even if you’ve never had a feline for a pet, surely you have found yourself scratching your head about their odd behavior before. If we look a bit closer, cats are a household critter that hunters, psychologists, and your 9-year-old niece can relate to! Read on to unravel the mystery of why on earth cats do what they do—and just maybe, we’ll discover a little more appreciation for our weirdest roommates…

If you’ve ever sat down at your desk with a cup of tea, only to be promptly interrupted by a cat sitting on top of your keyboard staring at you—you’re not alone. It’s happening to me right now!

Whether or not you are a cat lover, you’ve got to admit that they have a few endearing qualities. I mean, come on: velvety ears, tiny mittens for feet, and that tail…oh my! However, some of the most interesting parts about having a cat for a pet extend far beyond their adorable appearance.

Our feline friends can reduce stress and anxiety, and even reduce your risk of having a stroke! 1 But although cats coincide with all sorts of health benefits for our well-being, this still doesn’t change the fact that these purring fur-babies are, to put it simply, weird!

What’s going on in that little brain?

Image: cat laying in the sun
My cat, Little Lady, being a weirdo!

Why do they do it?!

We’ve all witnessed a cat race down a hallway going 35 miles per hour at 3 o’clock in the morning; seen them cram their bodies into the smallest box in the house, and consistently land on all fours. There’s also no denying the instant puffed-up tail that manifests when a spec of light darts across the room, and that weird chitter-chatter sound they make when they’re watching birds. These antics are undoubtedly funny and endlessly entertaining…but why on earth do they do these things?!

In this quirky animated video by TED-Ed, we’re about to discover the evolutionary reasons why our cats are just such little weirdos! So much is about to make sense.

Via: TED-Ed 2

‌That video hardly cat-scratches the surface of the incredible content that can be found in the TED-Ed library. Check out their YouTube channel for more videos, and follow them on Instagram!

There’s more than just mischief under that fur!

Each pet owner has their own unique tale and/or qualms about their furry friend. Our pets often become a topic of conversation that everyone can get interested in if the story is strange enough!

Image: Little Lady laying on her back with a funny look on her face and her paws flopping on her chest
Little Lady

My rescue cat, Little Lady, loves to sit on a pile of our dirty clothes… which would certainly not be my first choice! But as it turns out, cats do this because they love their human counterparts and they find their owners’ scent to be reassuring. 3 Plus, it’s just a cozy spot. Can you blame them? There’s a reason why you favor that old sweatshirt, too!

The next time your pet acts up, it’s worth looking a little closer to understand why they are being a weirdo. Getting curious about their behavior can strengthen your bond, help you determine if they aren’t feeling well, and maybe help to answer some of those perplexing questions!

Before you take your afternoon cat nap, think about this…

The benefits of having a friend that will never judge you are immeasurable! So, give your cat or whoever your funny little companion is, some extra love today. Because let’s face it, no matter how strange you think you might be, the cat is definitely weirder!

“Are cats strange animals or do they so resemble us that we find them curious as we do monkeys?”

—John Steinbeck

On the hunt for more feel-good articles about things you might be overlooking? We have hundreds of articles for you to paw through. Here’s a little taste!

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From Bunnies to Solar Systems: The Magic of Dust!

What do the dust bunnies under your nightstand have in common with our solar system? Turns out, the answer to that is all about the wonder of connections! Read on and all around you will seem a mystery unfolding.

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Olive Oil: Our Guide to Celebrating the Timeless Things

Take a moment to go on a journey with us to savor a flavor you probably have sitting in your kitchen cupboard! Who knew that that perfect opportunity to explore a food tradition that is thousands of years old started with a drizzle of our favorite oil.

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The Peacock Chair: The Humble Beginnings of a Great Equalizer

Could a chair be a symbol that connects us all? Well, from presidents to actors to even your own grandmother, for over a century, this chair has shown up time and time again in some of our most beloved images. But this piece of furniture has been more than just a beautiful place to rest—just take a look!

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Keep dreaming and notice the beauty around you!

~Renee

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Notes:

  1. “10 Scientific Benefits of Being a Cat Owner.” Mentalfloss.Com, 31 May 2017, www.mentalfloss.com/article/51154/10-scientific-benefits-being-cat-owner. Accessed 7 July 2020.
  2. TED-Ed. “Why Do Cats Act so Weird? – Tony Buffington.” YouTube, 26 Apr. 2016, www.youtube.com/watch?v=sI8NsYIyQ2A&feature=emb_title. Accessed 7 July 2020.
  3. Dr. Kathryn Primm. “Ask A Vet: Why Does My Cat Like To Sleep In The Laundry Basket?” IHeartCats.Com, 31 Aug. 2016, iheartcats.com/ask-a-vet-why-does-my-cat-like-to-sleep-in-the-laundry-basket/. Accessed 7 July 2020.
Image: Renee Laroche-Rheaume

Renee Laroche-Rheaume

Outreach Coordinator & Writer

Renee is a graduate of FIDM, and has held jobs in several industries such as apparel manufacturing, retail, professional office work, and even hospitality. Her creative outlook, wide variety of experiences, and desire to notice the beauty around us make her a great addition to the Goodness Exchange team.

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