Strange Cat And Dog Behaviors That Have Fascinating Scientific Explanations
Has your dog or cat ever done anything totally bizarre, but in a really cute way? Maybe they tilt their heads just so when you talk to them, or they follow you into the bathroom when you’re taking care of private matters. You’re left wondering, “Why do they do that?”
Well, scientists have broken down different odd behaviors that nearly all our fluffy friends exhibit, and as it turns out, there is a rhyme and reason for their quirks. With their findings, you’ll never have to wonder what in the world your “odd” pooch is doing…
Boxed Cats
Although adorable, cats are natural predators, so they like to hide in places where they can observe others. Boxes help them do that, which is why they prefer cardboard to the very expensive bed you bought them.
Face Licks
If a dog approaches you and just starts licking your face, it's not because you have food on your cheek; they're trying to show you that they come in peace. You can try and reciprocate it, but that might be odd.
Open-Mouth Sniffs
Has your cat ever made a strange, open-mouth face? It's not because she's shocked. Felines do something called flehmen, where they draw in air over their vomeronasal, an organ in their mouths. This lets them pick up different scents that their noses can't.
Boooooring
When humans yawn, it's a physical response to being tired or bored. Dogs will yawn when they're tired, yes, but they'll also do so to express passive behavior in a group. If a dog feels comfortable, yawning is their way to say they aren't aggressive and everything is cool.
Cat Got Your Tongue?
A cat tongue has little spines on it to help them groom themselves and their family. It has a sandpaper feel, so it's not always the best feeling in the world when they lick you. Be honored, though: They're grooming you because they think you're family!
That Head Tilt
The most heartwarming thing on the planet is when a dog looks at you with a tilted head and floppy ears. Scientists hypothesized they're just trying to understand what you want from them. They might tilt their head to get a better look at your facial expression, or to adjust their ears to hear you better.
The 'Nip
No one really knows why cats go completely bananas for catnip. But when catnip is ingested or smelled, it produces the chemical compound nepetalactone. When the molecule binds to the cat's internal receptors, there is a physical response in the form of extreme vocals or squirmy bodies.
Shaking like a Dog
It's a dangerous game giving a dog a bath — you're always in the splash zone! The obvious reason why dogs shake is to dry off, but this action goes back to their natural roots. If fur is wet, it doesn't keep them warm, and they run the risk of losing body heat, which directly correlates to survival.
Catch Scratch Fever
Have you ever caught your cat scratching at your walls, your furniture, or basically anything they can get their claws on? Cat paws have scent glands on them, so they scratch things to leave their scent behind. Essentially, they're marking their territory and warning others to stay away.
Rolling in Smells
If a dog picks up an interesting scent, they'll roll around in it so that it attaches itself to them. It's believed that this is a leftover trait from their wolf ancestors, who would bring a scent back to their pack. Basically, you're family and your dog just wants to share what they found with you.
Removing the Smells
Another reason why dogs will rub their bodies on grass or carpets is to remove a scent they don't like. For example, if you bathe them with a shampoo that has a strong smell, they might try to remove it by rubbing their body on something else. They might also be trying to tell you their skin is irritated.
Cat Grass Fever
Cats who spend part of the time outside will eat grass even though it makes them throw up. They do this on purpose, though. It helps them remove any unwanted material from their digestive tracts, like bones or hairballs.
Trailed
Household dogs tend to follow their owners everywhere, including the bathroom. While humans understand that at certain times you need privacy, dogs see it differently: they like to be with their pack (you). You protect them, and they protect you.
Tail Wagging
When a dog's tail wags it means they're happy...well, not always. If their tail is low and wagging, it means they're uncertain of the situation they're in. If their tail wags mostly left, that means do not approach; a right-biased wag means please approach.
The Cat's Meow
Cats only meow to humans and not other cats. While kittens will meow to their mothers, adult cats will only hiss, growl, or scent mark each other. If your cat is meowing at you, they're either trying to tell you that they're hungry, want some lovin', or just want you to acknowledge them.
Bellies Up!
A majority of cats will show you their belly and then attack you when you try to rub it. They don't actually like their belly's rubbed, but they are showing you they trust you. So when you reach for it, you're breaking their trust. Try petting their head instead.
Naps are a Flat Circle
A lot of dogs will circle before they lay down to take a nap. This is because, in the wild, circling helps pat down grass and expel any insects in an area they'd want to sleep in. It's just another leftover evolutionary trait dogs have — they're just trying to get comfortable!
Sleeping Beauties
Cats tend to sleep a lot during the day not because they're lazy, but because it's a way that wild cats conserve energy for hunts. They power down in a light sleep mode so that they can easily wake up if they need to.
Dog Fights
A dog on their back can oftentimes indicate submissive behavior, but when they're playing it's all about strategy. Sometimes they roll over to avoid a bite, and sometimes they roll over to give a bite. If a big dog is playing with a small dog, they'll get on their back to give the smaller dog a fair chance.
Oh, the Smells! The Smells!
A dog's sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times better than humans', and they use their noses to interpret information. When dogs meet an unfamiliar dog, they tend to use their noses to sniff around the dog's bum. This is because glands in that area secrete scents that determine reproductive status, health, emotional state, etc.
Showtime
There are many theories about why cats knead their paws into you, but many researchers agree that they're trying to return the affection that you're showing them. They just don't know that it actually hurts.
The Joys of Chewing
Chewing relieves a lot of stress, so if your dog is chewing through your personal belongings like crazy, it's probably because they're experiencing separation anxiety and trying to cope with it.
Puppy Dog Eyes
Those sad-yet-adorable puppy dog eyes means your best friend loves you: Constant eye contact is practically the same thing as receiving a kiss from your pooch. So when you see this glance coming your way, you're doing the right thing.
Hold on to This? Thanks.
If your dog brings you a ball or a toy, they might not want you to throw it: In fact, that might hurt their feelings — dogs bring you their favorite things so that you can enjoy them. So get ready to play with any toys they bring your way!
Beddy-Bye
If your pup prefers your room to her own bed or crate when she goes to sleep at night, then that's proof you're number one in her heart: She just wants to spend as much time with you as possible, even if that means sleeping while doing so!
Eye of the World
You might not relish getting tackled when you get home from the office each night, but that's just your dog showing you that you're the center of his world: "Make way, I'm coming to see my best friend and I don't care who knows it!" your dog is basically saying to you.
Staredown
A cat's unending stare can be a little bit disconcerting, but don't fret. First of all, they're not really staring. Their eyes are evolved to blink less frequently than ours. But more than that, a steady, soft gaze means that they feel safe and comfortable with you.
Remain Calm
You might feel guilty when you catch your dog quietly staring at you before you leave the house, but fear not: Their calmness when they know you're leaving is just further proof that they trust you and know you're coming back.
Nip and Nibble
Cats nip and nibble at us all the time, but it's far from an aggressive gesture. Cats do the same when they're grooming their kittens, so it's much more likely that they think of you with the same affection.
Cuddles at Night
Does your dog prefer cuddling with you after each of their meals? That's another sign that you're their number one friend: Just be sure not to give them any stinky food, because if you're cuddling for the night, you'll want it to be aroma free.
Rub. Rub. Rub.
When cats rub their head against you, they're marking you as one of their own with the concentrated scent glands in their cheeks and head. Congratulations, you're family.
Dog Hugs
Have you ever noticed a dog leaning on you when you're sitting on the couch or standing in the kitchen? Well, it turns out dogs only lean against you because they can't physically hug you: This is the closest they can physically get. Just make sure they haven't rolled around in paint first!
Thou Art Forgiven
A flick of the tongue? Your puppy is trying to tell you that they're sorry for their naughtiness: See that look of innocence? They're simultaneously hoping you'll forgive them for what they've done out of the kindness of your heart... and because they're so cute.
Secret Service
If your dog can't seem to find a better place to sit than on your feet, then that's a sign he wants to protect you: The moment you feel you need to escape the situation, they'll feel your foot move and instantly know it's go time.
Heart Tails
Your cat's tail is a strong indicator of their mood. The higher they carry it, the more content and happy they are. And if they're feeling really affectionate, they'll wrap it around you.
A Bite to Eat
A dog chewing on furniture or other objects isn't just being a punk—she just needs more exercise and activity is all: So, if it's been a while since you last took your dog outside, use this opportunity to go for a stroll and catch up with your pal.
A Lesson Learned
Scooby Doo
Does your dog have one paw up? That means they are on the case, trying to figure something out: You'll probably notice they also have their nose sniffing in a million different directions. Not to worry; your doggo is just playing detective.
Thurston Howl III
Howling just feels good: Some people's dogs have a tendency to howl. While it's been assumed that, like wolves, dogs do it to assert their rank and communicate, some behaviorists believe they're howling because it feels good to let loose!
Keeping Together
It may be annoying sometimes, but when your cat follows you absolutely everywhere from room to room, it's just a sign that they like you and want to be where you are.
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