Science Uncovers the 10 Most Common and Uncommon Cat Behaviors

Our cats can be absolutely hilarious, especially when they are engaging in some pretty weird behavior. A new study has now found what is unusual behavior for cats, and what is considered normal.

Researchers from the University of Córdoba set out to understand the most and least common cat habits, and  the researchers surveyed 816 cat owners who ranked behaviors on a scale of frequency from 'never' to 'always'.

Now, most of us cat owners think our cats are pretty predictable. Whether it's trying to get into the butter dish, refusing to get out of a cardboard box, or sleeping on our faces only you know for sure what is considered normal when it comes to your cat, but here are some behaviors that the 816 cat owners surveyed found most common and most uncommon.  How does your own cat rank with these?

Common Cat Behaviors

Purring was a very common behavior according to cat owners, and the majority of cat owners surveyed said that their cats purred when being pet. 

The other common cat behaviors included being curious about new objects, asking to be let through doors, seeking physical contact when you lie or sit down, asking for food, nudging you when you lie or sit down, pouncing on moving objects, readily adapting to change, purring when sitting on someone's lap and coming when called.

Less Common Cat Behaviors

Here are the most unusual behaviors reported amongst pet parents, and some of these may require a call or a visit with your veterinarian.

Spraying outside the litter box, sudden frantic, licking or chewing, defecating outside of the litter box, self-mutilation, chasing or attacking legs or feet, chewing objects when left alone, growling or hissing when petted, sulks or hides when owners leave,  strange repetitive motions, urinates outside the litter box.  I'm sure a lot of these litter box issues could be attributed to either a male cat not being fixed or a urinary infection in cats, which is for sure worth a call to the vet.

Growling or hissing when petted would probably happen if a cat is in pain. As far as attacking legs or feet, I can't comment on this because all my kitten does is attack my legs when I walk by. And the whole chewing on things when people aren't around, this is exactly why I can't leave anything with a ribbon out because that's the most delicious thing on earth according to one of my cats.

The Daily Mail reports that Dr David Menor-Campos, the study's lead author, said: 'Understanding normal behavior helps improve animal welfare, and especially so with cats, whose antics can be as mystifying as they're cute!'

If your own cat starts exhibiting any of these less than common behaviors, or isn't eating, eliminating or sleeping like usual, you should make an appointment with your vet to rule out any physical reasons. It's always better to play it safe when it comes to our precious fur babies!

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