If you're planning on getting a cat or if you're a first-time cat owner, you may have noticed that these animals have a lot of quirks and odd behaviors. YouTube is filled with crazy cat antics that might have perpetuated some of the myths, so here are a few common questions about cats that are explained by science.
1. Do cats love their owners?
People who know little about cats think that these pets are not affectionate. Unlike dogs, who express their attachment for their owners in more enthusiastic ways by licking and tail-wagging, cats are rather subdued, but they do express their affection.
Cats rub their cheeks on their owners as a sign of affection. It is to reaffirm that they are "part of the exclusive club," according to Cat Health. It's also a way to convey trust, according to Catster. When they're not rubbing their cheeks, cats purr to show pleasure or to express that they feel safe and secure around their owners, Caster suggested.
Here's a video demonstration of how cats show their love for the one that cares for them:
2. What is catnip and why do cats go crazy for it?
Catnip belongs to a family of herbs similar to oregano and spearmint, according to the American Chemical Society. When ingested, this herb either sends a cat into a state of euphoria or become totally sedated. The exact effects of catnip on cats are not scientifically known, and not all cats are affected by this, according to iO9. There doesn't seem to be any real evidence as to what benefits catnip brings, but it is not known to be harmful to cats either.
3. Why do cats stare?
Cats don't actually blink as often as humans do, as it is part of their genetics. So, they gaze at an object and appear to be staring, but they are actually in their most relaxed state when they do this. They're not judging you or planning something bad against you. "Staring is more of a belief than an actual behavior cats are exhibiting," said K.C. Theisen from the Humane Society of the United States, according to The Dodo. "It's the one being looked at who decides the cat's staring, and thus impolite or threatening."
4. What is up with cats and boxes?
Cats find the most comfort and security in boxes or enclosed places, whether they fit inside these or not. It's their instinct at work and the boxes serve as coping mechanisms for what's around them. "Hiding is a behavioral strategy of the species to cope with environmental changes and stressors," said Dutch animal behavorial scientiest Claudia Vinke via Wired. Cats in the wild also retreat to enclosed places like dens or caves when they need comfort.
5. Why are cats wide awake at 3 a.m.?
Like many animals, cats are nocturnal by nature. Most domesticated cats have formed some sort of sleeping patterns to fit their human-influenced lifestyle, but some owners may find their cats restless at dawn and looking to do something. This is called "crepuscular behavior," according to RSPCA Australia. To avoid sleepless nights, owners are advised to adjust the cat's feeding time and involve them in enriching activities before your bedtime.
