Section 1.1: The Post-Poop Zoomies

One of the most adorable occurrences is when my cat, Chumbo, zips out of the litter box as if he’s just won a race. I can barely register his movement before he’s off to another room, eyes wide and pupils dilated, racing back into the kitchen and then darting into the bedroom, using the carpet to gain speed.

It’s especially amusing since he’s a rather large and clumsy cat, often losing his balance and tumbling down the stairs or into the couch. The phenomenon of the zoomies is quite common among cats, despite their generally lazy nature.

The Science Behind It: Cats spend a lot of time resting, and the zoomies allow them to stretch their minds and bodies after a nap. Experts believe this behavior may also help maintain their predatory instincts. According to Christine O’Brien from Hills Pet, “Sometimes it may seem as if your cat is chasing nothing, but they’re likely pursuing imaginary prey.” The post-poop sprint might also be a way to celebrate a successful trip to the litter box, as long as there are no underlying health issues.

Section 1.2: Affection During Your Period

This one is truly peculiar! Whenever I’m on my period, my cat Astrid becomes extra affectionate. She tends to drape herself over my shoulders and curl up in my lap during dinner. Initially, I thought it was just coincidence, but after documenting her behavior, I noticed a consistent pattern.

The Science Behind It: Cats can detect changes in hormone levels. Mikel Delgado, a cat behavior consultant, noted that although there is no scientific literature specifically on this topic, cats likely sense menstruation through smell. “They would detect menstruation because of the hormonal changes,” he explained to Broadly.

Section 1.3: The Breath Sniffing Ritual

In October 2020, after a long separation from my husband, I returned home and was greeted by my ecstatic cats. The funniest moment was when Astrid, at 2 a.m., sat on my chest, deeply inhaling my breath.

The Science Behind It: Cats have an exceptional sense of smell, which is why they might be drawn to our breath. They identify their owners by scent, and my breath likely holds a comforting aroma for Astrid.

Section 1.4: Chattering at Birds

Have you ever seen your cat staring at a bird, mouth open and making a strange clicking sound? This behavior is not uncommon, particularly among Maine Coons, but all cats do it at some point.

The Science Behind It: It may seem counterintuitive, but some scientists believe that cats chatter to mimic the sounds of their prey. Observations of wild cats have shown they may use this behavior to lure birds in closer.

Section 1.5: The Plastic Chewing Habit

Nothing is more frustrating than waking up to find Chumbo munching on plastic packaging at 3 a.m. His determination is both hilarious and concerning.

The Science Behind It: Cats are attracted to the texture and sound of plastic. According to Mychelle Blake, some plastic bags are coated with materials that interest cats, like cornstarch or animal by-products, making them appealing to chew on.

In conclusion, while I often joke about cats being aliens, there’s usually a scientific basis for their quirky behaviors. As responsible cat owners, it’s our duty to understand these habits and provide them with the best care possible.