Weird Things Cats Do & Why We Love Them

Most parents of cats agree that they adore their feline friends because of the weird things cats do. The unpredictability of funny cat behavior livens up any household, but what you see as silly and entertaining is just them following their instincts. They tolerate and incorporate people into their daily routine, winning them over with one hilarious act after another.

Here are five unique, sometimes mystifying cat traits that make you head-over-heels in love:

1. Kneading

One of the most common and distinctive catlike displays of affection is kneading. As soon as you climb into bed or curl up in your favorite chair, she shows up out of nowhere to massage you and/or the blankets for a self-therapy that creates the perfect snuggle spot. Nursing kittens knead to stimulate their mother's milk flow, but as Vetstreet points out, it's a trait she carries into adulthood "to show contentment, to calm herself when she's feeling anxious or to mark a person or object with her scent from the sweat glands in her paws." In your world, this can be one of the most charming things she'll do. In the cat world, kneading equals love.

2. Agility

There's a reason cat videos go viral on the Internet: Cats effortlessly leap and bound to great heights, and their sense of balance is unbelievable. There are even professional cat agility competitions to celebrate their willingness to jump through hoops (literally) or crawl through tunnels. It's important to recognize that you shouldn't entice her to perform tricks that could result in an injury because cats don't always land on their feet, contrary to popular belief. Nonetheless, you've got to admire their stealthy moves. Watching your furbaby chase a cat toy up and down the stairs, or pounce on a piece of cat food, gives you a front-row seat to your own acrobatic show!

3. Hiding in Small Spaces

Christine O'Brien is a writer, mom, and long-time cat parent whose two Russian Blues rule the house. Her work also appears in Care.com, What to Expect, and Fit Pregnancy, where she writes about pets, pregnancy, and family life. Find and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @brovelliobrien.