8 Human Traits That Cats Find Strange

Over years of observation and research, zoologists have concluded that cats perceive humans as similar to them. Consequently, pets are often surprised by 8 human "oddities."

Cats don't understand why we're so scary.

These cats consider themselves perfect. Silky fur, flexible backs, luxurious fluffy tails, striped muzzles, luxurious whiskers, padded paws... Looking at us, these paragons of beauty and grace wonder why we're so ugly. Bald, tailless, and even walking on two legs. So to them, we're some kind of abnormal, ugly cats. It's possible they even pity us.

Cats don't understand why we mess around in their litter box.

Cats are naturally very clean. Unlike dogs, for example, they would never leave their waste on display. Whether outdoors or in a litter box, cats always bury everything. That's why they're often surprised when their owners start messing around in their litter box.

If your pet sits down next to you and watches intently while you're cleaning the litter box, it's not because they're interested. Nor because they want to help. They're simply surprised that you're trying to dig up something they've so carefully buried. If they could, they'd probably twirl their finger at their temple.

Cats don't understand why we make noise during the day and sleep at night.

These furry pets are nocturnal animals. Despite being domesticated for hundreds, even thousands, of years, the hunting instinct of their wild ancestors remains intact. Therefore, they prefer to sleep soundly during the day and run wild at night.

Even though a pet has no one to hunt, nature takes its toll, forcing it to run, jump, and rustle, disturbing its owners' peace. And there are only two options: either you get used to your furry friend's nocturnal wanderings, or it will eventually give in and adapt to your schedule.

Cats don't understand why we abuse meat.

When a cat sits in the kitchen and watches a person torture meat, their heart bleeds. The animal genuinely doesn't understand why a juicy piece of fresh beef, chicken, or pork should be subjected to such torture—slicing, pounding, mincing, seasoning, dipping in batter, and then baking, boiling, or frying. It's hard to understand why all this hassle is necessary when you can simply enjoy the natural taste of the raw product.

Cats don't understand our love for nasty smells.

Cats have only three favorite scents: their owner's scent, the scent of meat or fish food, and their own. They simply cannot stand any scent that drives humans crazy: perfumes, deodorants, scented creams, and shower gels. And citrus is a total cat nightmare.

Cats don't understand why we like to stare at things.

A cat will only stare intently at a single spot if it's its prey. It freezes, hypnotizes a mouse or a bird with its gaze, and then pounces on its prey the next second. Otherwise, cats either curiously examine everything around them, stare into space with a disdainful gaze, or even sleep. Our habit of staring raptly at a TV, computer, or smartphone is completely incomprehensible to them. After all, it would be better for a person to stare so intently at a furry beauty than at some soulless piece of plastic.

Cats don't understand why we bring other animals into the house.

Cats are incredibly possessive and solitary creatures. Rarely are they so good-natured and hospitable that they coexist peacefully with other animals. Generally, they're baffled why we bring in more animals when we already have such incredible beauty in the house. Okay, maybe a cat, a hamster, or a canary. But a dog is too much.

Cats don't understand why we make such unpleasant and loud sounds.

The sweetest and most pleasant melody for a cat's hearing is its own meowing and purring. Even the frantic screaming of a March tomcat is perceived better than the sounds of a human. Speaking, singing, laughing, coughing, and sneezing are a tremendous strain on a pet's delicate ears. But they heroically endure it.