Cats own the internet, no questions asked. Their adorable nature, out-of-this-world cuteness, royal attitude, and indescribable logic make people obsessed with looking at their pictures online. Sure, felines can be mischievous at times and tend to come up with perplexing shenanigans to surprise their owners, but they’re still our favorite little goofballs on the planet who make sure we never get bored.
Need convincing? Just take a look at the 'Cat_virus.exe' Instagram account dedicated purr-ely to our beloved furballs and their weird behaviors. "Cat art museum," the creator writes in the description, and we couldn’t agree more. Over 437,000 feline lovers spend hours scrolling through their feeds to witness their favorite creatures acting so goofy that they almost seem "broken." But fear not — they’re just being their charming selves.
From striking unflattering poses to somehow ending up in the most baffling places, we’ve gathered the most entertaining posts from the page that are bound to put a smile on your face. So continue scrolling, hit upvote on your favorite ones, and be sure to tell us what you think about them in the comments. Keep reading to also find our in-depth interview with Sally Chamberlain, a UK-based clinical animal behaviorist.
Pspsps! If you’re in the mood for even more malfunctioning cat madness, check out Part 1 of this feature right over here.
#1 What A Week, Huh?
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#2 Ugh
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#3 A Mimir
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
Even though our feline friends have taken the internet by storm, their mysterious antics never cease to surprise us. Since we humans often have a hard time understanding these loveable creatures, we reached out to an expert in the field to learn more about their equally odd and adorable behaviors. "Domestic cats often seem aloof and independent, but this is because they are descended from solitary hunters of small prey animals, such as rodents and birds, and are territorial in nature," UK-based clinical animal behaviorist Sally Chamberlain told Bored Panda.
The founder of Karma Paws Pet Care and author of the book Power Of The Purr explained that these ancestors rarely came into contact with other cats, apart from mating and raising their young. Moreover, cats perceive the world differently from us and live on their own terms. "Some natural feline behaviors such as scratching and scent marking are usually frowned upon in a human household," she said. "But by being provided with appropriate resources and enrichment, cats can thrive and their humans can relax."
#4 Thumbs Up
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#5 Polite
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#6 Yummy Yummy In My Tummy
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
Another reason felines may seem odd to us humans is that they sleep a lot, often around 16-20 hours per day, Chamberlain added. "During waking hours, cats have a need to play in order to satisfy their hunting instincts. Interactive play with wand toys that have feathers or a fake mouse attached is often good for this. It is also important to remember that cats don’t naturally enjoy lots of physical contact unless they have gotten used to this from kittenhood, which is why some cats lash out when they are being petted because they feel conflicted."
Humans also find felines mysterious when they harshly react to our attempts to gently stroke them. "A lot of cats enjoy being sociable with humans but being touched too much can seem overwhelming," Chamberlain noted. "They may prefer short but frequent petting, especially around their head and neck area, rather than being fussed over for a long period of time."
#7 Kinda Sus
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#8 I Have To Do Everything In This House
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#9 It Hit Hard On Him
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
When we notice our little pals acting weird, we immediately feel the urge to document their behaviors and share them with everyone online. What we sometimes fail to understand is that there could be a deeper meaning behind their strange actions. "When a cat or any other animal is behaving out of character, it is important to get them checked by a vet to rule out medical problems," the animal behaviorist suggested. "Cats will often try to hide how they are feeling because, in the wild, any outward sign of weakness could make them vulnerable to predators," she added. "Although they are a predator themselves, they are also prey for larger animals such as foxes and coyotes, depending on where they live."
#10 This One Hits Hard
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#11 A Love Story Better Than Twilight
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#12 Splat
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
But once you notice your cat acting strange, it might be a sign they are unwell or in pain. Then, seeking veterinary treatment should be the first port of call, Chamberlain noted. "They may not intentionally be trying to tell us something, but any change in behavior is a good indication that something is not right."
If the vet gives them the all-clear, she added that a review of the cat’s living environment must be carried out. This is to "ensure that they have all of the resources and enrichment that they need and there is nothing causing them any undue stress, such as seeing other cats through the windows or them not getting on with other pets in the household."
#13 Cheshire Cat
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#14 Meowtini
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#15 French Cat
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
The animal behaviorist pointed out another reason for their strange behaviors: felines sometimes simply act on their instincts. "Cats are highly intelligent, but their survival instinct will kick in if they are feeling unwell. They also have needs that should be met in order for them to feel relaxed and happy in their living environment. Depending on their behavior, it could be that they are feeling frustrated or stressed about something, which is causing them to act out of character."
To make sure we don't miss any alarming signs, Chamberlain explained how to understand when our cats feel safe and when they are in distress. "When a pet is happy and relaxed in their living environment, they will be eating, drinking and toileting normally and not showing any signs of fear towards the humans in the household. A pet that feels safe will be happy to interact socially and have normal activity and sleep patterns."
#16 Don't Mind Me Just Planning Nefarious Things
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#17 Noo Dont Take Me Places, I Want To Stay Home
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#18 Noo Don't Flush It
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
On the flip side, animals in distress will most likely spend their time hiding. "[They will] only come out when nobody is around to eat, drink and use the litter tray. They might also behave aggressively or fearfully if someone tries to interact with them or pick them up."
"More subtle signs of stress in cats include a hunched body posture, dilated pupils, 'pretending' to sleep to avoid interaction, urinating or defecating around the home and generally seeming subdued. They might also pace around and vocalize a lot or even try to escape through windows and doors," Chamberlain said and stressed that any changes in cat behavior require veterinary attention.
#19 Loaf Of Bread
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#20 Trust No One, Not Even Yourself
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#21 Angy
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
If you’re interested in learning more about their perplexing behaviors, there is plenty of material that will help you arm yourself with knowledge. "When looking for sources to learn about cat behavior, it is important to ensure that they are credible, supported by science, and do not advocate any form of punishment. I would recommend doing some research about the authors to ensure they are suitably qualified, such as having a degree in animal behavior and being a Clinical Animal Behaviorist or equivalent." According to the expert, a couple of websites she could recommend are Cats Protection and International Cat Care.
#22 Who Gets You Smiling Like This?
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#23 Am I In Heaven?
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#24 Witness My Power
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
"Cats can form strong social bonds, but a lot of that is built on trust, and the more we make an effort to understand our feline companions, the stronger those bonds should become. Cats like to feel in control and have consistency and choice in their lives so if we ensure that their living environment is as feline-friendly as possible, the happier and more secure they will feel," Chamberlain concluded.
#25 Happy 2022
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#26 The Chances Of You Getting Killed By A Cat Are Low, But Never Zero
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#27 For You
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#28 He's Back To Get Revenge
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#29 I Guess She's Having Internet Issues Again
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#30 They Are Growing In Trees Now
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#31 This Is My Final Form
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#32 Feeling S**ty
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#33 Don't Forget To Drink Water
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#34 Enjoying His Air Mattress
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#35 No Talk
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#36 What Crimes He Do Be Comitting?
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#37 Halp
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#38 He Loves It So Much
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#39 *sip*
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#40 Protected
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#41 Tongue
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#42 I Have No Idea What I Am Doing
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#43 This Could Be Us
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#44 Another Kaiju Captured
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#45 Im In
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#46 Minecat
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#47 Yeah, Whatever
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#48 Im Tired Of Waiting
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#49 It Was This Size, I Swear
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#50 Flat
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#51 Just Chillin
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#52 Teef
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#53 Chomp
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#54 What A Week, Huh?
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#55 The Weak Should Fear The Strong
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#56 Fresh
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#57 U Got Any Games On Yo Phone?
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#58 Oh
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#59 You Are Weak, You Lack Hatred
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#60 This Could Be Us
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#61 The Last Thing You'll See Before You Die
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#62 Got Your Nose
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#63 Got All That I Need
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#64 He Has My Vote
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#65 0 Stars. Hated It
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#66 Me And You
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#67 Has Science Gone Toofar?
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#68 Cat
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#69 What A Week, Huh?
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#70 Saturday Chill
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#71 Chomp
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#72 Stretch
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#73 Polite
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#74 Bamboozled
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#75 What Is She Afraid Of?
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#76 Pls Help
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#77 What A Week, Huh?
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#78 Potato
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#79 What He Buying?
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#80 Sorry, This One Is Already Taken
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#81 So This Is How I Look Like?
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#82 Um
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#83 Surprise
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#84 Chicken
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#85 A Cat Of Culture As Well
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#86 Teef
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#87 Would You Leave Him For 1 Million Dollars?
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#88 What Is The Point Of Living A Life Like This?
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#89 Nice Cut G
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#90 Alive, But At What Cost?
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#91 Yikes
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#92 What A Deal
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#93 I Would Be Scared Too
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#94 What Are You Staring At?
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#95 Baby Burrito
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#96 Chomp
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#97 This Could Be Us
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#98 Bamboozled
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#99 Mom Said It's My Turn
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#100 He Dunkin
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#101 This Could Be Us
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#102 Stop Bullying Him
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#103 Zoink
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#104 E.t.
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#105 Bath Time
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
#106 Chimkin
Image credits: cat_virus.exe
from Bored Panda https://ift.tt/trwRlpL