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The internet is brimming with proof why there’s no point in trying to rationalize cat behavior; some of it just can’t be explained. Unlike their strong urge to enter any box there is—which can be scientifically justified—certain things they do simply don’t make sense.

Instead of trying to make sense out of them, it might be better to simply marvel at the adorably dorky critters; and that’s where the ‘Unexplainable Cat Images’ Twitter account comes in handy. Brimming with, well, unexplainable cat pictures, it has amassed over 18k fans, and to show what brings them to it, we have put some of their best examples on this list for you today. Scroll down to find the cat pictures and enjoy.

In order to try understanding at least some of the things cats do, Bored Panda has reached out to the author of The Cat’s Meow: How Cats Evolved from the Savanna to Your Sofa, Professor of Biology and Director of the Living Earth Collaborative, Jonathan Losos, who was kind enough to answer some of our questions. Scroll down to find his insight in the text below.

#1

The Way Our Cat, Millie, Lets Us Know Someone Is Here

The Way Our Cat, Millie, Lets Us Know Someone Is Here

Barfsack Report

#2

A Few Weeks Ago I Adopted A 12-Year-Old Cat. She Buries Her Face In My Hand When She Wants More Love

A Few Weeks Ago I Adopted A 12-Year-Old Cat. She Buries Her Face In My Hand When She Wants More Love

FustyLuggz Report

#3

Who Could That Be?

Who Could That Be?

Heart-Bubbles Report

Professor of Biology, Director of the Living Earth Collaborative, and author of The Cat’s Meow: How Cats Evolved from the Savanna to Your Sofa, Jonathan Losos told Bored Panda that cat behavior is strongly influenced by three main factors, the first of them being how hungry they are.

“They’ll definitely let you know when they want food. Also, contrary to popular belief, cats are very trainable because they are so food-motivated. You can even train them to use a toilet,” he said.

The second factor is how secure they are, as cats are very place-oriented—they might become very nervous if you take them to an unfamiliar environment. Lastly, their behavior can also be influenced by how sleepy they are: “Everyone knows how much cats like to sleep,” the professor pointed out.

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#4

The Committee Against Vaccuum Cleaners

The Committee Against Vaccuum Cleaners

9999monkeys Report

#5

Theo Hasn’t Quite Mastered The Loaf, But He’s Got The Spirit And Looks Cute Trying

Theo Hasn’t Quite Mastered The Loaf, But He’s Got The Spirit And Looks Cute Trying

kttyfrncs Report

The level of hunger, security, and sleepiness can affect each individual cat differently (though, even these factors can’t really explain the actions of some felines on this list) but some things they do are pretty universal and familiar to most cat owners out there; kneading, for instance. 

“Kneading is a behavior that kittens of all feline species use when they’re nursing from mama cat,” Evolutionary biologist J. Losos told Bored Panda. “The rhythmic pushing on the mother’s abdomen probably helps keep the milk flowing. As anyone who lives with a cat knows, adult cats use the same behavior on a blanket or your belly. It clearly is a sign of contentment as the cat seems to go into a trance, making biscuits sometimes for several minutes before curling up and going to sleep. 

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“As far as we know, the domestic cat is the only feline that continues to knead as an adult; though some reports on the internet suggest that other species do so as well, but they are not well documented,” Losos added.

#6

My Cat When He Thinks There's No One Home

My Cat When He Thinks There's No One Home

Ralph_the_Cat Report

#7

My Cat Is Unbothered By Everything And Adores New Places And People. Today At The Vet’s Office She Was Purring So Loud The Doctor Couldn’t Hear Her Heartbeat

My Cat Is Unbothered By Everything And Adores New Places And People. Today At The Vet’s Office She Was Purring So Loud The Doctor Couldn’t Hear Her Heartbeat

The vet had to briefly cover her nose to stop the purring.

RezraRoze Report

#8

My Mom Didn’t Believe Me When I Tried To Explain How Odd Our Newest Rescue Is

My Mom Didn’t Believe Me When I Tried To Explain How Odd Our Newest Rescue Is

shitaki_taco Report

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Another activity favored by cats and witnessed by every single person who’s ever owned one is their inexplicable love for sleeping in boxes and other random places. Well, inexplicable until you start delving deeper into their evolution from a predator to a If I fits, I sits kind of ‘beast’.

“We need to think about what life is like for the ancestor of the domestic cat, the African wildcat,” Prof. Losos suggested. “This is a species that lives out on the African plains with a lot of larger predators, like lions, leopards, and hyenas. Bigger predators are notorious for killing smaller predators, so even though African wildcats are supreme predators, they are also prey and must always be on the lookout for danger. 

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“These behavioral tendencies are still present in housecats and that’s why they like to sleep in places that give them a sense of security. It’s also the reason cats like to get up on high places, so they can keep an eye out for danger and be away from ground-based trouble, like dogs and toddlers.”

#9

Learning How To Cat. Progress Is Slow

Learning How To Cat. Progress Is Slow

Maahee_2 Report

#10

The Kitten Will Only Stop Crying If I Hold Him Upside Down

The Kitten Will Only Stop Crying If I Hold Him Upside Down

violinfiddleman Report

#11

This Is Biscuit. We Moved Our Couch Today. Something Rattled Inside The Couch, So We Flipped It Over And Now I Know Why I’ve Had To Buy So Many Mice In The Past 3 Years

This Is Biscuit. We Moved Our Couch Today. Something Rattled Inside The Couch, So We Flipped It Over And Now I Know Why I’ve Had To Buy So Many Mice In The Past 3 Years

She has no remorse and is now snuggling with all 26 of them!

I_Like_Peaches_ Report

The switch from sleeping in strategically located places in the wild to a cushion on the sofa was far from the only thing that changed as the feline evolved from an African wildcat to something resembling Garfield. Jonathan Losos suggested that even their way of meowing was adjusted to their new lifestyle.

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“Everyone who lives with a cat knows they meow to us to communicate. I always assumed that cats meow to each other, and by meowing to us they were treating us as fellow cats. But that’s not correct. Researchers have shown that cats rarely meow to each other—they make many other sounds to communicate (hisses, growls, chirps), but not meows. 

“Meowing to us is a trait that evolved during domestication to allow them to communicate their needs and desires to us. In fact, the meow has changed from that of the African wildcat—it is shorter and higher-pitched and people rate it as more pleasing. Presumably, this change evolved to make us more receptive to what they have to say,” he explained.

#12

Today We Couldn’t Find Our Cat, So We Looked Out The Window And Saw This

Today We Couldn’t Find Our Cat, So We Looked Out The Window And Saw This

Rick1771 Report

#13

This Last-Second Photo I Just Took Of My Cat Stretching Her Arms And Sneezing. I’ve Been Uncontrollably Laughing For The Past 5 Minutes Now

This Last-Second Photo I Just Took Of My Cat Stretching Her Arms And Sneezing. I’ve Been Uncontrollably Laughing For The Past 5 Minutes Now

Saint__Bartholomew Report

#14

Caught My Cat Just Casually Living In A Different Realm Of Gravity

Caught My Cat Just Casually Living In A Different Realm Of Gravity

ClashIdeas Report

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Even though some things, such as kneading, meowing or sleeping in boxes, are typical to most domesticated cats, no two felines are the same, as they might have very different characters. The expert told Bored Panda that their character traits typically depend on their genetics and upbringing.

“Cats have different personalities that are the results of their genes: some breeds are very friendly or docile, others are very bold and outgoing. Just as with dogs, breeders have selected for different traits in different breeds,” he suggested.

“At the same time, how a cat is raised is critically important. Kittens have a key window of socialization from about 4-8 weeks in age. Kittens that spend a lot of time with people during this phase and are handled gently will tend to be friendly, well-adjusted pets. But kittens that aren’t handled by people in their first eight weeks often end up being more reserved, and those not handled until ten weeks of age will rarely become friendly to people, no matter how kindly they are subsequently treated. Puppies, too, have a critical window of socialization, but it is later, when they are seven to fourteen weeks old.”

#15

My Dad Bought A Cactus To Discourage Mingus From Getting On The Counter. Here's Mingus With The Cactus

My Dad Bought A Cactus To Discourage Mingus From Getting On The Counter. Here's Mingus With The Cactus

mristre Report

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#16

This Is How This Cat Loves To Sleep At The Grocery Store Near My House

This Is How This Cat Loves To Sleep At The Grocery Store Near My House

Fandina Report

#17

Got My Cat A Tent, I Think He Likes It

Got My Cat A Tent, I Think He Likes It

YeetLePotato Report

“This is the old ‘nature vs. nurture’ distinction and both are important,” Losos continued. “Even cats from extremely friendly breeds will not be very good pets if they aren’t handled as kittens, whereas offspring of unfriendly feral cats can grow up to be well-adjusted if handled frequently during the socialization window.”

#18

My Cat Is An Idiot But Adorable One

My Cat Is An Idiot But Adorable One

KingkongRS7 Report

#19

Luna Was Very Excited While Exploring Outside For The First Time

Luna Was Very Excited While Exploring Outside For The First Time

kinzygrace Report

#20

My Cat Just Came Back From One Of Her Evening Strolls With Someone Else's Keys In Her Mouth

My Cat Just Came Back From One Of Her Evening Strolls With Someone Else's Keys In Her Mouth

robrobxD Report

It might seem that some domestic cats tend to be highly independent and enjoy their own company more than anyone else’s. However, according to Losos, cats are in no way aloof loners. “When they live in areas with lots of cats—as happens when there is a lot of food available—cats form into social groups composed of related females,” he told Bored Panda.

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“These females are very friendly to other members of their group, lying together, grooming, playing, even nursing each other’s kittens and serving as midwives during birth. In this way, the social behavior of domestic cats is similar to that of lions, another species that occurs where food can be very abundant.”

#21

A Siberian Kitten My Friend Has Is So Photogenic

A Siberian Kitten My Friend Has Is So Photogenic

dreamersland Report

#22

A Shop Owner Modified His Attic To Accommodate His Cats. Now He Is Under Constant Observation

A Shop Owner Modified His Attic To Accommodate His Cats. Now He Is Under Constant Observation

9999monkeys Report

#23

I Think This Is Derp Enough

I Think This Is Derp Enough

alamperwira89 Report

Whether more of a loner or not, a housecat has certain needs that have to be met in order for it to live its best life. Prof. Losos pointed out that one of the main things, other than taking care of the cat’s needs for food, shelter, veterinary care, etc., is giving it a stimulating life.

“Cats are intelligent, curious creatures and they need an interesting life—boredom can lead to the development of undesirable behaviors and even health problems. Play with your cats frequently and provide them with lots of new objects and situations; even moving a box to a new place is intriguing to them! Keeping cats indoors protects them from cars, coyotes and other threats, and is also good for the environment, but such cats are particularly in need of mental stimulation.”

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#24

I Submit One Leg For Your Consideration

I Submit One Leg For Your Consideration

smolprincess928 Report

#25

I'm Pretty Convinced That I Have The World's Clingiest Cat. This Is What Happens When I Tell Him He Can't Sit On My Lap While I'm Trying To Work

I'm Pretty Convinced That I Have The World's Clingiest Cat. This Is What Happens When I Tell Him He Can't Sit On My Lap While I'm Trying To Work

scarletcyanide Report

#26

Our Cat Often Hangs Like This

Our Cat Often Hangs Like This

Bomurang Report

If you find cats as fascinating as we do, make sure to view our previous edition of simply ‘Unexplainable Cat Images’ here and browse some more pictures of the adorable goofy felines.

#27

I’m Remodeling My Basement And All The Ceiling Tiles Were Just Removed. I Found My Cat Like This

I’m Remodeling My Basement And All The Ceiling Tiles Were Just Removed. I Found My Cat Like This

proffie Report

#28

Just Started Dating A Girl After Being Single For A Long Time. My Cat Was Transfixed By The First Sight Of A Bobby Pin

Just Started Dating A Girl After Being Single For A Long Time. My Cat Was Transfixed By The First Sight Of A Bobby Pin

ThatBluBlockerGuy Report

#29

This Is Osha, The Cat I Found On A Construction Site. His Hobbies Include Boxes And Not Letting Us Sleep

This Is Osha, The Cat I Found On A Construction Site. His Hobbies Include Boxes And Not Letting Us Sleep

mhaydar Report

#30

Taken From My Parents’ Kitchen Window. They Don’t Have Any Cats

Taken From My Parents’ Kitchen Window. They Don’t Have Any Cats

AllHanceOnDeck Report

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#31

There Was A Fly. I Got It

There Was A Fly. I Got It

floppy_genitals Report

#32

My Mother-In-Law's Cat Is Obsessed With Shrimp. She Makes This Face Whenever There Is Shrimp On The Table

My Mother-In-Law's Cat Is Obsessed With Shrimp. She Makes This Face Whenever There Is Shrimp On The Table

DrAbro Report

#33

Don’t Drop The Catnip

Don’t Drop The Catnip

HopeThisHelps90 Report

#34

Brad Heard A Bird Out The Window And This Is How He Decided To Check It Out

Brad Heard A Bird Out The Window And This Is How He Decided To Check It Out

nnuminex Report

#35

I Literally Looked Away From Him For 5 Seconds

I Literally Looked Away From Him For 5 Seconds

StormofRavens Report

#36

That's It... I'm Done. I Am Done Buying Things For My Cat

That's It... I'm Done. I Am Done Buying Things For My Cat

thefoxsay Report

#37

I Know Cats Like To Sleep In Weird Positions, But This Is Probably The Most Ridiculous

I Know Cats Like To Sleep In Weird Positions, But This Is Probably The Most Ridiculous

Vo1x Report

#38

Gizmo's Not The Brightest Tool In The Shed

Gizmo's Not The Brightest Tool In The Shed

scissorbritches Report

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#39

I Think She's Broken (She Looks At Me Like This Every Time I'm Chopping Onions)

I Think She's Broken (She Looks At Me Like This Every Time I'm Chopping Onions)

Kris-P Report

#40

It Really Is Her Preferred Way Of Walking

It Really Is Her Preferred Way Of Walking

reddit.com Report

#41

Solved: Why My Pants Always Have A Line Of Cat Fur Across The Leg

Solved: Why My Pants Always Have A Line Of Cat Fur Across The Leg

ZZbrew Report

#42

He Just Seems To Fall Over Anywhere When He Needs A Nap. I’ve Never Seen Anything Quite Like It

He Just Seems To Fall Over Anywhere When He Needs A Nap. I’ve Never Seen Anything Quite Like It

tusabrat Report

#43

Cat Is Surprised

Cat Is Surprised

SuperSeagull01 Report

#44

We Moved, He's Lost Some Chonk, But It's Still His Favorite Sitting Position

We Moved, He's Lost Some Chonk, But It's Still His Favorite Sitting Position

abigailfrillywho Report

#45

All I Did Was Touch Her And She Looked At The Spot Like I Violated Her

All I Did Was Touch Her And She Looked At The Spot Like I Violated Her

littlebittyoctober Report

#46

Terrifying Sight When You Are Just Trying To Take A Bath

Terrifying Sight When You Are Just Trying To Take A Bath

debA_yorT Report

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#47

If I Fits, I Sits. Christmas Edition

If I Fits, I Sits. Christmas Edition

wilderiappeared Report

#48

How Is This Comfortable?

How Is This Comfortable?

nmdez Report

#49

Dinner Is Probably Not Going To Taste Great

Dinner Is Probably Not Going To Taste Great

Bean--Sidhe Report

#50

My Cat Always Finds The Most Unusual Positions Comfy

My Cat Always Finds The Most Unusual Positions Comfy

catamount1000 Report

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#51

Spike Has Never Been Like Other Cats. Here He Is Retrieving An Ice Cube

Spike Has Never Been Like Other Cats. Here He Is Retrieving An Ice Cube

reddit.com Report

#52

I Was Repotting My Agave When I Looked Inside And Saw My Cat Like This

I Was Repotting My Agave When I Looked Inside And Saw My Cat Like This

VQ37HR911 Report

#53

There Were Birds Outside

There Were Birds Outside

j0lle Report

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#54

Peter Was Extraordinarily Helpful Moving The Mattress Upstairs

Peter Was Extraordinarily Helpful Moving The Mattress Upstairs

Puzzleheaded_Ad6097 Report

#55

These Cats

These Cats

Ryozuo Report

#56

Putting In Screen Doors For Warmer Weather, My Cat Thinks I Moved The Door

Putting In Screen Doors For Warmer Weather, My Cat Thinks I Moved The Door

pi3monkeytaco Report

#57

Sup?

Sup?

zeHerrDanIII Report

#58

Piggy Believed That The “Onesie” She Was Forced To Wear Had Stolen Her Power To Walk

Piggy Believed That The “Onesie” She Was Forced To Wear Had Stolen Her Power To Walk

SweetPeaBee23 Report

#59

Caught In The Act

Caught In The Act

DedlySnek Report

#60

What A Great View

What A Great View

RareBiscotti5 Report

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#61

Let Meow Out

Let Meow Out

superbialm Report

#62

Are You Ok, Sir?

Are You Ok, Sir?

bringmeahigherlove Report

#63

Just Rescued An Adult Cat. He Loves Sticks, Rods, Poles, Rulers, And Anything Long And Straight. I Love Him And All Of His Weirdness

Just Rescued An Adult Cat. He Loves Sticks, Rods, Poles, Rulers, And Anything Long And Straight. I Love Him And All Of His Weirdness

yungPH Report

#64

How And Why

How And Why

FoolishCheese_YT Report

#65

Plant Threat Eradicated

Plant Threat Eradicated

ttoteno Report

#66

Just Noodle Relaxing Comfortably On Her Bunk Bed

Just Noodle Relaxing Comfortably On Her Bunk Bed

BeansandWeiss Report

#67

He Is Watching You

He Is Watching You

reddit.com Report

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#68

My Cat Hiding From The New Kitten. Good Job

My Cat Hiding From The New Kitten. Good Job

Apprehensive-Use-993 Report

#69

Got A Weird Looking Cat In The Trap

Got A Weird Looking Cat In The Trap

SquishyLightpole Report

#70

She Usually Sits On Top Of The Fish Tank To Misbehave But I Put A Lemon On Top And She Doesn't Know What To Do

She Usually Sits On Top Of The Fish Tank To Misbehave But I Put A Lemon On Top And She Doesn't Know What To Do

bugfossil Report

#71

My Cat Stands In Unusual Places

My Cat Stands In Unusual Places

Gabethegreek Report

#72

Seems Like A Comfortable Spot For A Nap

Seems Like A Comfortable Spot For A Nap

Ok-Freedom4789 Report

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#73

Magic Kitty

Magic Kitty

OpenAd1895 Report

#74

He Does This Often. Guess He Needs His Morning Pep Talk

He Does This Often. Guess He Needs His Morning Pep Talk

West_Objective3300 Report

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#75

It's Friday The 13th And Dexter The Oriental Shorthair Seems To Have Seen A Ghost

It's Friday The 13th And Dexter The Oriental Shorthair Seems To Have Seen A Ghost

wanderingfern Report

#76

Hugo's Favorite Cuddle Position Is Head Down

Hugo's Favorite Cuddle Position Is Head Down

Cinderellas-robot Report

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#77

Caught My Cat Sunbathing Today

Caught My Cat Sunbathing Today

Acacia_Silence Report

#78

Someone Call The Priest

Someone Call The Priest

naminatmi Report

#79

This Is How My Little Guy Sleeps

This Is How My Little Guy Sleeps

SatanInHel Report

#80

This Is Why Cats Need 9 Lives. Because They Do Stupid Stuff Like This

This Is Why Cats Need 9 Lives. Because They Do Stupid Stuff Like This

TheJMoore Report

#81

Why I Love Being A Cat

Why I Love Being A Cat

dugFreshness Report

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#82

Is That A Ghost?

Is That A Ghost?

-Katarina_ Report

#83

Fruit, Anyone?

Fruit, Anyone?

GlitteringHeart2929 Report

#84

Our Three Dedicated Hunters Watch Over The Kitchen At Night

Our Three Dedicated Hunters Watch Over The Kitchen At Night

ghostead Report

#85

My Cat Got Stuck In A Yard Game

My Cat Got Stuck In A Yard Game

Alternative-Term-959 Report

#86

I Dropped Her Water Dish And She Took Off

I Dropped Her Water Dish And She Took Off

jedzef Report

Add photo comments
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#87

He Likes To Sleep Like This

He Likes To Sleep Like This

valdelaseras Report

#88

Caught This Guy Trying To Steal My Yogurt

Caught This Guy Trying To Steal My Yogurt

reddit.com Report

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#89

I Don't Know What Happened Here

I Don't Know What Happened Here

Juudys Report

#90

I’m Drunk And I Tried To Take A Selfie With My Cat. She Was Startled

I’m Drunk And I Tried To Take A Selfie With My Cat. She Was Startled

theOG_Stan Report