Unraveling the Mystery of Cat Hurling

Cat hurling is one of the most puzzling behaviors that felines exhibit. It happens when your cat suddenly jumps up and runs away at full speed, as if being chased by an invisible enemy. Then, it stops abruptly, twirls around and starts to hiss and growl, and finally hurls its body towards the nearest piece of furniture, wall, or your leg, clawing at it and biting it with a ferocious intensity. If you’ve seen your cat do this, you’ve probably wondered what on earth is going on in its head.

The truth is that cat hurling is a natural instinct that has been honed by millions of years of evolution. It is a behavior rooted in hunting, playing, and self-defense. When a cat sees a prey, whether real or imaginary, its brain triggers a series of responses that prepare its body for the chase and the capture. These responses include the release of adrenaline, the dilation of the pupils, the tensing of the muscles, and the sharpening of the senses. The cat becomes hyper-alert, hyper-focused, and hyper-aggressive, ready to pounce on its target with all its might.

However, sometimes the prey is not there, or it is out of reach, or it disappears suddenly. This creates a cognitive dissonance in the cat’s brain: it is primed for action, but there is no action to take. In such a situation, the cat may redirect its energy and frustration towards the nearest object or person that resembles the prey or the predator. This can result in cat hurling, which may seem cute or funny at first, but can be dangerous or painful for the cat and the human involved.

Paws-itively Hilarious Reasons Behind it!

Despite the serious nature of cat hurling, there are some hilarious and unexpected reasons why cats do it. For example, some cats hurl because they are bored or understimulated. They may see the world as a dull and predictable place, and crave some excitement and challenge. When they don’t get it, they may invent their own games and scenarios, such as chasing their own tails, attacking invisible foes, or hurling themselves against the wall.

Another reason why cats hurl is that they are overstimulated or overwhelmed. This can happen when they are exposed to too much noise, light, or activity, or when they are in a new or unfamiliar environment. They may feel anxious, insecure, or threatened, and resort to cat hurling as a way to vent their emotions and release their tension. This can be a sign that the cat needs some quiet time, a safe space, or some reassurance from their human.

Lastly, some cats may hurl simply because they can. They may enjoy the sensation of flying through the air, or the satisfaction of scratching and biting a soft and responsive surface. They may also like the attention they get from their human, who might laugh or gasp or yell when they see the cat hurling. For these cats, cat hurling is a form of entertainment, a way to express their personality and their quirks, and a reminder that they are unique and special creatures.