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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 some 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.

#3

A Love Story Better Than Twilight

A Love Story Better Than Twilight

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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 their 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."

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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."

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#9

Thumbs Up

Thumbs Up

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cat?
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yeah boss man gave me the thumbs up on it so we’re good to go

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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."

#11

Happy 2022

Happy 2022

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M M
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Worship the God Cat. S/he has come to judge those who are worthy.

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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."

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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

The Chances Of You Getting Killed By A Cat Are Low, But Never Zero

The Chances Of You Getting Killed By A Cat Are Low, But Never Zero

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#15

I Have To Do Everything In This House

I Have To Do Everything In This House

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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."

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#18

Trust No One, Not Even Yourself

Trust No One, Not Even Yourself

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Inella
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG, this is an awesome pic! It took me a few seconds to figure out what was going on LOL

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Lunerwolf101gaming
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

anyone notice the reflection is looking at the cat but the cat is looking up

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Lucy Hansen
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10 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

BRO GUYS LOOK AT THE REFLECTION! SERIOUSLY! THE REAL CAT IS LOOKING AT US BUT THE REFLECTION IS NOT!!!!!!!!!!!! IT IS ACTUALLY CURSED BRO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Lynda Zachery
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone’s watching me through the mirror! Should I be afraid?

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Reya Podgorsek-Ellis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Has anyone noticed that the cat in the mirror isn't following the cats moves

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Ruth Harper
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My Joanna sees her reflection in the porch door at night. Then she demands that we let her out to confront this invading cat.

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Anonymouse
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait... If that's a mirror, why is the reflection looking the wrong way? *gulps quietly*

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Diana G
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

ok thats terrifying i know its like photoshopped but still

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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.

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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

A Mimir

A Mimir

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M M
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My current kitty used to drool so much when she was a kitten she'd leave puddles beneath her. A couple times, while staring at me from her (high) perch, I'd watch it drip down into her nose and she'd sneeze. Drooling is normally a behavior associated with complete relaxation and happiness, so I always love seeing drooling kitties - they are being well taken care of.

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#23

I Have No Idea What I Am Doing

I Have No Idea What I Am Doing

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M M
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A physics student! It doesn't even matter if they are feline or human at that point...

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"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.

#30

They Are Growing In Trees Now

They Are Growing In Trees Now

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#33

Enjoying His Air Mattress

Enjoying His Air Mattress

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#34

Another Kaiju Captured

Another Kaiju Captured

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M M
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a future I'd like to live in, even if it wouldn't be for very long.

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#37

Flat

Flat

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Nimues Child
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish cats could teach me how to be so bonelessly content and happy.

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#38

Kinda Sus

Kinda Sus

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Winter
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This looks like a chocolate Easter bunny that sat in a hot car all afternoon.

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#42

Just Chillin

Just Chillin

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Devil child
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It was a long day at the cat food factory just gonna rest my eyes Susan. Picture taken 2 seconds after.

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#45

I Guess She's Having Internet Issues Again

I Guess She's Having Internet Issues Again

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#48

Don't Forget To Drink Water

Don't Forget To Drink Water

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Susan Bosse
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We have to put cases of water away because TJ will sharpen her claws on them and ends up puncturing the lids. I was shocked that the lids are so super thin. I didn't believe my son at first when he told me she was the culprit.

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#50

He's Back To Get Revenge

He's Back To Get Revenge

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M M
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never allow this cat access to a Delorean. Our entire present and future may be destroyed.

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Note: this post originally had 106 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.