8 out of 10 cat owners are baffled by their unusual behaviour – from ignoring scratching posts to bringing in dead mice

EIGHT out of 10 cat owners are baffled by their pet's unusual behaviour which includes ignoring scratching posts to bringing in dead mice.

A poll of 2,000 cat owners revealed 47 per cent "don’t get" their furry friend - with 87 per cent feeling stumped by their quirky behaviours.

The feline’s superpower of being able to differentiate the opening of a treat packet over a salad bag is what confuses them the most.

While their persistent clawing of furniture instead of scratching posts and random outbreak of five-minute "zoomies" also featured on the top 30 list of weirdest cat traits.

Despite their strange ways, 65 per cent wouldn't change a thing about their fluffy friend, with 53 per cent finding most things they do hilarious.

The research was commissioned by Wisdom Panel in an effort to bring us closer to these fascinating felines.

Partnering with The Scratching Post rescue charity during a time when abandonment cases are at an all-time high, the DNA testing company has launched the world’s first catwalk for cats as fashion week draws to a close.

It showcases their diversity and beauty while inspiring cat adoption - because no one does a catwalk like a cat.

Susan Delaney, founder of The Scratching Post, said: “The past few months have been incredibly challenging for rescue charities.

“Shelters have always struggled with abandonment, however the cost-of-living crisis has definitely contributed to more people having to part ways with their pets.

“Adoptions have also been impacting, reducing by 40 per cent since pre pandemic levels, which unfortunately is causing rehoming centres to hit crisis point.

“It was fun to showcase the personalities of our cats that are available for adoption, whilst also celebrating global fashion weeks.”

Other bizarre cat behaviours baffling Brits include their obsession with empty boxes, why they lie down on clothes you’ve laid on the bed to wear – and their fussiness over food brands.

The mystery of how they can suddenly go from cuddling to ‘attack mode’ with seemingly no warning also appeared on the list.

The average cat-owner has four felines in their lifetime with 39 per cent admitting their current one is their ‘best friend’.

Unsurprisingly, 56 per cent admit they find it hard to resist treating their own cat despite over a third (36 per cent) suspecting it goes from house-to house hoovering up other people’s offerings.

More than half (55 per cent) believe each cat has many different personalities with 52 per cent wishing they could speak with their cat if it somehow managed to learn their language.

And according to the OnePoll study, almost half (48 per cent) go as far as "meowing" back as a way of communicating.

Georgina Richardson, head of Wisdom Panel UK, said: “Each feline catwalk model was tested with our new DNA kits - screening for 70+ breeds and populations, 45+ genetic health conditions, blood type and 25+ physical trait tests.

“We were thrilled to have ITV This Morning’s vet Dr Scott Miller present the results at the event, uncovering the unique traits and genetic makeup of each rescue cat.

“We really want to encourage potential cat-owners to consider adoption and to do it properly by DNA testing them first in order to truly understand them.”