Last updated Dec 21, 2022
We know that cats are funny little beings. Their antics can keep us entertained for hours on end. Anyone who has ever cohabitated with a cat they’ve spent much of their time observing them and laughing at all the interesting things that they do. We find humor in our cats’ antics, but do cats know they’re funny? Or, better yet, do cats have a sense of humor? Let’s take a closer look…
Your Cat Has a Broad Range of Feelings and Emotions.
While our cats speak to us with their meows and body language, they do possess the ability to sense many feelings and emotions. (A fundamental difference between feelings and emotions is that feelings are experienced consciously, while emotions manifest either consciously or subconsciously.)
Your cat can become sad, your cat can be anxious, your cat can be silly, and your cat can find humor in things, too. Cats are individuals by nature, meaning that there are certain cats might find more entertainment in humorous things than others. We are always amused by our cats and their crazy cat antics, so it begs the question, “do our cats do this to amuse us?” If you think your cat is being funny on purpose, then you are probably right!
Your Cat Probably Finds You Not Only Interesting but Funny, Too.
The next time you trip over your cat, know that your cat finds this—and you—amusing.
It’s true that cats and dogs perceive humans differently, and some experts have gone as far as to say that cats perceive humans as big, clumsy cats. National Geographic caught up with author and cat behaviorist John Bradshaw, who hypothesizes that cats don’t really understand us the way that dogs do. John shared with National Geographic that,
“We’ve yet to discover anything about cat behavior that suggests they have a separate box they put us in when they’re socializing with us. They obviously know we’re bigger than them, but they don’t seem to have adapted their social behavior much. Putting their tails up in the air, rubbing around our legs, and sitting beside us and grooming us are exactly what cats do to each other… cats behave toward us in a way that’s indistinguishable from [how] they would act toward other cats. They do think we’re clumsy: Not many cats trip over people, but we trip over cats.”
So, the next time you trip over your cat, know that your cat finds this—and you—amusing.
Does Your Cat Act Up as a Way To Amuse Themselves?
When your cat displays classic naughty cat behavior, try not to take it too personally.
When your cat displays classic naughty cat behavior, try not to take it too personally. It might seem somewhat planned or perhaps even strangely coincidental when it occurs, but your cat is not a spiteful being despite those glaring looks of disapproval they send your way.
Your cat is very calculating in their actions, but they do not find humor in sending your antique vase to the ground in a million tiny pieces. Or swinging from your expensive curtains, or even throwing up a fresh hairball on your favorite sweater.
Even though it might seem that way, we assure you that they don’t behave out of spite—even if you’ve just gotten back from a trip to the vet.
BBC Earth shares that,
Cats also appear to enjoy engaging in a variety of mischievous behaviours, but this could be merely an attempt to attract attention rather than showing off their humorous side. And so, as far as science goes, it seems that cats are incapable of laughter and you can be comforted to know that your cat isn’t laughing at you. Though, if they did ever acquire the ability to do so, we suspect they would.
Your Cat Enjoys Amusing Themselves.
Your cat might spend upwards of 15 hours a day asleep, but that does not mean that they always loaf around whenever they’re awake. Cats like to keep their minds stimulated in many ways. If you’re wondering if your cat has a sense of humor, think about the crazy cat antics they display through zoomies, crab walks, and general cat silliness.
Cats will be cats, as they say, and it’s a well-known fact that cats have a silly side to them. And, in the minds of many cat lovers, it’s one of their most endearing qualities. Just like humans, each cat is different. So, with that being said, there will be some cats that are simply funnier and sillier than other cats.
Establish playtime rituals and indoor enrichment for your cat to prevent them from becoming bored, which can lead to excessive eating, meowing, and general boredom. And don’t hesitate to be silly with your cat. Because chances are, they’ll thoroughly enjoy it! Most cats love playing, and you are one of their favorite people to play with because you mean so much to them.
Cats in the Wild Lack Emotion as a Way To Protect Themselves.
big cats do not show emotion as a way to protect themselves.
Although our mini panthers and cats in the wild share many traits, they also have many stark differences when you compare them. For example, big cats do not show emotion as a way to protect themselves. This is because, in their minds, displaying emotions is a sign of weakness, and being caught off-guard could cost them their lives.
Your cat at home doesn’t have to worry about being hunted by a predator or where their next meal is coming from, so they have the opportunity to let their guard down around you, a person they trust.
Have you ever wondered if cats will fake a limp for sympathy? The answer might just surprise you. Read all about it here on Cats.com.
Our red burmese cat has developed a little habit that certainly seems to suggest he has a sense of humour. Whenever my wife gets up from her seat on the sofa (he doesn’t do it to me for some reason), or when he sees her returning, he immediately jumps into the spot where she has been sitting and rolls over on his back.
It’s almost like a child taking someone else’s seat away from them as a laugh. Obviously, our at cannot laugh, but he seems to delight in taking her seat from her just before she sits down. It still makes us laugh every time he does it.