We like to think of our cats as little couch potatoes with cute toe beans, but the truth is… they’re not really domesticated. Sure, they live in our homes, nap on our pillows, and (sometimes) let us pet them—but deep down, they’re still wild at heart. In fact, science shows that the DNA of our house cats is 95.6% identical to that of a Siberian tiger. Yep. That little fluffball stalking your toes under the covers? Basically a miniature jungle cat.
And when you start noticing their behavior, it becomes very clear.
Let’s break it down.
1. Burying Food They Don’t Want
Ever see your cat pawing at the floor around their food bowl like they’re trying to bury it? That’s not weird behavior—it’s survival instinct. In the wild, big cats will bury or cover up leftover food to hide the scent from predators and scavengers. Our cats are doing the exact same thing, even though the only “predator” nearby might be the vacuum cleaner.
2. Avoiding the Water Bowl
If you’ve ever worried about your cat not drinking enough water, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: cats are designed to get moisture from their food. Wild cats rarely drink standing water. Instead, they rely on the high moisture content from raw prey. This is one reason why a dry food-only diet just doesn’t cut it. Our feline companions need a moisture-rich diet to stay hydrated and healthy.
3. They’re Obligate Carnivores
Cats aren’t just meat-lovers. They’re obligate carnivores, which means they must eat meat to survive. Their bodies are not equipped to break down plant matter the way omnivores can. In the wild, their prey provides all the nutrients they need—bones, organs, blood, fur, and all. It’s why fresh, species-appropriate meat is so important for our indoor cats. They may not be chasing down mice, but their biology still expects them to.
4. Hunting for Sport (Even When Not Hungry)
Ever had your cat kill a toy mouse, toss it in the air, and strut around like a jungle panther? That’s not just playtime—it’s instinct. Cats in the wild hunt multiple times a day, not necessarily because they’re hungry, but because it’s what they’re wired to do. Our house cats have the same drive, which is why interactive play and hunting-style enrichment is so important.
5. Zoomies at 3 AM
You know the drill. The sun goes down, the lights go out, and your cat decides it’s time to run laps around the house like they’re being chased by an invisible cheetah. That’s because cats are crepuscular—most active at dawn and dusk. In the wild, these are prime hunting hours. Your cat doesn’t care that you have a 7 AM meeting. Their inner tiger says it’s go time.
6. Stalking and Ambushing
Have you ever watched your cat freeze, wiggle, and pounce at the tiniest movement? That’s the textbook behavior of a predator. Stalking. Ambushing. Pouncing. It’s how wild cats hunt—and our house cats are still doing it. Whether it’s a bug on the wall or your ankle under the blanket, their instincts take over.
7. Territorial Marking
Head butts, scratching furniture, rubbing their face on everything you own—these are all ways cats mark their territory. They have scent glands in their cheeks, paws, and even their tails. In the wild, this helps them claim and maintain their space. In your home? It’s why that new couch has become their personal scratch post. This isn’t bad behavior. It’s biology.
The truth is, our beloved house cats are still very much wild animals. They may not be roaming the savannah or scaling icy cliffs, but their instincts are alive and well. And the more we understand and respect those instincts, the better we can care for them—not as little humans in furry suits, but as the incredible animals they really are.
Because at the end of the day… your cat might nap in a sunbeam and cuddle under a blanket, but they’ll always be a tiger on the inside.
→ Let them be wild. Even if they must do it from the comfort of your home.
Recent Comments