Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How Odd Behavior Defines Felines: Olga’s Strange Ways

Share

This is my chair, not yours!

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.

After spending too much time watching cat videos, you may be envious that your cat can’t play the piano, ride on top of a robotic vacuum, conduct an orchestra, or join you when you go hang gliding. Influencer felines have set a high bar, and it’s better to appreciate your pet’s unique traits rather than train them to best the top cats online. Although Olga isn’t a show cat or internet star, her odd behavior keeps me entertained and confirms that cats benefit their owners’ mental health.

Olga with her paws on the door
Where’s my constant attention?

divider 2 cats

Misbehaving for Attention

Cat owners understand that bored felines can be destructive, and Olga usually takes out her aggression on my blinds, doors, and antique furniture when she wants attention. She doesn’t dive into the blinds as often anymore, but she’ll sit on the windowsill and use her head to knock the blinds, which are pulled up halfway so she can see outside, into the window when I ignore her.

When Olga wants to make a bold statement about being neglected, she’ll slam the bedroom door. She wiggles between the door and the wall to open it slightly, gets on her hind legs, and pushes forward with her front paws. She can open it by grabbing the door handle and pulling it back, but sometimes, she gets frustrated and whines for help.

If she wants to play when I’m using my ancient fold-out desk, she’ll paw the brass drawer handles or lick the varnish. I push her away when she licks the wood; she’s never done it compulsively, but she’ll lick the headboard of my bed if I sleep too late. It’s louder than you would think and sounds like someone is trying to disassemble the bed.

She also likes to climb around her favorite chair like a jungle cat when I enter the room. It signals that she wants me to throw a paper ball for her to play with or chase the three-pronged plant holder toy.

Olga with her strange toys
I’m ready to play!

Leading the Way

One of her unusual habits that has nothing to do with boredom is leading the way to her food bowl. After I wake up, she ensures that my priority is walking to the kitchen to fill her bowl. She walks in front of me slowly and whines if I veer off the path to hit the light switch or grab the TV remote. If I walk in front of her and move away from the kitchen, she hits me on the back of the leg.

How far can I slide without falling
How far can I slide without falling?

divider 2 cats

Sleeping in Unusual Positions

Like every cat, Olga has a preferred position to sleep, but although she’s intelligent, she is unaware of gravity. She’s always on the verge of falling when she curls up in my lap or on the edge of a chair. She likes to live (sleep) dangerously and picks the edge of the bed or chair instead of the middle. Fortunately, she doesn’t fall very often, but even if she did, I don’t think it would convince her to adopt a safer sleeping position.

This article is a part of Christopher and Olga's series.

See also:

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Ask Dr. Paola – Help! My Cat Suddenly Has Dandruff! (March 30, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

Your Cat Keeps Vomiting After Eating: Here’s What’s Going On

Cats vomit. It’s one of the less glamorous facts of life with a feline, and most cat owners have cleaned up more than...

Ask Dr. Paola – Help! My Cat Gets Diarrhea from Wet Food! (March 23, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

Cat Shampoo Alternatives That Are Already in Your House

If your cat has ever gotten into something disgusting and you’ve found yourself without cat shampoo, we’re here to help. Before you panic...

More related

Ask Dr. Paola – Help! My Cat Has Runny Poops! (February 9, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

9 Best Cat Food Storage Containers of 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Kibble or dry pellets are great food options for cats. Unfortunately, most of these products come in poor packaging, which compromises long-term storage....

Can Cats Feel Love? Vet Reviewed Facts & Considerations

Very few cat owners around the planet would dare utter the possibility that their cat can’t feel love. After all, what are all...

Catster Photo Contest: Cats of the Week Winners (November 20, 2025)

Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what cats will win this weeks contest! See...

Keep reading

Why Does My Cat Steal Things From Me? 10 Vet-Reviewed Assumptions

As cat owners, we know our felines are capable of many strange behaviors, but one of the weirdest has to be when they steal things from us and hide them away. Many cat parents have stories about their pets stealing...

maine coon cat with toy in his mouth

How Do Gravity Cat Feeders Work? Vet-Verified Pros, Cons & Price Guide

Pet care has gotten more involved and complicated as time goes on and we learn more about how to optimally care for our pets. Cats are naturally more self-sufficient than dogs and can typically go longer periods without their humans...

cat eating food from automatic feeder

How Do Cats Grieve? The 7 Vet-Reviewed Ways They Show Mourning

Any cat owner knows that cats are interesting and peculiar creatures. Most march to the beat of their own drum, and sometimes, it’s hard to decipher a cat’s feelings and emotions. Cats are masters of hiding when they’re sick, but...

sad, bored or sick cat

6 Vet-Reviewed Reasons Why Cats Drool & What to Do About It

Cats are much less likely to drool than dogs, which is why the phrase, “Cats rule, and dogs drool,” is so appropriate. In fact, some cats have never been seen to drool in their lifetime. However, other cats might do...

Orange stray cat drooling with one hand scratch its chin

4 Best Oral Flea Treatments for Cats in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Like dogs, cats need regular flea medication to keep the pernicious little bloodsuckers off your cat’s silky fur. Fleas can transmit several dangerous pathogens to your kitty, from bacterial infections to tapeworms, as well as serious conditions, such as anemia...

young woman giving cat a tablet pill

Are Cats Independent? What Science Tells Us (Vet-Reviewed Info)

Cats are considered the go-to pets for people who work long hours because they’re thought to be more independent than dogs, according to a study by the University of Lincoln.1 They observed whether cats exhibit behavior in which they see...

ragdoll cat with blue eyes standing outdoors in nature

Cat Mammary Cancer: When to Euthanize: Vet-Approved Guide & FAQ

You know that you’ll have to make a difficult decision when you find out that your beloved pet is reaching the end of their life. Unfortunately, mammary cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer in cats, and...

vet checking up the cat

Why Do Cats Like Squeezing into Tight Spaces? 7 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Cats have many strange behaviors that can include chattering, kneading, headbutting, and more, but one of the strangest has to be their desire to squeeze into tight spots that seem to be way too small for comfort. If your pet...

bengal-cat-hiding-in-a-drawer

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.