Why does my cat do this?

Question

I am new to cats. We always had dogs growing up. I now have my first cat, a sweet female maine coon (spayed). But I'm still learning to understand the differences in how cats and dogs behave. Why does she do the following things:
1. Open up those perfume samples in women's magazines and roll in them.
2. Sit on each piece of paper in the house, once, when it first arrives (I am a teacher, so the cat has to sit on about 90 student papers a month).
3. Insist of sleeping on top of me. (It's a big bed, but she always sleeps on me.)
4. Get along fine with every other species of mammal except other cats (I had a baby raccoon in my spare bedroom for two days before I discovered it, the cat got along fine with it, but will try to eviscerate other cats on sight).
5. Sleep 20 hours out of 24. (She gets cranky and sleep deprived if she misses even one.)
6. Only eat kibble. She runs away from wet food, any wet food, as if I'm assaulting her with it.
7. Change her sleeping spot every two weeks.

Answer 1

Hi there...congratulations to the world of unique nature of cats. Each are very individual as to why they do the things they do and like dogs do them for various reasons since they are individual personalities like dogs and humans. No two are alike in the same situation.

1. Cats like the small pieces of paper to play with and some scents have pheromones that are enticing to them.
2. Paper and cardboard items keep their bodies warm and they like the texture of paper products--they also like to be involved with whatever we our doing so paperwork is your vocation and she wants to feel a part of this endeavour.
3. She is very bonded to you and feel the need to be close as possible--this is very special and not all cats do this.
4. Cats are very territorial and don't like competition. Many cats generally will react aggressively with other critters, however your girl is the exception.
5. Cats in general sleep on average between 13-18 hours a day. http://www.petplace.com/cats/sleep-behavior-of-cats/page1.aspx This is an instinctual behaviour so they can use the reserve energy for hunting as well as playing and eating.
6. Some cats are finicky eaters and it's best not to try to change their habits or they become worse. http://www.ajc.com/news/content/shared/living/pets/Rx/RX052206.html
7. Cats love to lounge in various places for a variety. It's another way to show ownership of their territory.

Answer 2

She sounds like a very normal cat to me - congratulations! My 4 cats fight to see who gets to be first to sit on the newspaper every time we bring it into the house. My oldest cat (age 10) has been sleeping on top of me since she was a kitten. They all sleep about 18-20 hours a day. All are finicky about what food we give them... yes - you have a normal cat - be happy.

Answer 3

1. No idea. Maybe she likes the smell.
2. Because she wants to play.
3. Because you're warm and she likes hearing your heart beat.
4. I think she must feel threatened.
5. Kittens need LOTS of sleep. Don't wake her up. You don't like being woken up when you're so tired and young.
6. Change to a higher quality food or just stick with the dry stuff; it's cheaper anyway!
7. Because she doesn't always want to sleep in one spot. How boring for a little kitty!