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Bored Panda

Gabija Palšytė

46 Cats Plotting, During Or In The Aftermath Of Their Crimes

Mikel Delgado Behavior

Cats are naturally full of playful curiosity, driven by their instincts to hunt, explore, and observe their surroundings. Sometimes they have a weird way of doing that, getting themselves in all kinds of shenanigans, from being stuck in blinds to raiding the pantry when owners aren’t looking. Their stealth while doing so resembles a criminal, but thanks to their cuteness, they avoid spending their nine lives behind bars.

Many instances of such feline tomfoolery can be found over on the ‘Crime Cats’ subreddit, which we scoured to create your purrfect Wednesday pick-me-up. Scroll down to find it below, and don’t forget to upvote your favorites!

While you're at it, make sure to check out a conversation with the creator of the ‘Crime Cats’ subreddit, who kindly agreed to tell us more about it.

#1 Robbery In Progress, Send All Available Units

Image credits: Stranger1982

The creator of the ‘Crime Cats’ subreddit tells Bored Panda that the idea for it came to them when they were doing research for another cat subreddit they monitor.

"I kept coming across cats in these situations. I thought maybe I should create a sub for cats in all sorts of “crime” scenarios. Having cats all my life definitely helps, having seen them do the most hysterical things."

Their idea really took off, as since its creation on September 20, 2025 (a mere 11 days ago), it already has amassed 21k weekly visitors.

"People love cats, and they also love to laugh. These two things just go hand in hand. I think it’s a perfect recipe for a sub. People also like to share this type of content," the creator says, explaining the reason why the subreddit attracted so much attention.

#2 Attack!

Image credits: Atlantic_Token

Having created a subreddit about cats, it's a given that the creator loves them.

"Definitely love cats! Yes, because they are mischievous and also everything else about them. Their companionship, love, intelligence, feistiness, creativity, foolishness, I could go on and on."

During the short time that the subreddit has been active, the creator already has many ‘criminal cat’ posts that are their favorite:

“Dammit” - A cat who appears to second-guess himself a little too long.
“Ms Catalie Purrtman deserves to be here” - A cat who brings home an unusual dinner.
“We have a thief at home” - A criminal cat who realizes he’s being watched.

"Of course, people pick their own posts to upload, but the intent is to be humorous and fun. Like our sub says, it’s, “For cats plotting, during or in the aftermath of their crimes!”

We’ve got a great community started, so if you’d like to come post, comment, or just watch the hilarious antics, we’d love to have you!" the creator says, inviting every cat fiend to join them.

#3 You Were Kinda Asking For It

Image credits: Atlantic_Token

According to experts, cat behavior that seems weird to us can be boiled down to one word—curiosity. They were blessed with this trait by their ancestors, who are mesopredators, both predators and prey.

“Cats must always be aware of what is going on in their surroundings. They can’t afford to miss an opportunity to eat, but they must also be cautious of any dangers,” says Mikel Delgado, Ph.D., Rover’s resident cat expert on The Pet People Panel. To survive, cats have to be naturally curious and constantly observe, investigate, and learn.

#4 The Funyun Stealer

Image credits: Atlantic_Token

#5 Ms Catalie Purrtman Deserves To Be Here

Image credits: BlueJeanBurl

#6 We Still Haven’t Been Able To Locate The Perp

Image credits: Last_Pay_8447

They are also good hunters and highly intelligent animals—a combination that makes it hard for them to stay still. “Lively minds are by definition curious,” said philanthropist and researcher Stephen Grand, Ph.D. “Cats frequently get themselves stuck up in trees, jammed in trash cans, or peppered with hedgehog quills—all in the name of curiosity.”

#7 My Evil Plan Is Working!

Image credits: Last_Pay_8447

#8 This Is Motorboat High On Catnip

Image credits: Atlantic_Token

#9 If I Fits, I'm The New Bird Seed

Image credits: Material_Name1673

Experts say the strong curiosity likely forms during kittenhood. “Kittens tend to be more curious because they are learning about things in their environment that they have never encountered before,” Dr. Delgado says. “To determine if something is safe, a kitten might want to watch it, slowly approach it, and maybe touch, smell or taste it.”

#10 I Was Just Dusting Them

Image credits: Last_Pay_8447

#11 Expurrt Prowler

Image credits: Last_Pay_8447

#12 You Fed The Dog First For The Last Time

Image credits: Last_Pay_8447

This sense of curiosity doesn’t disappear with age, but older cats may become more wary and calmer, as they face fewer new experiences with age. “A cat’s sensitive period is between two and nine weeks of age,” Dr. Delgado explains. “After that, it’s not that the door for learning is closed, but they may be slower to form positive associations with new experiences and may be more wary.”

#13 Caught In The Act!

Image credits: flight_chiefperigo

#14 Calling On Dark Forces To Complete His Evil Plans

Image credits: Last_Pay_8447

#15 I Was Trying To Help, I Swear!

Image credits: Last_Pay_8447

One behavior that cats are led to do out of curiosity that people might see as mischievous is scoping out the countertops or pantries for a snack, even directly following a meal. Their search for food can be led by curiosity too, not only because of hunger cues.

“If cats were to wait until they were hungry before hunting, they would run a high risk of starving to death due to the difficult nature of hunting and capturing prey,” International Cat Care explains. The curious cats are simply seeking out their next meal in the event that a dinner isn’t served.

#16 My House Now

Image credits: Last_Pay_8447

#17 Ah Haha You’re Too Late!

Image credits: Last_Pay_8447

#18 Bicycle Thief

Image credits: Atlantic_Token

That said, curiosity shouldn’t be confused with aggressive behavior. If owners notice any change in their feline’s behavior, they should consider visiting a vet. When aggressive behavior appears, it’s possible that they simply need an engaging environment to satisfy their curiosity, as indoor environments can stifle their natural instincts, leaving many cats under-stimulated and bored. Therefore, owners have to find healthy outlets for their natural behaviors like climbing, scratching, and hunting.

#19 Hello 911? There’s An Intruder In The House!

Image credits: Last_Pay_8447

#20 Rules? I Scoff In The Face Of Rules!

Image credits: Dark_Signs8

#21 Left Some Sauce On The Counter While I Was Outside And When I Came Back Some Was Missing. I Wonder Who Did It

Image credits: a13524

This can be done with interactive play using interactive toys like feather wands or toy mice to mimic hunting behaviors. Playtimes should last 10-15 minutes twice daily to keep your pet active. It’s also advised to rotate toys regularly to keep things fresh and exciting. Food time can also be engaging by utilizing food puzzles and hiding food to encourage felines to ‘hunt’ for it.

#22 You Can Run But You Can’t Hide

Image credits: Last_Pay_8447

#23 Why He Do This?

Image credits: 1missmywifetails

#24 Just Moved To An Appartement On The Ground Floor With A Garden, This Is Not My Cat

Image credits: bigon

Another great tip to redirect a cat's curiosity from naughty behaviors is to install vertical spaces they can climb and even scratch their nails on. If it’s possible, try to set up a window view for your cat so they can watch the outside world. Bonus points if you add a bird feeder outside for added entertainment. Lastly, DIY obstacle courses and hiding spots should get their energy out and should put an end to unwanted behaviors sparked by innocent curiosity.