1)Why do cats purr and knead?
It is a sign of affection and contentment in both kittens and cats. It also can be self-soothing in stressful situations. There is some evidence that it promotes healing, likening it to an ultrasound machine. Cats knead as an association to physical closeness. Adults may continue as a learned behaviour from kittenhood, as an expression of love and contentment.
2) Why do cats lift their hind end when you pet them?
It is similar to why one’s leg kicks forward when a doctor hits their knee with a small hammer, it’s a reflex.
3) Do cats see in the dark?
No. They can not see in pitch black conditions any more than you can. However, their eyes are made differently than humans, in that, their eyes let in more light, thus seeing BETTER in dim conditions.
4) Are cats really loners?
No. Cats, when not cared for by humans reside in groups called a clowder. Often stray cats group together; they may even groom one another. Cats generally hunt alone, but often bring back spoils to share, much to the chagrin of their humans!
5) What if they “miss” the litter box?
You may want to consider these questions:
It there a medical cause to this behaviour? Check with your local vet to see if there are any medical concerns that promote litter box avoidance.
Is the litter box clean? Is there enough in the household for as many cats as the household has (generally it is suggested one litter box per cat)? Is the location ok for the cat? Does kitty like/dislike the brand of litter you have chosen for him?
Is your cat stressed? Moving, house renovations or interpersonal cat relationships can cause anxiety that may interrupt their regular litter box routine.
Does the litter box “fit” the cat? Cats come in difference sizes, some litter boxes are just too small.
6) Do cats always land on their feet?
No, not always. If they are too close to the ground, they may not have enough time to twist to the landing position fast enough.
7) Can cats be trained?
Of course! They are intelligent animals and can be trained to do some pretty cool things like: come, sit, jump, walk on a leash and go potty in a human toilet. I’ve even played “leap frog” with a 3 – legged cat! Bengals have been known to fetch and play tug-of-war.
8) Is it true that cats don’t like water?
Although many cats don’t really like water, there are a number of breeds that absolutely love water. Bengals is one of them. It is NOT UNCOMMON for Bengal cats to jump into the shower or bath with their humans. I have found my cats PLAYING IN their water, batting at it and having fun.
9) Should cats drink milk?
Not only is it not necessary, it’s not healthy! When a kitten has been weaned, their body is ready for water. A kitten needs his mother’s nutrients in the milk, but when they grow, they need a well balanced diet and fresh water that is always available. Regardless of how “wonderful” it feels to give a kitten milk, especially cow’s milk, it can wreak havoc on their system as their body is not built to digest that kind of milk. If you feel an absolute need to give your cat milk, please consult your local veterinarian and ask what kind of milk replacer they would recommend.
10) Are whiskers more than good looks?
Just like we can lose eye lashes, cats can lose whiskers. Fear not, whiskers do grow back. Their roots are very deep and although the whiskers themselves do not feel anything, the nerve endings in their roots can be used to evaluate small openings or even pick up changes in air pressure.
11) Why does my cat scratch?
Cats scratch to shed the outer layer of their nails. This allows the newer, stronger nail to be used - for activities like hunting, climbing, self defense and for balance. Each layer is shed every 4-6 weeks. If declawing a cat is an option, it is imperative that their owner understand the full risks of such a surgery. It is the equivalent to cutting off your fingers at the first knuckle. This procedure is extremely painful and can even change the way your cat walks in the future.
12) What use is a tail?
Tails are helpful in balance and provide a counter balance when needed. If a tail is lost due to an unfortunate accident, the cat’s balance may be off until the cat learns to adjust.
13) How old is my cat?
She's probably older than you think. It just goes to show, be nice to your cat, especially every 3rd month, it’s her birthday, AGAIN!
It is a sign of affection and contentment in both kittens and cats. It also can be self-soothing in stressful situations. There is some evidence that it promotes healing, likening it to an ultrasound machine. Cats knead as an association to physical closeness. Adults may continue as a learned behaviour from kittenhood, as an expression of love and contentment.
2) Why do cats lift their hind end when you pet them?
It is similar to why one’s leg kicks forward when a doctor hits their knee with a small hammer, it’s a reflex.
3) Do cats see in the dark?
No. They can not see in pitch black conditions any more than you can. However, their eyes are made differently than humans, in that, their eyes let in more light, thus seeing BETTER in dim conditions.
4) Are cats really loners?
No. Cats, when not cared for by humans reside in groups called a clowder. Often stray cats group together; they may even groom one another. Cats generally hunt alone, but often bring back spoils to share, much to the chagrin of their humans!
5) What if they “miss” the litter box?
You may want to consider these questions:
It there a medical cause to this behaviour? Check with your local vet to see if there are any medical concerns that promote litter box avoidance.
Is the litter box clean? Is there enough in the household for as many cats as the household has (generally it is suggested one litter box per cat)? Is the location ok for the cat? Does kitty like/dislike the brand of litter you have chosen for him?
Is your cat stressed? Moving, house renovations or interpersonal cat relationships can cause anxiety that may interrupt their regular litter box routine.
Does the litter box “fit” the cat? Cats come in difference sizes, some litter boxes are just too small.
6) Do cats always land on their feet?
No, not always. If they are too close to the ground, they may not have enough time to twist to the landing position fast enough.
7) Can cats be trained?
Of course! They are intelligent animals and can be trained to do some pretty cool things like: come, sit, jump, walk on a leash and go potty in a human toilet. I’ve even played “leap frog” with a 3 – legged cat! Bengals have been known to fetch and play tug-of-war.
8) Is it true that cats don’t like water?
Although many cats don’t really like water, there are a number of breeds that absolutely love water. Bengals is one of them. It is NOT UNCOMMON for Bengal cats to jump into the shower or bath with their humans. I have found my cats PLAYING IN their water, batting at it and having fun.
9) Should cats drink milk?
Not only is it not necessary, it’s not healthy! When a kitten has been weaned, their body is ready for water. A kitten needs his mother’s nutrients in the milk, but when they grow, they need a well balanced diet and fresh water that is always available. Regardless of how “wonderful” it feels to give a kitten milk, especially cow’s milk, it can wreak havoc on their system as their body is not built to digest that kind of milk. If you feel an absolute need to give your cat milk, please consult your local veterinarian and ask what kind of milk replacer they would recommend.
10) Are whiskers more than good looks?
Just like we can lose eye lashes, cats can lose whiskers. Fear not, whiskers do grow back. Their roots are very deep and although the whiskers themselves do not feel anything, the nerve endings in their roots can be used to evaluate small openings or even pick up changes in air pressure.
11) Why does my cat scratch?
Cats scratch to shed the outer layer of their nails. This allows the newer, stronger nail to be used - for activities like hunting, climbing, self defense and for balance. Each layer is shed every 4-6 weeks. If declawing a cat is an option, it is imperative that their owner understand the full risks of such a surgery. It is the equivalent to cutting off your fingers at the first knuckle. This procedure is extremely painful and can even change the way your cat walks in the future.
12) What use is a tail?
Tails are helpful in balance and provide a counter balance when needed. If a tail is lost due to an unfortunate accident, the cat’s balance may be off until the cat learns to adjust.
13) How old is my cat?
She's probably older than you think. It just goes to show, be nice to your cat, especially every 3rd month, it’s her birthday, AGAIN!
