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Cats Questions and Answers

Though they have lived with us for thousands of years, cats remain a mystery. Compared to dogs, most people know much less about cats. Even people who live with a cat often don’t understand their behavior and have questions about why they do things and basic care. Below you will find some of the most frequently asked questions about cats. We’ll try to solve some of their mysteries.

I spotted my cat eating grass! Is it dangerous? Is it a sign that something bad’s happening? Is my cat sick?

Cat’s will naturally eat grass when they’re not feeling well, when they have an upset stomach, or to remove a hairball. The grass will make them vomit and then they will feel better.

Why do I need to trim my cat’s claws?

Your cat’s claws grow long and sharp. Trimming them, especially the sharp tips, will keep him from scratching you when you pet him. It can also keep him from tearing up your furniture.

Should you feed your kitten a dry food or a wet food?

Experts today say that kittens thrive on wet food.

Should you feed your adult cat a dry food or a wet food?

Wet food is recommended for adult cats today. Wet foods are lower in carbohydrates than dry foods. They have lots more moisture than dry foods. And they are high in protein. All of these things are recommended for most adult cats today.

Why do cats purr?

Purring is a vibration of your cat’s vocal cords. It’s usually associated with a pleasurable activity for cats such as when they are being petted.

How long do cats live?

The average life for a cat is about 15 years but some cats can live much longer. A cat’s lifespan can depend on things like nutrition, preventive care, the cat’s health, and genetics. House cats usually live longer than outdoor cats.

Why do cats have whiskers?

Whiskers are a sensitive organ for a cat. They use them to help navigate in the dark so they can feel their way when they can’t see well. You should never trim a cat’s whiskers.

Why do cats like catnip?

Catnip is an herb that is pleasurable for about 50 percent of cats. It stimulates a part of the brain in cats that respond to it. Many treats and toys use catnip to appeal to cats.

Do cats hate water?

Some cats dislike water but there are many cats and breeds of cat that seem to enjoy water. Some cats will play with water in faucets, sinks, and bathtubs. Other cats will go into water after fish. Maine Coon Cats are one breed that seem to like water.

Why do cats “knead”?

Kneading is when your cat uses his paws and claws to push on you like he is kneading bread dough. It’s believed that this behavior is leftover from when cats are kittens. Kittens knead their mothers when they are nursing to produce more milk. It’s usually a sign of contentment.

Why do cats like boxes so much?

Cats like to see without being seen. When your cat hides in a box he can see what’s going on without others seeing him. It’s still a mystery why cats seem to prefer very tiny boxes.

What do you call a group of cats?

A group of cats is called a clowder or glaring.

Why do cats sleep so much?

In the wild cats were predators so they would hunt and roam – activities that used lots of energy. Wild cats would sleep 15 or more hours per day to make up for this strenuous lifestyle. Our modern domestic cats have continued to rest this way even though they aren’t as active. Your cat probably isn’t really sleeping the entire time his eyes are closed. He’s just taking a “cat nap,” ready to leap up at any moment.

Are all calico cats female?

Calico cats are orange, black, and white. Because of genetics, calico cats are mostly female but occasionally a male cat will be calico. These male calico cats are usually sterile.

Why does my cat bury his food?

Some cats will instinctively try to bury their food or at least paw at the floor or try to pull a throw rug over their dish. Many wild cats bury food. Cats will also bury feces and other things that might indicate they were in an area. This is a way for a cat to protect himself from other predators.

Why does my cat dash around the house for no reason?

If your cat zooms around the house like crazy sometimes, it’s nothing to worry about. Cats can sleep 15 or more hours per day but they still need exercise. Your cat may also be feeling happy and this is her way to express that she feels good. She may decide to stage a mock attack on the family dog, probably leaving your dog rather puzzled. If you have more than one cat, this can turn into a real show. Sit back and enjoy it. It’s a good idea to put any breakables out of the way so your cat can’t knock them over.

I’m pregnant. Should I get rid of my cat?

Cats who go outdoors can come in contact with a parasite called toxoplasma gondii. This parasite lives in the soil. Cats can also catch it from an infected mouse or from plants that grow in infested soil. Tooplasmosis can be very dangerous for the babies of women who are pregnant. An indoor cat is much less likely to come in contact with this parasite. However, you should take precautions. Pregnant women are advised to avoid the cat litterbox area but you should not have to get rid of your cat.

Why does my cat bring me dead animals?

Cats have a natural instinct to hunt. Your cat may bring you dead prey for several reasons. He may want to show off what he has caught, expecting some praise from you. Or, he may be bringing you a gift. He could even be bringing you a mouse or other animal as a teaching aid, especially if it’s still alive. In this case, your cat might be trying to teach you to hunt. Even if your cat’s prey turns your stomach, don’t scold your cat. You can try to redirect his “hunting” toward toys in the house.

Why do cats meow?

Cat experts generally believe that meowing is an attention-seeking behavior. Kittens meow to get attention from their mothers. For your adult cat, they meow to get attention from you.

Why do cats refuse to use the litter box?

The most common reasons that cats refuse to use the litter box are stress and lack of enrichment. In other words, your cat is probably unhappy about something. It could be the condition of the litter box – maybe you aren’t changing it often enough. In some cases your cat might be refusing to use the litter box because of a urinary tract infection or Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). If your cat checks out okay at the vet, try to find out what might be making your cat unhappy.

What vaccinations do kittens need?

Some recommendations for vaccinations will depend on where you and your kitten live. In the U.S. veterinarians recommend vaccinating for Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. These three conditions cause upper respiratory problems in cats which can be life-threatening in serious cases. Kittens also need a rabies vaccination when they are about 16 weeks old. Many vets also recommend a vaccine for feline leukemia.

My cat sheds a lot. What can I do about it?

Some cats shed more than others based on the kind of coat they have. Cats will also shed more at certain times of the year when they are losing their old coat and getting their new coat. You can keep your cat’s skin and coat healthy and reduce shedding by feeding a good quality diet that is rich in fatty acids. You should also brush your cat’s coat often to remove dead fur.

I have a male cat and he sprays. What can I do about this problem?

Spraying is a normal behavior for unneutered male cats. Your male cat is marking his territory. It’s also common in homes with multiple cats. Neutering your male cat is usually the surest way to stop this behavior. If you have an adult male that has been spraying all his life, the behavior can be hard to stop even if you have your cat neutered.

My cat won’t drink milk. Is this normal?

Yes, it is normal for some cats to refuse milk. In fact, many cats are lactose-intolerant, especially Asian breeds such as the Siamese. Other cats can drink milk without any problem.

Can I give my cat table scraps?

Many human foods can be harmful for cats. For example, onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins can all be toxic. Your cat would probably enjoy some small bites of chicken but you should consult your veterinarian about any foods you would like to give your cat to make sure they are safe.

Why does my cat like to sleep in our dirty laundry basket!

Cats often like to sleep on things that have familiar scents such as dirty laundry or your pillows. They don’t smell bad to your cat.

How many whiskers do cats have?

On average, a cat will have 24 whiskers.

Do cats have more teeth than dogs or fewer?

Cats have fewer teeth than dogs.

What do you call a group of kittens?

A group of kittens is called a kindle.

How many claws do most cats have?

Most cats have 18 claws. That’s five on each front paw and four on each rear paw.

How many cat breeds are there in the world?

The International Cat Association (TICA) recognizes 58 cat breeds. The Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) recognizes 44 breeds. And the Federation Internationale Feline (FIFe) recognizes 43 breeds. In some cases a cat that is one breed in one registry may be divided into several breeds in another registry based on color or other factors.

Why does my cat rub against me?

There are probably several reasons. Your cat is being affectionate. Your cat also has scent glands around his face so when he rubs against you he is marking you as part of his territory. You should feel honored.

How many kittens are in a litter?

Most cats have between one and nine kittens in a litter. The largest litter on record is 19 kittens with 15 of the kittens surviving.

Which pedigree cats are most popular?

In the U.S., Persian cats are the most popular, followed by Maine Coon Cats, and the Siamese.

What is the biggest pedigree cat?

The Maine Coon Cat can weigh up to 25 pounds. That’s nearly twice as much as the average cat.

What is the smallest pedigree cat?

The Singapura weighs just four pounds.

Do cats sweat?

They sweat through their paws. They don’t have sweat glands on their bodies.

Is it true that in seven years, a single pair of cats and their offspring could produce a staggering total of 420,000 kittens?

No. This is a myth that has been thoroughly debunked https://thecatsite.com/. However, well-meaning people continue to post it online even though it’s clearly nonsensical.

Why do cats groom themselves so much?

Cats spend an estimated 30 to 50 percent of their days grooming themselves. There are several explanations. Licking and grooming helps hide their scent so predators won’t find them. It cools them down when they are hot. It stimulates blood flow which keeps their skin and coat healthy. It helps distribute natural oils in their coat. And it keeps them warm and dry in the winter. Grooming is also a way for cats to show affection to each other. And, finally, it’s believed that a cat’s saliva may contain enzymes that act as a natural antibiotic for any wounds the cat may have.