June 25, 2019 Back Home

Dear Tabby (vol. 1) : Barking Cats, Kneady Kittens, Finicky Felines & More

Any cat parent knows that our feline friends can be quirky! As a matter of fact, sometimes, life with cats can be downright puzzling. I’m sure that lots of you have questions about your felines, so World’s Best Cat Litter and I worked together to launch the new cat advice platform – Dear Tabby.

The purpose of Dear Tabby is to give cat lovers, like you, a chance to ask all of their crazy cat questions and find the answers to questions they never even thought of! No question is too embarrassing to submit because you remain completely anonymous!While hairballs aren’t typically cause for too much concern, there are ways you can help to reduce their occurrence at home.

Since Dear Tabby launched earlier this year, the questions have been pouring in and proving that, with cats, the only thing to expect is the unexpected!

Not-So-Crazy Answers to 7 Crazy Cat Questions

1. Why does my male cat get crazy when I sneeze?

It probably doesn’t surprise you to hear that cats are creatures of habit. There’s not much that’s less predictable than a sneeze, and the fact that many sneezes are pretty loud just makes them all the worse from a cat’s point of view.

If your cat gets jumpy when you sneeze, one reason could be that the sudden loud noise startled him. He may not have had much exposure to the sound when he was a kitten, or it could remind him of a negative experience.

A more aggressive reaction (like biting) could mean that your cat is mistaking your sneeze for a hiss, which triggers his attack mode. If aggression is a new behavior in your cat, if it becomes a pattern, or if you feel that his reaction to your sneezing is a symptom of anxiety caused by past trauma, it’s a good idea to have a conversation with your veterinarian. He or she can rule out more serious medical issues that could lead to aggressive behavior or give you strategies to treat your cat’s anxiety and help him stay calm.

2. Why does it sound like my cat is barking?

Cats make a variety of noises, from meows and purrs to growls and hisses. Most cat parents probably don’t expect their cat to bark though! As odd as it sounds, it’s purr-fectly natural.

A cat’s larynx, trachea, and diaphragm are similar to a dog’s, so it’s totally possible for them to produce a “barking” sound. It’s really more of a short, forced meow. Some cats do this when they are stalking prey. Or, they may even have learned the sound from hearing a dog bark. Your barking feline may just be indulging his inner copycat.

3. Why does our male cat, aged 7, knead his paws and suck on a furry blanket we have on his chair?

There are several reasons why adult cats continue to knead and suckle. Interestingly, Oriental breeds are more prone to this behavior. In some cases, it’s a sign that the cat was weaned too early. Some cats knead and suckle when they are relaxed and comfortable. Others may do it when they feel anxious or bored.

If you think your cat’s behavior may be due to boredom or anxiety, there are a few things you can do.

Provide him with a more stimulating environment. Cat puzzle toys, interactive feeders, scratching posts, and lots of play time with their humans can keep kitty minds stimulated.

Talk to your veterinarian about anxiety. Cats may knead and suckle due to separation anxiety or changes in their environment. If you think your cat is showing signs of anxiety, your vet can give you suggestions to help him.

In most cases, kneading and suckling are nothing to be concerned about, as long as kitty isn’t ingesting anything that could harm him. Usually, it’s an indication of comfort and contentment, and the only damage done will be to your lap or furniture if your kitty likes to knead with claws out!

4. CAN CATS LIVE ONLY ON DRY FOOD?

WE RESCUED A CAT FROM A SHELTER AT AGE 4. HE WILL EAT DRY FOOD AND DRINK WATER BUT HAS NO INTEREST IN WET CANNED FOOD. WE HAVE TRIED MULTIPLE BRANDS AND FLAVORS. HE WON’T EVEN EAT CHICKEN FROM OUR HANDS! WHAT CAN WE DO?

The good news is that your cat can get all the nutrients he needs from high-quality cat food, whether it’s wet or dry. One of the biggest advantages of wet food is that it offers extra moisture, which helps your cat stay hydrated. Dehydration in cats can lead to a number of serious health problems, including kidney disease.

Just because your cat won’t eat wet food, doesn’t mean that he won’t get enough water – you just may have to be a little creative. Many cats prefer flowing water, so a drinking fountain may encourage your cat to drink a little more.

5. Why does my cat beg for attention and cuddles one minute and then want to bite me the next?

Cats will bite when they’re feeling playful or overstimulated, but also if they’re annoyed, afraid, or stressed. If your cat’s biting isn’t due to overstimulation, it may be his not-so-subtle way of telling you that he’s had enough cuddle time.

Many cats give subtle hints when they’ve had enough petting. They may start to flick their tail, lower their ears, stare at you, or follow your hand with their head. If you miss the warning signs, or if your cat is just not sending strong enough signals, the next step may be a bite.

Pay attention to how long your cat usually tolerates attention. If he usually bites you after five minutes, stop petting him after three.

Unwanted biting may also be a release for pent up energy. You can help your cat indulge his predatory instincts by dragging toys for him to “hunt” a couple of times a day.

6. Why does my cat put her toy balls in patterns or in perfect formation of shapes?

This is definitely unusual!

Cats often put their toys in a safe place when they are done playing with them. Some cats will routinely drop toys in or near their food or water dishes, since these are considered a secure part of their territory. Some people speculate that cats do this because they view the toys as prey, so they want to deposit them in the area where they eat. Others feel that the cat is bringing her toys to her food in much the same way that she would if they were her kittens.

It could be that your cat’s behavior is motivated by a similar drive.

7. My cat bites my hair (and my scalp) when my hair is wet. Never any other time. Why does he do this?

Are you shampooing with tuna fish?

In all seriousness, cats sometimes groom as a way to express a close bond. If your cat is licking your hair while you’re snuggling, it’s probably not a sign of stress. He’s probably just letting you know that you’re one of his favorites.

The fact that he’s doing it when your hair is wet could be his way of redepositing his scent and claiming his human. Or it could just mean that he likes the smell or taste of your shampoo.

Cat Moms and Dads, have a question for Dear Tabby? Ask away! We just might share your answer (anonymously) here on the blog.

GUEST BLOGGER:
KRISTEN LEVINE

Kristen Levine is a pet living expert, author and pet rescue advocate. She firmly believes we need pets as much as they need us, and thus founded the Kristen Levine Pet Living blog, where she shows us how to live happier, healthier lives through pets. Kristen lives in Florida with her husband, dog (Chilly), one cat (Olivia) and two miniature donkeys.