PET CORNER
May 16, 2014

Some of the strange things your cat does explained

Brings You “Presents”

It’s what you’ve always wanted: a dead rodent or insect at your feet. Your generous feline might share her prey to thank you for feeding her, or she might simply be sharing her successful hunt with you, acknowledging that she considers you as family.{{more}}

When feral cats are able to obtain more food than they need to eat, they bring the extra kills back to other members of the colony, especially juveniles, kittens and nursing mothers. In other words, your cat may simply think you could use some help in getting enough to eat. While this is a gross habit from the human perspective, don’t punish your cat for doing what she does naturally. Instead, try to keep her indoors, or put a bell on her collar, so that it is more difficult for her to catch her prey

Chews Plastic and Other Inanimate Objects

Plastic, dirt, carpeting, wiring, furniture, wool blankets – if your cat eats things of this nature, she might have a condition known as pica. Cats can develop pica for medical reasons, such as gastrointestinal disorders, or anxiety. Much like humans who bite their nails or twirl their hair when nervous, cats chew on non-food items as a way to cope with their anxiety.

Kneads You

Is your feline is rhythmically pressing her paws into you, one after the other, as if she’s giving you a massage? Chances are, she’s doing this because she’s content and happy, trying to alleviate anxiety or wants to mark you with her scent. The instinctive behaviour begins shortly after birth, when kittens move their paws against their mother’s mammary glands to stimulate milk flow.

Loves Boxes and Other Small Spaces

There are plenty of spacious and comfortable places your cat could sleep: your bed, the couch, a chair or even a plush pet bed placed on the floor just for him. So, why does he choose to curl up in a tiny cardboard box, uncomfortable bathroom sink or small cubbyhole? Well, small spaces make cats feel more safe and secure. In the wild, felines need to be stealthy to survive, so sleeping in the middle of a wide-open field makes them susceptible to larger predators. Hiding in a small den, on the other hand, makes it more difficult for predators to find them. So, next time you find your kitty napping in a box, remember, he doesn’t want to be hunted (or bothered).

Ignores You

One minute your cat’s eyes are glued on you, and the next he couldn’t seem to care less about you. Like people, cats sometimes just need quiet “alone” time. When your cat is acting like he needs some space, let him have it. He’ll be happier because he knows you respect that need.

Does Not Cover Up Her Stool

When a cat fails to cover up his waste in the litter box, it could be a sign of a medical or behavioural issue. There are many painful conditions, like a urinary tract infection or an injured paw that may cause cats to avoid the litter box. To rule out any health problems, take your cat to the vet. If it’s not medical, then your kitty could be leaving his stool uncovered for a variety of reasons. Cats are picky about their litter, and might not like the type you’re using, or maybe you don’t keep it clean enough. If you have multiple cats, consider adding more litter boxes to your home.

Cries at Night

All you want is a good night’s sleep, and Fluffy is yowling away. Your feline’s midnight wailing sometimes stems from her urge to hunt the insects and rodents in your home. Her attempts to capture her prey can lead to cries of elation or, if she’s not so lucky, frustration. Curb her excess energy and urge to hunt at night by providing her with food puzzles and enriching toys to play with during the day.

For further information, contact: Dr Collin Boyle
Unique Animal Care Co Ltd Tel: 456 4981

Website: www.uniqueanimalcare.com