Your Cat’s Most Pressing Questions

You may have noticed that here at Fairview Drive Pet Hospital, we love recognizing different pet holidays and observances throughout the year. January has for the most part been focused on our canine companions, with such prestigious doggy holidays as Walk Your Dog Month and Train Your Dog Month, as well as special days highlighting specific dog breeds. However, let’s not forget about our curious feline friends! This month also includes Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day on the 22nd. Cats are known for their inquisitive nature. If these charming furballs could speak, what do you think they would want to ask? A nearby Brantford, ON veterinarian shares some potential kitty inquiries in this article.

Why Are You Making Fun Of Me?

Our feline pals have a special way of making us laugh with their silly antics, cute quirks, and charismatic purrsonalities. Fluffy somehow manages to get even funnier when she’s being serious. For instance, you might find yourself giggling at that hilarious pre-pounce butt wiggle she does before a pounce. To your pet, however, hunting that catnip mouse  is very, very serious business.

What Is My Purrpose In LIfe?

It’s safe to say that cats meditate a lot. We’re not quite sure if they suffer from existential crises or seriously consider the meaning of life. However, some of us wouldn’t be surprised to learn that Fluffy is pondering fate, karma, string physics, or teleporting capabilities.

How Come You Don’t Sleep Enough?

Fluffy may sleep as much as 20 hours a day, though she usually *only* sleeps about 14 to 16 hours. For your sleepy little buddy, the 6 to 8 hours most people get is not enough.

Is My Breakfast Late?

We have a sneaking suspicion that Fluffy will never reveal her entire list of golden rules, but one of them would probably be the adage that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If you dare to sleep in past the time when your furry pal usually gets her morning meal, you might find yourself being awakened by your hangry little buddy. Your pet may smack you, walk on top of you, or just meow at you to demand her dinner.

Why Can’t I Catch That Dot?

Playing is both enjoyable and beneficial for our feline buddies. Using a laser pointer is a great way to play with your pet. Fluffy has been seeking that red dot for decades now. While your cat may never quite figure out her elusive prey, she will certainly have fun trying. Just don’t shine the light directly into her eyes.

How Dare You Pet Another Cat?

Although Fluffy’s nose isn’t quite as sensitive as Fido’s, it is still quite impressive. If you interact with another cat, your furball may pick up the scent and give you a sour look. Kitties get quite jealous of each other!

Why Can I See The Bottom Of My Food Bowl?

Our feline buddies take their meal schedules very seriously. You might find Fluffy meowing her displeasure if you’re late with her first, second, or third breakfast. (Note: cats are very good at ‘meowpulating’ their humans into overfeeding them. This is one reason there are so many chubby kitties out there. Ask your Brantford, ON vet for nutritional recommendations.) 

Where Is My Human?

We have known for some time that kitties like to keep a very close eye on their people. A new study found that cats use visual mental ‘maps’ to constantly track their humans’ movement. (Picture a GPS map, with you as the moving icon.) If Fluffy cannot find you, she may become confused or even distressed!

Why Am I Grounded? 

We can’t overstate how much safer and healthier indoor cats are. Fluffy may enjoy exploring, but she’s much safer staying in. Of course, if you tell your feline pal about the dangers she may face outdoors, such as weather, cars, or even other cats, she may just give you that infamous feline judgmental look.

What Is Wrong With The Dog?

Despite their tumultuous past, Fido and Fluffy have for the most part learned to get along … or at least tolerate each other. However, they definitely don’t speak the same language. It may be hard for Fluffy to understand why Fido happily follows orders, doesn’t use a litter box, and never cleans himself. (Fido may also wonder about his feline roommate, but that’s another topic.)

How Come I Have To Go To The Vet?

You may have noticed that our feline friends tend to be homebodies. Even if they are allowed outside, they usually stay within their designated ‘territories’ … which of course do not necessarily match property lines. Fluffy can get quite distressed at being taken out of her kingdom. To your pet, being put in a carrier and taken on a dreaded car ride is quite scary and upsetting. In fact, many of our feline patients are more upset about being transported than they are about their actual appointments. We understand this, and use gentle techniques to make things easy on our patients. (Sorry, Fluffy: proper veterinary care is crucial to your health and well-being.)

What Happened To My Toys?

There’s a good chance you’ve at some point found a small mountain of cat toys under your chairs, beds, or sofas. Your frisky pet may be wondering what happened to all of her catnip mice and balls.

What Happens to My Sunbeam?

Fluffy isn’t technically cold-blooded, and she doesn’t run on solar power, but she certainly loves to recharge by relaxing in sunny spots. Your pet may wonder why her favorite sunbeam isn’t available all the time!

Is There A Reason I Can’t Sleep There?

These little furballs spend up to 20 hours snoozing every day. Fluffy is always looking for new places to snuggle up on, and doesn’t really care whether that’s a jacket you planned to wear, your sock drawer, or the book you’re reading. At some point, you’ll have to move your pet off of something.

Is There Anything I Can Do For You?

A housecat spends most of her time relaxing and being adorable. Talk about an easy life! We provide food, care, lap space, catnip, toys, beds, and boxes. Fluffy may try to reciprocate by ‘helping’ as you pack suitcases, wrap gifts, or change sheets.

What’s Inside That?

The familiar adage of curiosity killing the cat likely has some truth to it. After all, it’s not exactly an uncommon occurrence for people owned by cats to have to retrieve their feline overlords from boxes or suitcases Fluffy just can’t resist investigating new objects! 

That natural curiosity is pretty deeply ingrained in cats, and can be attributed to their roles as both hunters and prey in the wild. Therefore, it’s no surprise that they are always eager to explore their surroundings. You never know: there might be a mouse hiding in that paper bag! Your pet may also be wondering if there’s a safe hiding spot in that little cupboard. (Note: Kitty curiousity can backfire, as cats sometimes get themselves locked in places like sheds or garages. Be sure to keep an eye on your furry little friend!)

If you have any questions about your cat’s health or care, please do not hesitate to contact us! As your Brantford, ON pet hospital, we are here to help!