A cat is an intelligent and compassionate pet that can provide years of companionship and affection. And if you’re considering adding a cat to your household, it’s probably because you saw one in the window and decided you’d like one. But this may not be the best decision for you—and your cat—at all. Although some cats can adapt to living with people, others may not. Cats are prone to serious health conditions, accidents, and injuries that require professional veterinary treatment. So, before adding a cat to your household, make sure you’re ready for all the responsibilities that come with a pet, as well as the financial commitment.
Cats bring happiness and joy into the lives of many people. They are adorable, loving, and willing to follow you around the house, just as long as you give them a treat now and then. While some cats are simple to take care of and others can be quite complicated, even obsessive, most are somewhere between.
And you’re probably already familiar with common cat questions if you’re a cat owner. But, if you’re new to kitty ownership, this list of common cat questions will help you get to know your new pet a little better.
Q: Why Do Cats Knead?
A: Kneading is a type of cat behaviour associated with both mothers and kittens. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, kittens knead their mothers’ stomachs, chests, and faces, while nursing to help release the nipple’s milk. Adult cats knead their owners’ legs and faces, often rubbing their faces against their owners’ legs. Kneading may help ease a cat’s discomfort after getting a toothache or soothe a cat who’s just eaten a sour treat.
Q: Why Does My Cat Scratch Up the Furniture?
A: It’s instinctive for them, and their behaviour responds to their instincts. Cats instinctually want to mark their territory, and scratching your furniture is a way to do that. Scratching your furniture is also a way for cats to exercise their back and leg muscles, which keeps them healthy and strong. But scratching your furniture is not a cat’s ideal behaviour; it’s one you should discourage by all means.
Q: Why Does My Cat Hate Coming to The Veterinarian?
A: Oftentimes, cats become scared or anxious in the waiting room, and the vet’s office becomes their number one fear. You’ve made a commitment to take better care of your cat, but your cat isn’t so sure it’s going to enjoy the experience. Cats are really natural-born hunters, which means they tend to be uncomfortable being confined in a cat carrier. This fear can extend to car rides to the vet, where your cat might feel even more trapped and anxious.
Q: Why Do Cats Frequently Have Hairballs?
A: As the owner of a cat, you may want to learn everything you know about feline health. You may not realize that your cat is at risk for hairballs, but the fact is that hairballs are a very common problem with cats.
Q: Why Do Cats Urinate Outside their Litter Box?
A: It’s a fairly common question among cat owners, even though it’s usually easy to solve. The feline litter box is for cats, so your cat will instinctively use it unless something is blocking or confusing your cat. The most common cat “pee outside the box” issue is often the litter box not being cleaned. Cats don’t like dirty litter boxes and can become stressed if they can’t use them when they need to.
Q: Why Is My Cat Sneezing?
Cats usually sneeze twice in a row, stop, and repeat the process. This is their way of clearing their nasal passages. Sometimes, however, the sneezing will continue for longer than you think it should. There are many reasons a cat could sneeze, but the most common reason is allergies. If the sneezing doesn’t stop, you should take your cat to the vet.
Q: How Long Are Cats Pregnant?
A: Feline pregnancy lasts about 5-6 months. Although some cats give birth prematurely, others may have longer pregnancies. Often, a cat will be 5-6 months pregnant before she begins to show she’s expecting. She may, for example, start throwing up, drinking more water, or sleeping more—and become restless and irritable.