27 Questions Why do about cat

Why do cats purr?
Kittens purr to let their mother's know that everything is ok. Adult cats purr when they feel safe and happy. Cats can purr for a long period of time without stopping.

Why do cats meow?
Cats have 4 different meanings for "meow". If you listen carefully, you can hear that each meow is different.
  • I'm hungry!
  • I want to go out!
  • Help!
  • I want attention!
Why do cats lick themselves?
  • Licking keeps a cat's fur clean and smooth.
  • Licking cools a cat off in hot weather.
  • Licking helps a cat's fur stay waterproof.
  • Licking fluffs up a cat's fur which keeps cats warm in the cold weather.
  • If a cat hurts himself, licking the cut or scratch cleans it and helps it feel better.
Why do cat's tongues feel rough?

If you have ever been licked by a cat, you have probably noticed that their tongues feel like sandpaper. Cats use their tongue to brush their fur and keep it smooth.

What does it mean when a cat arches her back and puffs up?

A cat is either scared or angry or both. When a cat arches her back and puffs up she is making herself look bigger and scarier. Another way a cat makes herself look bigger is by standing sideways. If your cat hisses or growls, that means she's angry and you should stay away!


Why do cats love it when you scratch behind their ears?

This is a sensitive area that can't be easily reached. Cats can't lick themselves behind the ears, however they do clean themselves with their front paws.


Why do cats sometimes roll over on their backs when they see you?
This is probably the friendliest thing a cat can do. It's her way of saying I trust you.

Why do cats like to be petted?
To your cat, petting feels a lot like licking. When you pet your cat slowly and gently, she knows you are taking good care of her. You are showing that you love her!

Why do cats sometimes knock things over?
When your cat knocks things over it can be two things, she is trying to get your attention and /or she is having fun. This is not just an accident! She just wants you to play with her.

Why do cats press against you with their paws?
Kittens get milk by nursing from their mother. They press against their mother with one paw and then the other. This is called "kneading". Kneading helps the mother cat give milk to the kittens. When adult cats knead with her paws, it reminds her of her mother when she was a kitten.

Do cats always land on their feet?
Not always, but have better balance them most animals. When a cat spreads out his back and front legs she falls more slowly, because their bodies act as a parachute. The tail can also help balance a cat.

Why do cats rub up against your legs?
Cats rub up against you leg to make you smell like a cat. The more you smell like them the more they like being around you. Also, she is letting other cats know that you are her own special friend.

Why do cats make mad dashes around the house?
A cat has a lot of energy to use up. Nature gave cats energy to use in the wild to chase other animals. She may not need to run like that now, but she may be having fun pretending that she is wild.

Why do cats climb trees?
Cats will mainly do this for protection from other animals, such as dog chasing them. They like to look around and see what other neighborhood animals are doing. House cats usually like to climb up on high areas such as a bookshelf or refrigerator. Cats have very strong hind muscles that allow them to get to these high places.

Why do some cats kill mice and birds?
In the wild, cats have to hunt their own food. They are not given cat food in a bowl everyday. When cats kill mice and birds they are just hunting and using their instincts like they would in the wild.

Why does a cat seem to want to come in right after you let her out?
A pet cat feels as though his yard is her own special place. A cat likes to check out what other animals are in their territory. Once they have done that, they like to come back inside the house where it is warm and safe.


Why don't most cats eat a lot of food at once?
Cats like to eat food that is equal to one mouse. This is not much! Cats get full quickly, but they like to eat several times a day. This is why it is important to leave food out for you cat at all times.

Why do cats like to go out at night?
Nighttime can be a great time for hunting! Cats can see well in the dark. Their pupils become very large and their eyes glow. A cat's whiskers can help them in the dark also. In order to get through small spaces, a cat will use their whiskers to see if the rest of their body will fit. Cats have 24 whiskers, 12 on each side, when the whiskers are forward a cat is curious and when their whiskers are back they are often scared.

Why do some cats claw the furniture?
This can be a terrible habit and most people like to stop it when the kitten is young. You can try giving your cat a scratching post to stop clawing your furniture.

Here are some reasons why:
  • It sharpens their claws.
  • It exercises their claw muscles.
  • It helps to scrape off the old outside covering.
  • Gets your cats own smells around the house.
Why do cats scratch people sometimes?

More then likely your cat is annoyed, scared or angry when she scratches. You need to remember that they are only defending themselves.

A few things that can irritate your cat:
  • Pulling her tail.
  • Squeezing her tightly.
  • Grabbing her.
  • Dressing her in doll clothes.
What toys do cats like to play with?

Cats love to play. They like anything soft and small that moves easily. They love to swat around their toys and pounce on them. This is how they practice their hunting skills.

Why do most cats love catnip?
Catnip is a plant that cats love to smell. It is often stuffed in many cat toys and can be sprayed on their toys too.

When does a kitten become a cat?

One Day Old: Newborn kittens are very tiny and you can hold them in the palm of your hand. They can't see yet, but they can smell. All they can do is sleep and drink their mother's milk.

One Week Old: Their weight doubles and their eyes begin to open.

One Month Old: They start to sit up and play with their siblings.

Two Months Old: They stop nursing and begin eating food.

Three Months Old: They begin to lose their baby teeth and new teeth grow in.

Six Months Old: They get along on their own without their mother.

One Year Old: Kittens become full grown cats. Cats can live many years. The average life expectancy of a cat is 14 years, but many live to be 20 years and older.

Do cats watch T.V.?

No, cats do not watch T.V., but they do like watching the flickering and movement that is on the T.V. Most cats love anything that moves and many cats are hunters. Their animal instincts tell them that this is what they should do.

Can you train a cat to do tricks?

Cats are not like dogs, but they can understand many human words and commands. Many common tricks that cats can learn are retrieving a ball, ring the doorbell, or turn on a water faucet.

Why are some cats friendlier than others?
The friendliest cats are the ones that were held and petted when they were a kitten. The more attention they received the friendlier a cat will become. If your cat is shy, do not pet or chase her until she is ready. Be patient and talk softly to your kitten and she will come around.

Can cats tell time?

Cats can't tell time the way people can, but they learn the habits and routines of their family. They learn things such as when you get up in the morning and their feeding times. They many even know when a family member is coming home before you do.