1. Five Weird Cat Behaviors Explained
There's a reason why the internet loves watching cat videos: they do some pretty weird (and very hilarious) things. We can't ask our pets why they're doing these strange
things, so we frequently turn to the internet (as with most things) to
look for answers.
a. Why they scratch the floor after eating.
They're trying to bury or cover their food so no one else can take it.
This is something cats would normally do if they weren't living with humans in a house. "They cover their food so it doesn't get taken away because that's what would happen in the wild," according to one expert.
b. Eating with their paws
This often is a sign that they're struggling to get their food (or water) due to some difficulty, such as arthritis, or "whisker stress." (See OurAmazingCats.com)
You can help by raising their dish a few inches off the floor with a feeding platform, or serve their food on a more shallow dish.
c. Kneading their bed or another pet
Not all cats do this, but you can take it as a compliment that they're comfortable and content, as they're feeling nostalgic about their kitten days when nursing.
d. Attacking, biting other pets, toys, even you
Cats are predatory animals and often their play activities involve mimicking a hunt. They haven't "gone wild" or become angry, but it could be a sign they're not getting enough attention. Play with them more, using toys that resemble prey, like play mice or wand toys.
e. Showing the "stink face"
This occurs when your kitty holds his mouth slightly open and appears to be repelled by something that smells bad. It's likely to be a smell, all right, but it might be something new or intriguing and they use glands inside their mouth to analyze it. It's known as the Flehmen reaction. Nothing to worry about.
2. How to Play With Your Cat Using a Laser Pointer
Laser pointers can provide a lot of exercise for your cat and laughs for you, but what happens when kitty finally pounces on the little red dot and there's nothing there?
If it happens repeatedly, it's no surprise when kitty become frustrated and that can lead to undesirable behaviors, like attacking your feet or urinating somewhere he shouldn't. And then you may become upset. That's not the cat's fault.
Chasing the dot is undeniably tempting but not catching it is torture. Help your cat enjoy the game by following some simple concepts.
As predators, the red dot does nothing to satisfy the predatory process of hunt, catch, kill, eat...unless you create a scenario in which it does.
After a few chases, let the dot rest on a toy or a treat, let the cat grab and eat or attack it, then move on. End the game with a meal or a desirable treat.
As for toys with automatic laser lights, it's best to avoid them. A curious kitty could look directly at the light to investigate it and damage his eyes...permanentlly.
|
