You may have noticed that here at Good Friends Animal Hospital, we like celebrating all of the various pet holidays and observances on the calendar. January has for the most part gone to the dogs: in addition to it being Walk Your Dog Month and Train Your Dog Month, several specific breeds have also bounded into the spotlight. However, there’s also a pretty fun cat holiday on the calendar this month. Answer Your Kitty’s Questions Day is the 22nd! As you have probably noticed, our feline companions are very inquisitive, if not downright nosy. If your kitty could voice her most pressing queries, what do you think she’d want to know? A local Urbana, IL veterinarian offers a few petucated guesses in this article.
Where Did You Go?
Ever noticed that your pet likes to keep tabs on you? Recent research has found that kitties make a sort of a mental map of their domains. They use these to constantly track their humans’ movements. Think of a GPS map, with you as the moving icon. Fluffy may get confused or even distressed if she can’t find you!
Why Don’t You Let Me Go Outside?
We always recommend keeping kitties safe and sound indoors. Of course, if you tell your feline pal about the dangers she may face outdoors, such as weather, cars, and even other kitties, you may just get a questioning look … or that infamous feline death stare.
Why Are You Always Laughing At Me?
Our feline companions never stop entertaining us with their silly antics and cute expressions. Fluffy somehow manages to get even funnier when she’s being serious. For instance, you may find yourself giggling at your pet when she does that hilarious pre-pounce butt wiggle.
Why Is My Food Bowl Empty?
Our feline friends take their meal schedules very seriously. If you’re late with Fluffy’s first, second, or third breakfasts, you may find your furry overlord meowing her displeasure. (Note: Kitties are very good at ‘meowpulating’ their humans into overfeeding them. This is one reason so many of these furballs are, well, butterballs. Ask your Urbana, IL veterinary clinic for nutritional recommendations.)
Why Can’t I Ever Catch That Dot?
Using a laser pointer can be a great way to play with your pet. Fluffy has been trying to get that elusive red dot for a few decades now. While your cat may never quite figure out her elusive prey, she’ll certainly have fun trying. (Note: don’t shine the light in her eyes.)
Why Did You Pet Another cat?
Fluffy’s nose may not be quite as sensitive as Fido’s, but it’s still quite impressive. If you interact with another cat, your furry pal may very well pick up the scent. Don’t be surprised if you get a disapproving look from your jealous pet!
Why Am I Here? What Is My Purrpose In Life?
Kitties certainly do spend a lot of time meditating. We’re not quite ready to officially declare whether or not they have existential crises, or if they have secretly mastered string theory and wormholes. However, it’s probably safe to say that many of them do ponder reality from time to time.
Why Don’t You Ever Sleep Enough?
Kitties are extremely sleepy. Actually, that’s an understatement: Fluffy can spend as much as 20 hours a day snoozing, though she usually settles for a ‘mere’ 14 to 16 hours. As far as your feline pal is concerned, the 6 to 8 hours most people get is nowhere near enough!
Why Is My Second Breakfast So Late?
Fluffy will probably never reveal her full list of golden rules. However, we have a sneaking suspicion that the old adage about breakfast being the most important meal of the day would be on the list. If you dare to sleep in past the time when your furry pal usually gets her morning meal, you may find yourself being awakened by your hangry little pet!
What’s Up With The Dog?
Fido and Fluffy have had a rather tumultuous relationship over the years, but they have learned to get along … or at least tolerate each other. However, they definitely don’t speak the same language. Your cat may be wondering why Fido does what he’s told, doesn’t use a litterbox, and never cleans himself. (Fido may also have several valid questions about his feline roommate, but that’s another topic.)
Why Do I Have To Go To My Urbana, IL Veterinary Clinic?
our feline pals tend to be homebodies. Even kitties that are allowed out tend to stick pretty close to home. (Note: we always recommend keeping Kitties indoors, for safety reasons.) Fluffy can get quite upset at being put into a carrier and taken on a dreaded car ride. However, proper veterinary care is crucial to her health and well-being.
Where Did My Toys Go?
We’re guessing that some of you have at some point found a small pile of kitty toys beneath or behind your chairs, beds, or sofas. Your frisky pet may be wondering what happened to all of her kittynip mice and balls!
Where Does My Sunbeam Go?
Fluffy doesn’t actually run on solar power, but she apparently missed those memos. Kitties love recharging their ‘catteries’ in sunny spots. Your pet may want to know why her favorite sunbeam isn’t there all the time.
Why Can’t I Sleep There?
Kitties are collectively very tired: they can spend as much as 20 hours a day snoozing. Fluffy is always on the lookout for new spots to curl up or sprawl out on. At some point, you’ll find yourself moving your drowsy pet off of something. This could be your computer, your purse, a casserole dish … with Kitties, you just never know.
Can I Help You?
We can’t help but marvel at how easily kitties wrap us around their little paws. Actually, if you think about it, Fluffy is very, very good at getting us to pamper her. The average housecat spends most of her time relaxing and being adorable. Talk about an easy life! Of course, kitties do appreciate the food, care, lap space, kittynip, toys, beds, and boxes we offer. Fluffy may try to show her gratitude by ‘helping’ with things like packing suitcases, wrapping gifts, or changing sheets.
What Are You Doing Now?
Kitties often like to just sit and watch their humans. Fluffy may keep an eye on you as you are reading, cooking, doing laundry, or fixing things. She may even follow you into the bathroom!
What’s In There?
The old saying about curiosity killing the cat probably didn’t come out of nowhere. This one may also be tied into the legend about Fluffy having nine lives. It’s probably safe to say that many of you are used to plucking your Kitties out of boxes or suitcases. Fluffy can’t resist exploring things!
There is a reason for our feline pals’ curiosity. Kitties are both predators and prey in the wild, so it makes sense that they would always want to know exactly what is in their vicinity. There could be a mouse hiding in that cardboard box! Or, that little cupboard could be a safe retreat.
(Note: There is a bit of a safety issue here. Kitties sometimes can get locked into places like sheds or garages. Keep an eye on your cat!)
Do you have questions about your kitty’s health or care? Please do not hesitate to contact us! As your local Urbana, IL pet hospital, we are here to help!
