National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day

By Dr. Colleen Beestman Cats cardboard boxes, litterbox issues, new kitten

Oh, our elusive feline friends. What is that old saying? If cats could talk, they wouldn’t? Well, for National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day, I put together a few questions that I feel speak to the heart of what your cat would probably like to know.

Why did you take that plastic bag away?

I don’t think we really know why cats love to chew on plastic grocery bags. I have seen different theories ranging from they like the noise or texture, to the bags contain food smells, or even that the plastic contains chemicals that mimic pheromones. Of course, we shouldn’t allow unsupervised access to plastic bags as they can be dangerous if ingested. Luckily, a variety of toys can stimulate a cat’s love for noise, smells, and textures.

Other things to keep away from your inquisitive cat? String, yarn, ribbons, decorations, and lilies. Be sure to visit the American Veterinary Medicine Association’s Household Hazards list—in other words, keep these items away from your pets.

I am so confused, why can I not scratch the new sofa?

We love our cats, but we’re often frustrated with their scratching. It is important to remember that cat scratching is a natural and important behavior for our feline friends. To ensure they are not exhibiting unwanted scratching behaviors, it is recommended that you provide them with a scratching surface (or multiple surfaces) that meets their needs. There are different textures, heights, interactive elements, etc. that you can chose from to appeal to even the finickiest of cats.

Why did you bring home that annoying new cat?

We often lead busy lives. For that reason, many of us want our pet to have the gift of companionship, which could lead to the introduction of a new pet to the household. In some cases, this addition can go smoothly; other times, it might take a bit for the pets to adjust to their new home life situation. A little background on cat behavior just might help your family with the transition.

Cat sociality/territoriality is a somewhat controversial topic. Cats hunt solitarily so they are able to live alone, but many cats seem to live happily in colonies of large numbers. Kittens have a socialization window at about two to seven weeks, so circumstances during this time can affect things later on. Perhaps the best way to go is to bring home littermate kittens, and you can usually count on them being pretty good friends. Older cats can get along as well but don’t assume it will be easy or quick. Scent exchange, pheromones, adequate access to resources, and individual attention for each cat will help with the transition. Also, there will be a few cats who might never readily accept a housemate. If you feel this may be the case with your kitty, just be sure to consult with your veterinarian or shelter adoption representative before you bring the new pet home.

Why must you take me on a trip to the vet?

Although you and I might understand the benefits of a yearly doctor visit, our cats will not. On the other hand, it is incredibly important for them to be seen for a routine wellness examination. These annual check-ups gather essential baseline information on your cat’s normal physical condition, which is helpful to your family veterinarian if your cat should ever become ill or have an emergency. An annual visit also is a helpful way to identify potential medical problems in advance of them becoming acute.

I do recommend that you try to make the visit as comfortable as possible for them. This might include bringing something with them that smells of home to go along for the ride, or using a pheromone-type spray, such as Feliway, to ensure that the carrier emits a calming scent. You can also try leaving the carrier out and open for a few days or weeks before the visit, even going so far as to feed a few of your pet’s meals in it. Lastly, make sure the carrier is secured in the car so they are not bouncing all over the place, and make sure it is covered so they can feel secure. As a last resort, your family veterinarian can potentially prescribe medication to help calm your cat in advance of the visit.

Excuse me, why isn’t my “bathroom” spotless? I simply won’t use it!

Litterbox issues are an unfortunate common cat problem. Cats need their boxes to be clean, serene, and with escape routes to be seen. Their boxes should be 1.5 times their length from nose to tail base. If you have more than one cat, they would like to each have a litter box plus one extra. Cats prefer open as opposed to covered boxes. Some cats have preferences for certain substrates, so you may need to experiment with the type of litter. If you follow these guidelines and your cat isn’t using the box, a trip to the family veterinarian may be warranted.

Why won’t you give me the food I really want, like Friskies or Fancy Feast?

I am unsure what secret ingredient makes my cat reliably scarf down Fancy Feast and possibly not or possibly eat everything else. I know that smell, temperature, and texture are important to cats. This means heating to “mouse body temperature” can stimulate appetite. Sprinkling things like grated parmesan, crushed dry food, probiotics, and Bonita flakes over the food can encourage them to eat things they would otherwise decline as well. Fancy Feast can be helpful to transition cats onto a wet diet, but I do recommend ensuring that your cat has access to a higher quality, human grade product with water and protein contents that meet their long-term nutritional needs. Friskies, Fancy Feast, and other “junk food” snacks may be tasty, but they are just that—treats.

Won’t you please do some online shopping? I find my life seriously lacking in cardboard boxes!

Boxes please! Cats love boxes, and they’re a cheap way to keep the kitties happy. Boxes can help satisfy a cat’s natural instincts to hide—to stalk prey and avoid predators. Boxes may also help with insulation and keep them toasty warm. Why not get that new treat from your favorite online store and, in turn, make your feline friend immensely happy?

Why don’t you “get” me? I am really quite easy to understand.

Oh yes, cats can come across at times like they don’t have a care in the world and really couldn’t be bothered with attention. But a little light reading can help you understand your feline friends better and, in turn, help provide them with the care and environment that best suits their needs so you can help them lead long, healthy lives.

Some good resources for understanding your cat include: