TO P 5
Top 5 Bizarre Cat Behaviors –
Explained? Cats do their own thing – everyone knows that. But most cats do some of these ‘things’ below, and often there’s a plausible explanation. by LiBBi hOOD
1
You Kneaded Me
Kneading is when your cat presses his paws, often extending and retracting his claws, against you. This is a biological behavior that kittens use while suckling to stimulate milk flow. Since eating in the safety and warmth of their mother’s presence would usually have been a happy time in a kitten’s life, the kneading motion usually indicates a content cat.
2
The 5-second Rule?
We’ve all heard variations of the 5-second rule, which suggests it’s OK to eat food dropped on the floor if it’s picked up within 5 seconds. (For the record, this rule is a myth and germs from the floor can transfer instantly). Cats aren’t bothered with the 5-second rule because some cats will only eat their kibble off the floor! Has your cat ever reached his paw into his food dish and pulled out some kibble, only to eat it off the floor? The likely reason for this behavior is that cats don’t like their whiskers to touch the sides of their bowl when they eat. A wider, shallower bowl may eliminate this behavior, but if it’s become a habit, your cat may eat off the floor for life.
3
Any Water is the Cat’s Water
Does your cat prefer to drink from the sink, the toilet or your water glass, rather than her own bowl? The reason for that is explained in Doc’s nutrition article on page 6. The good news is: it’s healthy for cats to consume water, no matter the source. The bad news is: if your cat drank first from the toilet and then your glass, you may want to get a fresh glass of water for yourself! 4 Pet Valu Companion - Fall 2010