It’s National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day

A shocked and surprised cat.
A shocked and surprised cat. Photography by JZHunt/Thinkstock.
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Happy National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day! Have you ever wondered what your cat is trying to tell you through certain behavior? For example, when your cat pees on your pillow, he’s not trying to get even with you for coming home late. When he scratches your new sofa, he’s not being bad. Because cats have different needs and desires than us and a completely different way of seeing the world, they communicate in ways which we don’t always understand or appreciate.

People often try to change their cats’ “bad” behavior in ways that don’t work and may even make things worse. That’s not good cat care. Some people learn to live with their cats’ behavior, while others heartbrokenly surrender their cats to animal shelters. It doesn’t have to be that way. Most cat behavior issues are quite solvable once you know how cats think and why they are behaving as they are.

Understanding your cat’s behavior will not only help you to resolve behavior issues that might exist but will strengthen your relationship with your cat.

In honor of National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day, here are some important questions that your cat would like to ask you.

1. Why do you get so upset when I pee on the carpet?

A ginger cat looking surprised.
A cat peeing on your carpet is usually doing it for a good reason. Photography ©Seregraff | Thinkstock.

How would you like your litter box down a long flight of stairs, in a dark, cold basement? When’s the last time you cleaned my litter box? Why did you move my litter box? Where did you put the other litter I liked? What makes you think I want to share my litter box with that new cat you brought home? There’s a reason I’m not using the litter box. I may even be sick and can’t help it. Have you taken me to the veterinarian?

See the best locations for your cat’s litter box here >>

Here’s how to clean up cat pee >>

2. Why do you yell at me when I scratch the new sofa?

A gray cat on the edge of an orange couch.
Scratching the furniture is a natural cat behavior. Photography ©Remains | Thinkstock.

Don’t you know that scratching is normal for cats? What else am I supposed to scratch? You call that wimpy thing a scratching post? Why did you put the scratching post there? There’s a reason I’m scratching the sofa. I may even be stressed. I’ve noticed you do have some interesting behaviors when you’re stressed.

Here’s how to pick furniture that cats won’t scratch >>

And here’s how to choose a scratching post for every phase of your cat’s life >>

3. Why do you keep petting me when I tell you to stop?

A big gray cat sitting in a human's lap.
There are specific ways to pet a cat. Photography ©Kichigin | Thinkstock.

I like when you pet me, but I have my limits. Didn’t you see my ears flatten and my tail swishing? Haven’t you noticed that cats typically groom each other around the head? Do you have to pet me so hard? There’s a reason why I’m sensitive. I may even have a medical problem, like arthritis, and need veterinary care.

Learn how to properly pet a cat >>

4. Why can’t I get up on the counter?

Your cat shouldn't be on your Thanksgiving table, but if you want to share some of your Turkey Day feast, here's what foods are safe for him to eat.
You can prevent your cat getting up on the counter or table. Photography ©MJFelt | Thinkstock.

Why do you tempt me by leaving food up there? Don’t you understand that I what to survey my domain? Did you ever consider that I feel safer when I’m out of the dog’s reach? Have you given me anything else high to climb or rest on? Okay, so you did, but why did you put it in such an out-of-the-way place? Don’t you realize I want to be with you? There’s a reason why I get on the counter.

Here’s how to create a cat climbing system in your home >>

5. Why did you bring that home?

Two ginger kittens fighting.
It’s natural for a resident cat to be jealous of a new kitty. Photography by 101cats/istock.

What makes you think I want to share my territory with another cat? Did you think I’d just say, “Oh, fine, just bring in another cat”? How would you like it if someone just showed up to live with you? Wouldn’t you want to get to know them first? Why did you bring in a kitten to taunt me in my old age? How come he’s getting all the attention? Hey, why is he playing with my toys? There’s a reason I’m stressed. Isn’t it obvious?

Read about introducing your cat to another cat here >>

Tell us: What questions do you think your cat is asking you in honor of National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day?

Thumbnail: Photography by JZHunt/Thinkstock. 

Learn more about cat behavior on Catster.com:

About the author: Nancy Peterson is a registered veterinary technician and award-winning writer. She joined The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the nation’s largest animal protection organization, in 1998 and is currently the Cat Programs Manager. She lives in Maryland with her cats Luna, adopted from a feline rescue; Toby, adopted from an animal shelter; and Jenny, a feral kitten she fostered. Check out the HSUS cat information at humanesociety.org/cats and humanesociety.org/outdoorcats.

13 thoughts on “It’s National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day”

  1. Hi,

    I live out in the country and unwanted cats are often times dumped off here. I trap the cats and get them spayed/neutered and they live in my warm barn with plenty of straw and everyone gets fed twice a day. Occasionally, there will be an overly friendly cat that I will keep in the house. A few months ago a very shy older male showed up and the poor thing was very skinny. I fed him outside and before long when I opened the door he came in. He is such a timid creature and I get the feeling that he may have had a home at one time but he was abused. My problem is trying to train him to use the box. Actually the main problem is that he urinates at certain spots in the house. He was neutered last week but the urinating at his favorite spots is still occurring. I know that it takes a while for the testosterone to get out of his system, but are there any tips to help prevent this poor guy from urinating where he is not supposed to?
    I would greatly appreciate any help!

    1. Hi and Thank you for taking in and taking care of all the cats. It wasn’t mentioned if you have taken the older kitty (guessing) could possibly have a health issue, like a UTI ?
      Best wishes for him, he is smart maybe he just can’t help it.
      Take Care.

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  3. My cat who is about 14 has a runny nose all the time. When I found him years ago outside he was very sick. It took the Vet multiple meds to help. She finally gave him Aprazeline a Humane antibiotic. I might not have spelled it correctly. Anyway years later he has a runny nose all the time. He sounds congested. In a week it will clea r up and then start again. Thoughts

    1. Hi Kathie,
      Please contact your vet about this! These articles might provide some insight, too:
      https://www.catster.com/cat-health-care/is-your-cats-runny-nose-normal
      https://www.catster.com/cat-health-care/about-feline-herpes
      https://www.catster.com/cat-health-care/cat-colds-causes-treatments

  4. I have a cat named Alisa .she is cut and playful but for the last three days she isn’t eating anything and also committed today . its difficult for me to take her to vet so please suggest me some ways by which I can treat her at home

    1. Hi San Isha – I’m sorry to hear that you’re cat isn’t well. I don’t know why it’s difficult for you to take her to the vet – cost, no transportation. You can try feeding her some human tuna fish or salmon but please at least call your vet and ask for advice.

  5. Pingback: Unusual Holidays to Celebrate With Your Family for a Fantastic January ⋆ Milk and Hugs

  6. I have a bobtail tortie her name is Dart. Her tail is very sensitive tip of it curls under just a bit. Touch Dart’s tail at your own risk. We have had a lot of bobtail cats I’ve noticed all are sensitive about their tails some more so than others. What is it about bobtail’s that are sensitive?.

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