You may have noticed that we enjoy celebrating the many different pet holidays and observances throughout the year here at Southern Hills Animal Hospital. January is mainly focused on our canine companions, with Walk Your Dog Month, Train Your Dog Month, and various breed-specific celebrations. However, there is also a fun holiday for our feline friends on the 22nd: Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day. kitties are naturally curious creatures and always seem to have questions on their minds. In this article a local Roanoke, VA veterinarian speculates on what your cat might want to know if given the chance to ask.

Where Did All My Toys Go?

Your furry friend may wonder what happened to her catnip mice and balls. (Spoiler: Some of you have probably at some point discovered a small pile of cat toys under your chairs, beds, and sofas.)

What Happens to My Sunbeam?

Fluffy doesn’t technically run on solar power, but she seems to have missed those memos. Kitties love to refuel their catteries in sunny spots! Your pet may wonder why those comfy sunbeams aren’t available all the time.

Why Do You Keep Moving Me Mid-Nap?

The average kitty spends as much as 20 hours snoozing every day. Fluffy is pretty laid back about choosing her napping spots, and will fall asleep pretty much anywhere. At some point, you’ll move your furry friend off of something that isn’t supposed to be a cat bed. This could be your laptop, coat, casserole dish, or, well, just about anything! You may get a little meow of reproach when you do.

Why Don’t You Let Me Help You? 

Have you ever marveled at how easily cats wrap us around their little paws? Think about it: the average housecat spends most of her time relaxing and being adorable. We provide Fluffy with food,  water, veterinary care, lap space, catnip, toys, beds, and boxes. Your pet is grateful for all of this, even if she shows it in weird ways. As a way of reciprocating, Fluffy may try to pack suitcases, wrap presents, or change sheets as a way of helping.

What Are You Doing In There?

Kitties like to keep a close eye on their humans. Fluffy may keep an eye on you while you’re reading, cooking, doing laundry, or fixing things. She even follows her humans into bathrooms!

What’s In That?

The phrase about curiosity killing the cat definitely has some basis in reality. Kitties are very curious, and sometimes even nosy. This makes purrfect sense, as they are both hunters and prey in the wild. Thus, it’s only natural for them to be constantly curious about their environment. There could be a hidden mouse lurking in a paper bag! That small cupboard could serve as a safe haven when the vacuum is running!  Your pet will also immediately poke her little nose into anything new. For instance, if you open a closet or cupboard that is usually shut, don’t be surprised if Fluffy immediately hops in to investigate. (Note: kitties’ curiosity can backfire, as they sometimes can get themselves accidentally locked into places like sheds or garages. Make sure you keep a close eye on your furball!)

Why Can I See The Bottom Of My Food Bowl?

Our furry friends take their meal schedules very seriously. If you’re late with your furball’s first, second, or third breakfast, she may meow her displeasure. (Be careful: cats are very good at meowpulating their humans into overfeeding them. Ask your Roanoke, VA veterinarian for nutritional advice.)

What’s Your Current Location?

We probably will never fully comprehend our feline buddies, but we are making progress. Recent research has shown that kitties use a visual map of their domains to constantly track the movements of their human companions. (Think of a GPS map, with you as the moving icon.) If your pet cannot locate you, she may be confused or even distressed!

Why Don’t You Let Me Go Outside?

Kitties are always safest staying indoors. Of course, if you tell your cat about the dangers she may face outdoors, such as weather, cars, and even other kitties, you may just get a questioning look… or the infamous feline death stare.

Why Can’t I Play With That?

Cats are predators by nature, and they’re more or less hardwired to attack things. However, they don’t necessarily know (or seem to care) what is and isn’t safe for them to eat, play with, or sleep on. This can be quite dangerous! Just don’t expect Fluffy to understand why you won’t let her play with a safety pin.

Will I Ever Catch That Red Dot?

Fluffy has been hunting that elusive red dot for a few decades now. Your kitty may never quite figure out how to catch her prey, but she’ll certainly have fun trying.  Playing with your cat with a laser pointer is a great way to keep her entertained! Just don’t shine the light in her eyes.

Why Did You Pet Another Kitty? 

Cats’ noses aren’t quite as sensitive as dogs’, but they are still quite impressive. If you interact with another kitty, your furball may very well pick up the scent. Don’t be surprised if she gives you that haughty judgmental look kitties do so well. 

What Am I Doing Here?

Kitties certainly meditate a lot. We’re not quite ready to say whether or not they have existential crises, or ponder the meaning of life seriously. However, it wouldn’t exactly be surprising if your feline pal has very deep thoughts about the meaning of life.

How Come You Don’t Sleep Enough?

Fluffy can sleep as much as 20 hours every day, but she usually settles for only 14 to 16 hours. The 6 to 8 hours most people get is nowhere near enough as far as your feline buddy is concerned!

Why Is My Breakfast Late Again?

Remember the old adage about breakfast being the most important meal of the day? Fluffy may never reveal her full list of golden rules, but we have a sneaking suspicion that this one is on the list. Your furry pal may wake you up if you dare to sleep past her morning meal. Be sure to get advice on your cat’s dietary needs from your Roanoke, VA veterinary clinic. 

Why Is The Dog So Weird?

While Fluffy and Fido don’t always get along, they usually at least tolerate each other. they definitely don’t speak the same language, though. For instance, your cat might wonder why her canine buddy willingly does what he is told, doesn’t use a litter box, and doesn’t clean himself. (Fido may also have some pretty legit questions about his feline roommate, but that’s another topic.)

Why Do You Take Me To The Vet?

You may have noticed that our feline friends tend to be homebodies. Even kitties that are allowed outside tend to stick pretty close to home. When Fluffy is placed in a carrier and taken for a dreaded car ride, she is typically not amused. Proper veterinary care is crucial to her health and well-being, however.

If you have questions about your cat’s health or care, please do not hesitate to contact us! As your Roanoke, VA pet hospital, we are here to help!