Five Key Answers to Questions Often Asked by Cat Owners

If you're a newer cat owner, you likely have many questions about your feline friend's behaviour and care. This guide covers five common queries with clear, expert answers to help you understand your cat better and care for them responsibly.

Why Do Cats Rub Against Us?

Cats rubbing against you can be a delightful affection display but carries deeper meaning. They do this to show love but also to mark you as theirs by transferring their unique scent. Sebaceous glands mainly on their head produce oils that coat their fur and deposit scent on you, effectively stamping you with their 'signature.' When your cat head-butts or nudges you, it's their way of saying, "You belong to me!" This behaviour builds a comforting bond between you and your cat.

Can You Teach a Cat Tricks?

While cats aren’t as eager to please as dogs, they are trainable with the right motivation. Using tasty treats as rewards, you can teach your cat simple tricks like 'sit.' For example, hold a favourite treat above their head while saying the command; the cat will associate sitting down with receiving the treat. Clicker training works well to reinforce behaviours by pairing the clicking sound with rewards. Teaching your cat tricks strengthens your relationship and provides mental stimulation.

Are Collars Dangerous for Cats?

Collars can pose risks to cats, particularly if they get snagged causing injury. Although collars traditionally carried ID tags, microchipping your cat nowadays is a safer, more effective identification method as chips can't be lost. Some collars have quick-release mechanisms, but these aren't foolproof. Also, collars can cause fur loss and irritation on the neck due to rubbing. Therefore, it's best to avoid collars altogether and ensure your cat is microchipped, giving peace of mind if they get lost while keeping them safe from collar-related hazards.

Does My Cat Recognise Herself in the Mirror?

Most cats react to their reflection as if seeing another cat, due to their keen sensitivity to movement. However, it is unlikely they understand the image is their own reflection since cats have no inherent knowledge of mirrors. They quickly realise this 'other cat' lacks scent, so the interest fades. Cats are also intrigued by wildlife on TV screens because of combined visual and sound stimuli, sometimes engaging in amusing behaviours like searching behind the TV for birds. These reactions reveal cats' heightened sensory worlds rather than self-awareness.

Why Does My Other Cat Hiss When a Cat Returns from the Vet?

Cats rely heavily on smell to recognise one another. After a vet visit, your cat will carry unfamiliar scents from the clinic, other animals, and disinfectants. This strange smell makes your other cat perceive the returning cat as a stranger, prompting defensive hissing or spitting. To ease this tension, allow the returning cat to settle in a separate room initially. Then gently rub a clean towel over both cats to mix and share their scents. This helps familiarise them gradually. Usually, they will then resume grooming and friendship. In rare cases, a full reintroduction like introducing a new cat may be necessary.

Understanding your cat's behaviour fosters a happier home environment. If you have more questions about cat care or behaviour, stay tuned for additional helpful insights soon.