Here are some of the most common and confusing questions people have about cats. There is a lot of interesting information here!



Why do cats chase birds?

Because they can. Your little kitty is a bundle of instincts, and it probably isn't news to you that she'll play with anything that moves. They are, after all, wonderful hunters! Never mind that the prey is sometimes a tasteless and yucky sock, she's still doing what comes naturally.


Why do cats get stuck in trees?

Actually, we only think they get stuck in trees! Have you ever seen a kitty skeleton in a tree? Eventually, they will all come down but until then, they make us and the local firefighters into feline emergency rescuers! That pitiful cry will make you do anything necessary to help them. So, why are they up there in the first place? Simple! Their claws are constructed for climbing up. The problem is, because their claws curve the wrong way, it's almost impossible for them to climb down. If your patient though (I know, it's almost impossible), kitty will figure out how to do it, slowly shimmying backwards as her claws cling, the right way, to the tree bark. Don't be disturbed if it takes your cat a while to figure it out.


Why do cats "torture" their prey?

Your cat's hunting skills are a mixed marvel of cunning and skill. Feral cats, field cats, and strays must live off of their catch. They will eat what they catch immediately. Your domestic cat's hunting expeditions, however, are hardly ever related to hunger. Thanks to you, he/she no longer needs to hunt to eat, yet she still has a strong need to keep their hunting skills perfect. So he/she hunts, but he/she probably doesn't kill. She was probably not instructed, by her cat mother, the finer points of kitty dining. It's very likely that he/she doesn't know that they are supposed to eat this poor creature. And most indoor kitties do not know how to inflict the "bite of death". If they haven't been taught by their cat mothers to kill swiftly, they aren't likely to pick up this skill by themselves very easily.


Why do cats bury their mess?

I find this one particularly interesting. In the wild, only secondary cats can bury their mess. The dominate female, on the other paw, will actually display their mess prominently. This sends the message of dominance. However, in today's modern home, you are the dominate kitty, and he/she chooses not to offend you. Another explanation is just as logical: Like most animals, cats bury their mess to protect their trail from predators.


Why do cats like to hang out and sleep in high places?

Just about anything up high gives them a great view from which to watch over their territory. It's safe and secure, and they can also keep an eye out for prey.


Do cats have a memory?

Okay, exam time! Get up and start the can opener. Does that answer the question? Actually your cat's memory can be up to 200 times more retentive than a dog's. But, be warned, kitty only uses his/her memory for what they regard as useful functions and usually only what helps him/her. Their memory is quite selective. Remember trying to get them into their second bath? Isn't it amusing how the only time a cat remembers their name, it's feeding time? She's also likely to remember which human opens doors for him/her, feeds him/her, and spends the most time loving him/her. But they never quite remember not to scratch the furniture, miss the litterbox, and put their noses in your plate! Isn't that amazing?


Why do cats always want to be outside when they're in and inside when they're out?

Your cat has a powerful need to check out her territory from time to time. And though they enjoy making these inspections, they never want to spend too much time on it. The reason his/her checking is so rhythmic is because of the built-in time clock of her scent marks. Your cat marks territory by rubbing against it or spraying. But these marking only last so long. This means he/she needs another trip to remark everything. Once this is done, they are ready to come back in. In the wild, they could come and go as they pleased. In your home, the door stands in their way, and it doesn't take long to learn that you are the solution to the door problem! If you allow your cat outside, a cat door/flap would work for them. Until then, you're it!!!