Odd Cat Behavior

I have a six-month-old kitten that has always been playful and loving. Just recently he has started to sit by himself and stare at me or the wall. He probably does this about once or twice an hour and still goes on to play normally. I'm wondering if this behavior is something I should be concerned about. Thanks!

~~Abby

Expert Reply

Hi Abby,

As long as your cat still has the same energy levels and is eating, drinking and using the litter box normally, I wouldn’t worry too much. Just like human children, kittens go through various stages. He may have suddenly become aware of the play of light and shadow on the wall or that you blink or any number of things.

It sounds like he is curious about the world around him and trying to get to know you better. As I said, I wouldn't worry unless you see other behavior changes. This is pretty normal out of cats. They like to stare.

~~Lori

Cat Drinks from Faucet

Our cat Max likes to drink from the faucet. Before he drinks from the faucet or his sink, he does this thing with his paws, as if he is digging. What is that? When he does it in the sink the water goes flying. At his bowl, he just seems to be moving his front paws very fast.

Thanks so much~~ L

Expert Reply

Hi L, and welcome to LoveToKnow Cats.

That's an interesting question. Part of the joy of owning cats is getting to watch some of the quirky behaviors they develop. I have two theories about your situation.

First, kittens paw at their mother during nursing in order to stimulate the milk flow. Perhaps your cat's pawing is an extension of that behavior that has just become a habit for him?

Second, your cat may just enjoy playing in the water. Although a majority of cats display some aversion to getting wet, some don't mind a little splashing now and then. It keeps life interesting.

Whatever the reason might be for your cat's pawing, it doesn't sound as though he's harming himself in any way, and that's a good thing. If he doesn't already have a suitable scratching post, go ahead and get one. It may help divert him from scratching the floor near his water bowl.

Thanks for your question!

Kelly

Cat Displays Nursing Behavior

I have a thirteen-month-old male cat that we rescued about twelve months ago. He acts like he is sucking on blankets at times, although he may be chewing on them.

I have never had a cat before, but we have grown very close to each other. Is his behavior normal?

Thanks~~ Don

Expert Reply

Hi Don,

According to the information you provided, your cat would have been approximately four weeks old when you adopted him. At that age he should have still been nursing mom and getting his first introdcution to soft foods.

What you're seeing is actually nursing behavior, and it's fairly common in cats that were separated from their moms too soon. I wouldn't worry about his behavior unless he's actually causing damage to your property. Just think of it as an eccentricity- part of what makes your cat unique.

Thanks for your question~~ Kelly

Cupboard Fixation

Hi,

I have a 14-month-old male black cat. When we got him six months ago, he was an unhealthy farm kitten weighing only two pounds.

I have a couple questions:

1. My cat has this "insane" need for all cupboard doors to be open. He will bang on them to get them open, and once they are open he walks away.
2. He always pulls the grate off the bottom of the fridge. Why?
3. My husband has cat allergies, but they do not act up all the time. Is there any reason that certain times of the month would affect him more than others?

Thanks~~ Natasha

Expert Reply

Hi Natasha,

Let's begin with your first two questions. I think the need to check out the cupboards and pull the grate off the bottom of the fridge are related. If your cat began life on the farm, and was as thin as you say, chances are he had to hunt for food. Barns are full of places and things that a cat has to search through while he's on the prowl. I think your cat is still playing out those behaviors in your kitchen.

I suggest you add child-proof locks to the cupboards. Then when your cat becomes fixated on opening them or pulling at the grate, give him a harmless squirt of plain water from a squirt bottle. In time, this should teach him he won't get what he wants with that behavior. Make sure he gets plenty to eat in his own food bowls.

Now for your husband's allergies. Are you sure it's the cat that he's actually allergic to? Has he been thoroughly tested by his physician? I've never heard of a specific allergy coming and going while the allergen is still there, but he could possibly be allergic to something that occasionally gets tracked in on your cat. This could be pollen, grass, dust mites, etc. If you happen to bathe your cat, the absence of dander could also provide him with temporary relief. I'd advise him to discuss the allergic reaction with his doctor to pinpoint the cause.

Thanks for your question~~ Kelly

I Can Shush My Cat!

We have a two-year-old spayed Calico female cat that we rescued at six weeks old. She still has a lot of "kitten" in her, and ahe loves to rough house and play with toys.

Recently I made a "sssshhhhh" noise that immediately changed her behavior and attitude. Whenever I make the noise, no matter what she's doing she immediately comes to me and gets very "lovey" and sweet. She often puts her nose to my mouth to see where the noise comes from. If I'm sitting down, she will get up in my lap and purr. If in bed, she will lie down beside me and knead me. If she's doing something naughty when I make the noise, she stops immediately. Sometimes she even responds to my "sssshhh" noise with a sweet meow.

We've never seen this response from her before, but we feel like we've discovered gold! Have you ever heard of such a thing?

~~ Laurie

Expert Reply

Hi Laurie,

Cats are the most curious creatures, aren't they? Although they aren't really pack oriented like dogs are, some will respond with a submissive gesture now and then.

Your cat may equate your "Shh" with a hiss in her own language, and maybe this is why it grabs her attention so well. A hiss is usually a warning signal, so she naturally stops what she's doing and responds to you.

I think you have indeed discovered gold, but it probably won't work on every cat. I tried it on my own and she just looked at me and went back about her business. Count yourself lucky!

Thanks for your question~~ Kelly