We tend to think of cats and dogs as being polar opposites. “I’m a cat person,” we explain when passing on the opportunity to pet a pup. But are our beloved felines and canines as different as we think? An experiment conducted in Japan suggests otherwise…
One thing we know for sure: cats like boxes. It’s indisputable! Put a cardboard box in front of a cat, and they’ll be entertained for hours. But what about a circle? Many photos these days are popping up online of kitties all over the world sitting in the middle of a circle – and it doesn’t seem to matter how that circle is made (hoola lops! A ring of flip flops! Pieces of tape!). So, why are felines attracted to circles? While we have yet to fully understand all of our furry friend’s funny quirks, we can speculate on a few theories…
One theory suggests that cats tend to sleep in circles themselves, especially when preserving body warmth, so a physical circle on the ground might be of comfort or familiarity to them.
Another possible explanation? It could be territorial – a physical mark on the ground could be a demarcated territory for the cats to claim as their own (that means stay away, dog!).
Or, it could be a matter of safety and security. After all, cats love cardboard boxes for that reason, and it could feel like a safe boundary from the outside world.
Or is it simply out of curiosity? We could theorize all day, but cat behaviorists have yet to determine exactly what makes cats drawn to circles (and of course, some aren’t!). Why do you think cats like circles? Feel free to chime in below!
Image from @myfourcatsdesign
Do cats ever feel lonely? Every cat is different; some felines are content to entertain themselves during the day, while others enjoy companions and thrive in a multiple-pet home (whether it’s another cat, dog, or even a bird!). In recent years, cat behaviorists have even found that our furry felines aren’t as solitary as we’ve always assumed. In today’s post, we explore certain behaviors that could be indicative of a lonely kitty. Here’s what to look out for…
1. Excessive vocalizing or meowing, especially when entering or leaving the house.
2. Overgrooming or self-cleaning. This compulsive behavior could be a “cry for more attention.”
3. Destructive behavior while you’re away.
4. Misuse of the litter box
5. Aggressive behavior as you get ready to leave.
If you’ve noticed any of these tell-tail signs, don’t panic. Luckily, with a few distractions and change in routine, your kitty will settle down. We recommend trying out the following:
A window perch offers an entertaining view of the city (he’ll enjoy passing time looking for pigeons).
Rotating toys, and introducing new and challenging ones will engage his hunting instinct and keep him occupied during your absence.
Cat-sitter! Enlisting a cat-sitter to come to your home can make a world of a difference, especially for a kitty seeking mid-day cuddles while you’re away. Our sitters at Pampered Pets are fully bonded and insured and will play, pet, and socialize with your furry friend during each visit.
Once you know your four-legged friend’s alone-time threshold, you’ll be able to work out a routine that works for both of you. Good luck!
Ever wonder why your kitty kneads you with her paws, or lands perfectly on her feet after every jump? Test your cat knowledge with the answers below — we think even the experts will learn something!