All cats are unique—big, small, calm, or wild. But have you ever wondered, ‘Why doesn’t my furry friend want to eat its food?’ or ‘Why is my cat biting me?’

You might think your cat dislikes its food or is biting you because it hates you, but there are actually many reasons behind the things cats do.

Why isn’t my cat eating?

When a cat is ill, loss of appetite can be a key sign that something is wrong. If your cat suddenly stops eating after a few bites, it’s important to pay close attention, as this could indicate a potential illness. Another reason your cat might not be eating is due to a recent vaccination. If your cat loses its appetite shortly after a visit to the vet for routine shots, it could be a reaction to the vaccine. While vaccines have saved the lives of millions of animals, they can cause side effects, including loss of appetite. Fortunately, this side effect is usually temporary and mild. You might be wondering, ‘Are there any other reasons my cat isn’t eating?’ The answer is yes—whisker fatigue. Some cats find it uncomfortable to eat from bowls because their whiskers press against the sides. In this case, plates may be a better option. If none of these issues seem to be affecting your cat’s eating habits, it might simply not like the food. Remember, just because the packaging looks nice doesn’t mean your feline will enjoy it.

Why is my cat working at the biscuit factory?

Biscuits, also known as kneading, is when a cat pushes their paws down on a soft surface, alternating each paw as if they were kneading dough before putting it in the oven. Not all cats knead—some use their claws, while others don’t. Some cats prefer kneading their humans, while others stick to softer surfaces like blankets or carpet. It all depends on your furry friend. One reason cats knead is for comfort. This behavior begins during kittenhood when they knead their mother to stimulate milk production. Cats also knead as a bonding experience, either with their mothers or, in most cases, with their humans. Another reason cats knead is to seek attention, as a way of showing affection. Cats express affection in many ways, and kneading can be one of them. Just as they feel safe while nursing with their mothers, when a cat kneads, it signifies that they feel safe and cared for with you.

Why does my cat bring me insects or dead animals?

Have you ever been lounging in bed, binge-watching your favorite show, when your pet cat jumps onto your bed and drops a dead bug or bird on your blanket? While it may seem odd, there’s actually a reason for this behavior. Your cat is bringing you these dead animals as an expression of affection and trust, showing that they value your companionship and consider you a part of their social group—it’s like giving a friend a gift. Additionally, your cat might bring you dead animals as an attempt to gain your praise or attention for their hunting skills. Cats have developed clever ways of getting their humans’ attention, and a successful hunt can be one way to do just that.

Why does my cat get the zoomies?

Have you ever heard your cat running around at night, making it sound like they’re destroying the house? Well, that’s likely because your cat has the ‘zoomies.’ The zoomies happen when your cat gets a sudden burst of hyperactivity, often involving frenzied running, pouncing, bopping, and even excessive meowing out of nowhere. One cause of the zoomies is pent-up energy. Cats spend so much time napping that they build up energy, which eventually comes out in a quick burst. To help prevent this, try actively playing with your cat during the day. Another reason your cat might get the zoomies is due to irritation or aggression.

Conclusion

Cats are mysterious creatures and do plenty of things we don’t understand. You may think your pet is feeling a certain way, but it could actually be the complete opposite. Being active and keeping a close eye on your cat can make a huge difference in your relationship with your pet. You will be more likely to notice the small things about them and have a better understanding on why they act the way they do.

Works Cited:

• https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/cats/behaviour. “Understanding Your Cat’s Behaviour | RSPCA.” RSPCA, https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/cats/behaviour. Accessed 29 October 2024.
• https://petcheckurgentcare.com/why-does-my-cat-bring-me-dead-animals/#:~:text=One%20theory%20suggests%20that%20cats,showing%20appreciation%20for%20. “Why Does My Cat Bring Me Dead Animals?” Pet Check Urgent Care, 13 June 2023, https://petcheckurgentcare.com/why-does-my-cat-bring-me-dead-animals/. Accessed 29 October 2024.
• https://www.fourpaws.com/pets-101/cat-corner/cat-zoomies-explained. “Cat Zoomies: The Bizarre Behavior Explained.” Four Paws, https://www.fourpaws.com/pets-101/cat-corner/cat-zoomies-explained. Accessed 29 October 2024.
• Leeson, Janelle. “Making Biscuits: 10 Reasons Your Cat Kneads.” Rover.com, 30 June 2023, https://www.rover.com/blog/why-do-cats-knead/. Accessed 29 October 2024.
• https://www.royalcanin.com/us/cats/kitten/kitten-development-from-birth-to-adulthood. “Kitten development from birth to adulthood.” Royal Canin,       https://www.royalcanin.com/us/cats/kitten/kitten-development-from-birth-to-adulthood. Accessed 29 October 2024.