updated 61 days ago by TinaValant | 91 views | 0 meows

How Cat Savvy are You?

Just as we would consider it rude to walk up and go nose to nose with a stranger (invading the their personal space), many common things we do, are considered less than courteous to pets. People and animals have significantly different sets of rules and behaviors. How feline-savvy are you?

1) While visiting a neighbor’s, you spot their pretty, fluffy cat, looking out the window. Before you calmly approach, what two questions should you FIRST ask the owner?

a) Purrr? Meoooow?

b) Is your cat friendly? May I pet him/her?

c) What kind of cat is that? Will she/he scratch me?

d) None of the above

2) After you have received the correct answers on the above, from the owner. What should you do, next?

a) Present your open palm, and gently pet the cat on the head

b) Gently pick the cat up and place her/him on your lap

c) Tuck your thumb into your palm, cover it with your fingers; then present your fist (fingers to the ground), under the cat’s nose, to sniff

d) None of the above

3) Your cat is eating. Your daughter wants to play with him. Is it ok to let her go bother the cat?

a) Why not? They grew up together

b) No, feeding time is the pet’s private time

c) Yes, we need to prove *humans* are in control of food d) a and c

4) What is a common dilemma for most domestic cats, which can lead to digestive problems?

a) They don’t drink enough water

b) They might kill and eat lizards from outside

c) They ingest their fur as they clean themselves

d) All the above

5) Which cat should you be more respectful/fearful of?

a) A mom with kittens

b) A sick cat

c) An old cat

d) A hissing, spitting cat

e) A feral cat

f) Any of the above, depending on the situation/body language

6) Young nephew is visiting. He really wants to see your new kitten, peacefully napping under your bed. What should you do?

a) Call the cat

b) Let him go peek in

c) Tell him he can visit when the kitten comes over to him d) Don’t worry about it

7) Your affable Maine coone is lying on the floor, on his back. Your toddler goes over to climb on her. Do you

a) Run for the camera--what a cute holiday photo this will be!

b) Gently discourage the child, s/he could be bitten or scratched

c) Let the two of them sort it out

d) a and c

8) The cat you have had since a kitten does not feel well. You try to coax him out of the closet. You hear him purring, then he growls. Maybe a kiss on the head will make him feel better?

a) No! You may be bitten in the face. That growl was a warning

b) Yes. But more importantly, he will know how much you love him

c) Leave him alone, but monitor his health and behavior

d) a and c

9) Congratulations, you adopted a shelter kitty. A friend comes over with a thoughtful “ to welcome your new cat” gift basket. She then launches into high pitched baby talk, directed to your new addition.

a) Good, you want them to be friends

b) High pitched sound can hurt the pet’s ears and make them anxious and/or agitated

c) Get a grip, geesh!

10) Every day, before work, you feed your cat, clean the litter box and play for a few minutes. She starts going outside the litter box, all over the house.

a) Frustrated from lack of exercise and an outlet for her energy she may be trying to tell you something

b) She may have a urinary tract infection, go see the vet c) You take her to the shelter/rescue organization, because you just can’t deal with her ruining your home

d) Sadly, maybe all the above

Extra credit:

Dogs have masters. Cats have

a) people     b) staff      c) attitude

By: Tina Valant-Siebelts   www.havedog.com