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Cats are notorious for being aloof, mysterious animals, so it’s easy to wonder what’s going on inside their furry heads. If you’ve ever wondered what your cat would say to you if they could talk, National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day is for you!

January 22nd is officially Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day, a special day dedicated to thinking about that exact question. Read on to learn a few questions your cat may be wondering, and what your answers may be.

1. Why Can’t I Go Outside?

Many cats long for the great outdoors, so it would be no surprise if your cat asked you this question if they had the chance.

Many cat parents feel guilty about keeping their cats strictly inside, but the outside presents a variety of safety risks for your cat.

Not only does it put them at risk for diseases like feline leukemia and Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), but it also increases the chances of them catching parasites like fleas, ticks, and worms. In addition, roaming around outside puts your cat at risk of injury from cars or other animals.

Statistics show that indoor cats have an average lifespan of 10-15 years, while outdoor cats live 2-5 years on average. What better answer to give your cat than letting them know you want them to live a long, healthy life!

2. Why Can’t I Scratch the Furniture?

Scratching is a natural instinct for your cat, so it’s no wonder they try to sink their claws into your furniture. Cats scratch for a variety of reasons, including:

• Shortening and conditioning their claws
• Stretching their bodies
• Marking their territory
• Exerting their authority
• Playing

For all of these reasons, it’s easy to see why your cat would be confused. Unfortunately, scratching your furniture can do more than just harm your living room’s aesthetic – it can be a real risk for injury. Your cat’s claws can get caught in the threads of fabric, leaving them with pain and discomfort.

Instead, you can offer your cat alternatives to relieve their need to scratch, like scratching posts and cat towers. Regularly trimming your cat’s claws is another great way to keep their claws from catching on the fabric of your furniture, and it may reduce their urge to scratch.

3. Why Won’t You Let Me Jump on the Counter?

Climbing is another natural instinct for cats, so they can have a better vantage point for hunting and for hiding from predators. Cats are also curious animals that love to explore, so countertops with mysterious items on them are extra enticing for your feline friends.

While you may struggle to explain to your cat why jumping on the counters isn’t a good idea for them, you can offer them alternative ways to climb high and fulfill their curiosity.

Add cat shelves or a cat tree to your kitchen, so they can still climb and see what’s on top of the counters without needing to physically climb on them. Placing cat trees, shelves, and window perches throughout your house can turn your home into your cat’s personal jungle.

4. Why Don’t You Like the Gifts I Bring You?

If your cat has ever brought you an unwanted “gift” like a dead bird or mouse, they’re probably confused by your negative reaction.

Mother cats will bring their prey back to their kittens to teach them how to hunt, and some cats will try the same behavior with their owners. Your cat brings you gifts because they want to help you learn how to better fend for yourself and be a “better cat.”

Some cats will also offer their toys as gifts when they’re looking for attention or to play. If your kitty leaves their toys for you to find, consider adding a longer play session into their daily routine. It’s likely they have additional energy at the end of the day, and they’re feeling bored.

5. Can You Feed Me Now?

If your cat has ever woken you up at 5 AM for food time, you know that they’re dying to ask you about their daily mealtime routine.

While some pet parents choose to free feed their cats, it’s not recommended by veterinarians because it can lead to overeating and weight gain. Instead, feed your cat at structured mealtimes, at least twice a day.

A feeding routine helps to add structure to your cat’s day, which can help ease their stress levels and help them feel more secure in their environment. It also helps you, as the cat parent, notice more quickly if there’s a change in your cat’s eating habits, which can be one of the first signs of illness.

6. Why Do You Spend So Much Time Awake?

If you spend time at home with your cat, they likely wonder how you have so much energy to be awake for so long.

Cats love a good cat nap – in fact, they sleep around 15 hours a day, and can even sleep up to 20 hours. This is mostly due to their natural hunting instincts.

Cats are crepuscular, which means they’re most active at dawn and dusk. These times of day would be the ideal hunting times for cats to avoid predators, and even though your cat may spend all of their time inside, they still have those instincts hard-wired in them.

7. Where Do You Go Everyday?

If you leave your cat at home while you go to work, they may wonder where you spend so much of your time. While many cats are independent animals, they still enjoy the company of their parents, and they especially love playtime.

If your cat struggles with boredom or stress while you’re away from home, consider leaving a few ways for them to stay entertained while you’re gone. This can be food puzzles, window perches, or even bird sounds on TV.

It’s important to engage your cat’s brain, so they have the chance to burn off their excess energy and feel satisfied at the end of the day. Mental stimulation and exercise can go a long way with preventing behavior-related challenges.

Celebrate National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day

On January 22nd, celebrate this fun holiday by answering all of your cat’s pressing questions. This is also a fun time to take to social media and share some of the questions you think your cat would ask you if they could talk. Have a little fun and imagine what it would be like to have a conversation with your feline friend! You may learn something new about them that you didn’t know before.