Did you know that cats sleep an estimated 18 – 20 hours a day? If you own a cat you know that they are most active when it is dark out and especially at dusk and dawn. You want to sleep and they want to play. Then, when you get up in the morning they have breakfast and go to sleep. If you have ever brought home a kitten, this can drive you crazy.
Well, domestic cat behavior is not that removed from their ancestors, the large cats like lions and tigers, who hunt at night. They lay low at the darker night-time and warmer day-time hours, when other predators may be out and about. Have you seen your kitty play like she is stalking and capturing her prey, just like a big cat would? All of that is just inherited cat instinct, like when to sleep.
Your indoor domesticated cat will adjust its sleeping schedule to be with you during the day more, especially around its feeding schedule, but outdoor cats tend to stay on their instinctual night schedule. I figure if we understand that our cat is just being, well a cat, it might help us understand why they do what they do. Sweet dreams, Kitty!
In the last few weeks, I started sneezing a great deal and get these crusty things by my eyes. My nose is all running and I just want to sleep. Am I dying?
Yours truly,
Meow Choo
———————
Dear Choo,
Thanks for writing. No, you are not dying, you probably have seasonal allergies. Just like our humans, we can develop reactions to pollen, dust, and even grass. If you are sneezing, coughing, have irritated eyes or a runny nose, it is very possible that spring has sprung in your area and you are reacting to the blooms, especially if you go outdoors or sit in the window a lot. I get even pinker than usual this time of year. And Mom is really slow at getting the crusty things out of my eyes. Also, keep a whisker out for any new skin irritations, excessive scratching, bald patches on the skin, excessive redness around your eyes, mouth, chin, or ears, and if your human tells you that you are snoring.
There are a few things you and your human can do to help:
Stay indoors during high pollen days
Keep the windows closed and run an air conditioner to keep pollen out of the house
Wipe yourself down with a wet cloth if you have been outside
Take a bath (it is not as bad as it sounds)
If none of this seems to work then ask your human to take you to the Vet. You might have something else going on like an allergy to fleas. That would be bad!!!! (I hate flea bites!)
I am hoping that you can help me with this very big problem that I have, you see, I have multiple dogs that live in my house ( I know you can relate), and they tend to make a mess all the time and chase me whenever my humans aren’t looking. It is getting to the point that I don’t feel safe anymore just walking across the kitchen floor. What’s a feline to do?
Help me please,
Fearful in Fairfax
—————————————-
Dear Fearful,
If anyone can relate, it’s me, because I have 3 stupid dogs that I have to share my house with. It is time to take out your claws and let them know, right directly on the nose, who is the boss, Trust me, one or two well placed scratches and they will back off, at least for a while.
Noel, here. I can’t believe the suffering that I must endure with all the coffee cups that Mom has with dog sayings on them. At least she has cat dishes. Don’t you think that someone can buy her a cat mug for her birthday (which actually happens to be today)? Don’t tell her I told you about her birthday because she is feeling really old. My birthday is tomorrow, maybe someone will get me a new cat bowl, with lots and lots of treats in it (hint! hint!). I feel younger than spring time!
