It's the season of counting our blessings.
When this week's blog topic came up (Gratitude), I had just finished reading an article about the mystery we call cats. I wondered...
Are cats thankful? I mean, they are so good at hiding their emotions--except maybe when you open a can of their favorite kitty food.
So I did some research, and here is what I found.
When this week's blog topic came up (Gratitude), I had just finished reading an article about the mystery we call cats. I wondered...
Are cats thankful? I mean, they are so good at hiding their emotions--except maybe when you open a can of their favorite kitty food.
So I did some research, and here is what I found.
The Cat Gratefulness List
There are a few things cats put at the top of their list in terms of being grateful. While they may not be exuberant (like dogs), achieving at least some of these items will keep a cat grateful and happy.
1. A comfy warm spot or two (someplace comfy and cozy to sleep, sleep, sleep)
2. A cat bed (this is wise if you also have dogs and dog beds, as the cat WILL take them over)
3. Toys (cats really do like to play, especially if they are "inside only" kitties)
4. Clean litter boxes
5. Cardboard boxes or paper bags (these are adventure items and make great hide-a-ways for cats)
6. Favorite food (of good nutritional quality) and treats
I have found cats love feather toys and small furry mice toys, and, while I am not sure what they put in Temptations treats, if you open a container of them in our house, you will have cats at your feet in a nanosecond.
We have four cats and each one has their own favorite spots and warm places to snooze. We often know exactly where to find them. Our kitties will also choose a lap to nap on, if we are sitting for a period of time either watching television or working on the computer.
There are a few things cats put at the top of their list in terms of being grateful. While they may not be exuberant (like dogs), achieving at least some of these items will keep a cat grateful and happy.
1. A comfy warm spot or two (someplace comfy and cozy to sleep, sleep, sleep)
2. A cat bed (this is wise if you also have dogs and dog beds, as the cat WILL take them over)
3. Toys (cats really do like to play, especially if they are "inside only" kitties)
4. Clean litter boxes
5. Cardboard boxes or paper bags (these are adventure items and make great hide-a-ways for cats)
6. Favorite food (of good nutritional quality) and treats
I have found cats love feather toys and small furry mice toys, and, while I am not sure what they put in Temptations treats, if you open a container of them in our house, you will have cats at your feet in a nanosecond.
We have four cats and each one has their own favorite spots and warm places to snooze. We often know exactly where to find them. Our kitties will also choose a lap to nap on, if we are sitting for a period of time either watching television or working on the computer.
How do you know if your cat is grateful?
I am getting to that.
Signs Your Cat is Grateful
Of course this will vary depending on the kitty and level of aloofness they want to project in their day-to-day lives in the fiefdom, but generally, here are some ways cats let you know how much they appreciate things.
I read another really interesting fact about cats while researching this topic. A 2017 study on cats concluded that, among 4 categories of stimuli (human social interaction, food, toys, and scents), cats most preferred interacting with humans.
Even more recently, a 2019 study on cat behavior from Oregon State University reported that cats gravitated more toward people who showed them positive attention than people who ignored them.
I am getting to that.
Signs Your Cat is Grateful
Of course this will vary depending on the kitty and level of aloofness they want to project in their day-to-day lives in the fiefdom, but generally, here are some ways cats let you know how much they appreciate things.
- Purring (consider yourself hugged)
- Kneading bread or "making biscuits" - you know, that paw movement that mimics CPR or a good massage
- Bringing you gifts (yes, I just knew you would love this dead mouse I got in the basement)
- Blinking slowly at you (I love you- I love you- I love you)
- Head bumps or rolling over whenever they see you
I read another really interesting fact about cats while researching this topic. A 2017 study on cats concluded that, among 4 categories of stimuli (human social interaction, food, toys, and scents), cats most preferred interacting with humans.
Even more recently, a 2019 study on cat behavior from Oregon State University reported that cats gravitated more toward people who showed them positive attention than people who ignored them.
Another important fact: Cats recognize and LOVE their people.
I am happy to know that while we are grateful for our cats, they just might be as--if not more--grateful for us!
Click Into the Circle
I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet. To see what others have blogged about in this week's topic, up next is Syracuse pet photographer Nancy of Nancy Kieffer Photography, who is thankful for the gifts her dogs have given her.
Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer, until you find yourself back here. Enjoy and have a very Happy Thanksgiving next week!
I am happy to know that while we are grateful for our cats, they just might be as--if not more--grateful for us!
Click Into the Circle
I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet. To see what others have blogged about in this week's topic, up next is Syracuse pet photographer Nancy of Nancy Kieffer Photography, who is thankful for the gifts her dogs have given her.
Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer, until you find yourself back here. Enjoy and have a very Happy Thanksgiving next week!
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