The Cat Behavior Answer Book - Arden Moore [43]
In any case, you can’t snuff out Lucy’s need to hunt. It’s hardwired in her brain. (See Predator or Prey, page 12.) Instead, give those prey critters more of a fighting chance by putting a bell on Lucy’s collar. If your cat goes outdoors, you probably shouldn’t put up bird feeders — keep those for indoor cats to enjoy watching from the window. As an alternative, offer Lucy some fake prey to stalk and chase in your home, such as battery-operated toy mice that move erratically. Happy hunting!
My Cat Acts Like a Pig
Q I always thought cats were fastidious and well groomed, but my cat is a dirt magnet. She loves to roll in the dirt outside. She digs in my herb garden and happily sports dirty paws and belly. Her beautiful black coat becomes all messy and dusty. Why does she do this?
A In general cats do pride themselves on sporting well-coiffed coats, and they spend hours each day grooming. However, your cat is on a mission motivated by scent and texture. Although it is common for dogs to roll in smelly things like dead fish and duck droppings, most cats don’t seek out stinky spots, choosing instead to wriggle in dirt or on pavement. They do this for many reasons.
The main one is to loosen and remove dead hair to assist in their daily grooming sessions. The dirt and dust that sift down to the skin discourage fleas and other pests. Cats may also roll in dirt and garden soil to get rid of unwanted smells such as your Aunt Kate’s potent perfume or Cousin Jim’s smelly cigar. Plus a good roll on a scratchy surface just feels good, like a mini-massage!
My cat Callie used to roll whenever I took her outside, but now I help her stay clean by brushing her regularly so that her mostly white coat doesn’t get dusty. She enjoys the attention and the brush feels just as good as rolling on my brick walkway.
Many cats will roll over on the ground when they see a friendly human approaching. It seems to be a way of saying, “I trust you enough to show you my belly; maybe you’ll come over and scratch my ears since I’m so cute!” Of course, often when you approach, your cat will leap up and dash away, so who knows what she is really thinking?
You mention your herb garden. Your cat’s nose is leading her to this scent-sensational spot where she can enjoy the feel of the dirt on the pads of her feet and the welcoming aroma of your garden goodies. Rolling in the dirt just adds to the pleasure of being outdoors.
Crazy for Catnip
Q I hope you can settle a family bet. I say that all cats react to the smell of catnip, but my husband insists that they don’t. Our cat, Gigi, comes running when I sprinkle fresh catnip on her cat tree. She races up the tree and starts rolling in the catnip and eating it. She loves it. But my husband had a cat who totally ignored catnip. When it comes to catnip, what’s the deal with cats?
A I hope you didn’t bet money with your husband, because he wins this friendly bet. Cats of all sizes, from domesticated tabbies to mountain lions, have been known to roll over, rub their faces, and twist their bodies in patches of this aromatic herb. Researchers report that up to 70 percent of cats exposed to catnip display some type of reaction and that the level of response appears to be influenced by genetics. Kittens don’t appreciate catnip until they are at least six weeks old and about 30 percent of adult cats show no reaction at all. Different cats, even from the same litter, can display different responses to catnip, ranging from no reaction to total bliss to irritability.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a member of the mint family. The oil from catnip leaves contains a chemical called nepetalactone, the odor of which closely resembles a substance present in a female cat’s urine.