10 questions to test your feline expertise
Andrews McMeel Syndication
How well do you know cats? Check out these 10 fast questions, with the answers at the end. No fair letting your cat help!
1. When used to describe a cat's behavior, "bunting" is when a cat:
a) Uses urine to mark a doorway
b) Chatters at the sight of a bird
c) Bumps and rubs his head to leave a scent mark
d) Bats around his prey
2. Which of these is not a reason why cats claw things?
a) To keep claws sharp and help remove worn claw sheathes
b) To leave scent on an object
c) To provide muscles with a good stretch
d) To be spiteful
3. A cat who's getting agitated to the point of lashing out while being petted will often have a tail that's:
a) Twitching and flipping at the tip
b) Wagging gently from the base
c) Perfectly still
d) Carried straight up
4. Cats purr when they're:
a) Content
b) Frightened
c) Injured
d) All of the above
5. Most cats have how many whiskers?
a) 18
b) 24
c) 32
d) 56
6. Which of the following places are not good for petting, in the opinion of most cats?
a) Tummy
b) Underside of chin
c) Base of tail
d) Side of face
7. The average cat weighs:
a) Between 12 and 15 pounds
b) Between 8 and 10 pounds
c) More than 15 pounds
d) Between 6 and 8 pounds
8. Cats start their grooming routine by:
a) Licking their tail tips
b) Licking their flanks
c) Licking their lips
d) Licking their paws
9. "High-rise syndrome” refers to:
a) A cat's preference for perching on tall objects
b) The ability of cats to live happily in upper-floor apartments
c) The survival rate of cats who fall from high places
d) A cat's enjoyment of a good view
10. The normal body temperature of a cat is:
a) 97 degrees
b) Between 100 and 102.5 degrees
c) 99 degrees
d) 104 degrees
ANSWERS
1. c -- Every cat lover is familiar with "bunting," which is when a cat bumps and rubs on something, such as your leg or hand.
2. d -- Contrary to common belief, cats don't destroy your sofa for spite, but because clawing is natural feline behavior.
3. a -- You may avoid a nasty bite by watching your cat's tail. When the tip starts to flip, end the petting session.
4. d -- Although most purring is a sign of contentment, cats have also been known to purr in stressful or painful situations.
5. b -- In most cats, the 24 whiskers are neatly divided into four rows on each side of the face. Each whisker -- technically called a "vibrissa" -- is embedded deeper than normal hairs to enhance its sensory input.
6. a -- Many cats become agitated if petted on the tummy, and they may claw or bite. Save tummy rubs for your dog!
7. b -- While most average-weight cats will come in between 8 pounds and 10 pounds, some cat breeds are much heavier. A healthy cat should have a little padding over the ribs -- but not too much.
8. c -- A cat will generally groom himself in the same sequence, starting by licking his lips, then his paws, then rubbing the paws over his head. The tail is generally last to get cleaned.
9. c -- Cats can right themselves in midair and brace for impact if they have time, which is why they have a better chance of surviving a fall from a few floors up than from a balcony closer to the ground. Above a certain height, however, no cat can survive the fall.
10. b -- Temperatures below 99 degrees or above 103 degrees are reason to worry -- and to call your veterinarian.
How'd you do? If you got them all right, you really know your cats.
Q&A
Training key to
well-mannered dog
Q: My dog takes off every time he gets a chance. He knows better than to run, because when I finally catch him, I shake him by the collar and tell him what a bad dog he is. I can tell he knows better because he looks so guilty. What can I do? I am afraid he'll get hit by a car.
A: Reprimanding a dog for running from you is a surefire way to make sure he's even harder to catch the next time. Wouldn't you keep running if you knew you'd get punished when caught?
If your dog takes off, kneel down and open your arms when calling to make yourself more inviting. If that doesn't work, try to use a cue he knows well, like "sit," instead of "come." Many dogs know "sit" so well that they'll plant their rumps, and once they're sitting, you might be able to walk up and take their collars. Another possibility is to catch your dog's attention and run in the other direction, so he’ll chase you.
When you have your dog safely back on his leash, praise him. If you find yourself getting frustrated, a home visit from a good trainer can get you both on track. Your veterinarian should be able to refer you to a good trainer or behaviorist in your area, or you can search for one at fearfreehappyhomes.com.
By the way: Your dog really doesn't "know better." That "guilty" look he gets when you catch him is not remorse at all; rather, it’s his anticipation of being punished. He doesn't really know why, though, because you haven't taught him anything -- except possibly that you're unfair and highly likely to become angry with him. -- Mikkel Becker
Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.
THE BUZZ
Household items
toxic to pets
-- Accidental poisonings of pets by common household items make up 50% of the calls to Pet Poison Helpline, says Justine Lee, DVM, an emergency and critical care specialist who is associate director of veterinary services for PPH. Those types of calls are the reason that the third week in March is designated as National Poison Prevention Week, which has been observed for 46 years now. The goal is to raise awareness of toxic substances in homes -- things that often are safe for humans but bad news for pets. Keep the following items out of pet reach: lilies; chocolate, especially dark or baking chocolate; fertilizer; pest control products; prescription medications, including NSAIDs such as Advil and Aleve, creams rubbed onto the body that may be licked by pets, and antidepressants, which account for the highest number of calls to PPH; and products from baked goods to sugar-free gum to toothpaste that container the sweetener Xylitol. Any time you think your pet has ingested something toxic, immediately call your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline.
-- When the saying “gone to the dogs” first came into existence some 2,400 years ago, it meant that things were topsy-turvy. Two thousand years later, in 1619, it signified coming to a bad end or being ruined, and that’s still what it means today. We at Pet Connection, of course, think “going to the dogs” is a great thing.
-- A single lovebird is a great choice for beginning birdkeepers. They’re not too loud, too large or too difficult to care for. They also live up to their name, being very affectionate. And contrary to popular belief, they don’t have to be kept in pairs. A single lovebird will enjoy your companionship, but a pair will have eyes only for each other. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker
ABOUT PET CONNECTION
Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts headed by “The Dr. Oz Show” veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, founder of the Fear Free organization and author of many best-selling pet care books, and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. Joining them is behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.