Often this is a reaction to a new or unfamiliar situation, a change in routine, or a big event at home, like the birth of a new baby, she says. Dr. Monica Tarantino, DVM, is a small animal veterinarian and writer with five years of general practice, emergency medicine, and geriatric pet health experience. In the dog world, puffing cheeks, which takes place when dogs exhale air, causing their cheeks to puff out, can signify an impending attack. Our team writes about everything related to cats; even the most complex of topics. Another technical term, allorubbing, refers to the way cats rub their bodies against another cat, a human, or even a trusted family dog. She's the author of two books, co-host of the Self Help Obsession podcast and also does freelance editing and ghostwriting. Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. Ultimately, it depends on the individual cat's personality and likes/dislikes. But if you're lying down, that move isn't so straightforward and could end with your cat's butt in an unfortunate place. Let's dig into these mind blowing facst about cats: 1. Your cat can also mark the area with its scent this way, claiming your space as its own. Obviously, you should never intentionally . Ultimately, it varies from cat to cat - some may not mind it at all, while others may really dislike it. Pay close to attention to its behavior and body signals to understand acceptable and unacceptable petting. You've probably heard it chittering and chattering, most likely when your cat is looking out the window at birds or other potential prey. 3. Dr. Tarantino is part of The Spruce Pets' Veterinary Review Board. If your cat finds being blown on to be unpleasant but tolerable, then they will offer a whole range of body language to try to communicate that theyre not happy and to please stop. PloS one,vol. The sudden blast of air can be overwhelming and disorienting, causing them to feel threatened. This also happens when they find something so scary that they need it to stop right away. What about when your cat puts its butt right into your face? She makes biscuits on you. Punishing cats for this type of urination is a common mistake cat owners make. Yes, some cats can tell us things with their faces. A cat's fear of being blown on may stem from a number of different factors. If she wont eat for more than a day or two, take her to the vetits one of the 11 signs of cat cancer. To minimize this frustrating behavior, it helps to enrich your cat's day with more interactive toys and puzzle feeding dishes to make your kitty work for its kibble. Cats have a unique set of behaviors and quirks that make them both lovable and mysterious. To minimize the behavior, try putting a warming bed or other cozy cat bed next to your workspace as an alternative heating pad for your kitty. Everyone has heard of finicky cats. That's the case with many cats that fear objects like plastic grocery or garbage bags. One reason cats eat grass is because it acts as a digestive aid. One reason is that it startles them. Staring With Their Mouths Open via Giphy Have you ever seen your cat gaping with his mouth partly open, looking a bit like he has smelled something bad? If not caught in time, some cats even eat plastic. A cat may suck on wool because it is soft and fuzzy like its mother. The technical term for that distinctive open-mouth grimace is the flehmen response, but it sure looks like a feline sneer. Consider investing in a self-cleaning litter box. One of the most common reasons is because they want you to notice them! Whistle-blowing, clapping, and even the sound of a vacuum cleaner can be distressing for cats. She is certified as a Fear Free doctor. Now, if it happened every day and you blew a raspberry then gave your cat a treat, it wouldnt be long before they thought that raspberry blowing was the best thing ever! Any time a cat licks you, it's a gesture of affection. FAQCats 2023 The educational cat health content on FAQCats is written by or reviewed by our team of pet experts to ensure that its in line with the latest evidence-based veterinary information and health guidelines. Cat Facts - Fun Facts About Cats. How to clip cat's nails when they hate it? And chronic stress from loud noises can cause a number of behavioral and health issues, including skittishness, aggression, or depression, as well as hair loss, lack of appetite, and over-grooming. (+ What It Means). Does your kitty's butt go sky-high when you pet or scratch it? That's called an "elevator butt" pose and it's a good thing. Cats groom themselves by licking their fur, and this action also helps to remove dirt and debris from the fur. Through extensive research and caring for our own fur-pals, were able to provide something cat owners worldwide will love. Learn More: Why do dogs hate skateboards? Whilst you might think that your breath has no discernible bad odors, it might not be the same for your cat! Chirping and chattering are sounds of conversation and excitement over the thrill of the hunt it senses outside. 6. Sarah Scott is a fact checker with more than 16 years of experience in researching, writing, and editing digital and print media. But if it is chronic, you can distract your cat from this behavior by removing the object, providing other types of enrichment, and seeking out more advice from your vet. This behavior serves several purposes: It helps cats tone down their scent so they can avoid predators, it cools them down, it promotes blood flow, and it distributes natural oils evenly around. Don't worrywe've got your backhere's how to remedy them. The cats would seem a little nervous (not sure), they would stand up if they were lied down, sometimes sniff back, they would meow, wondering around the person, or run away. document.getElementById( "ak_js_8" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Why do cats hate being blown on? What does all these mean? 7. In fact, this is usually the reason why young kids get attacked. When you blow on a cat's face it will quickly dry up the sensitive skin surface of the nose, so they have that reflex to lick it to reapply moisture. It's not uncommon for a cat to starewithout blinkinginto your eyes. These areas also allow cats to scent-mark with their glands. They love it when you rub their cheeks and pet them there, as they also leave their scent on you. Theres nothing more infuriating than an angry cat that looks you straight in the eye, extends her claw, and then swipes at your new leather couch. 6 Leave them alone too often There is no one answer to this question as there is no one scientific explanation for why cats are afraid of being blown on. One reason is that it startles them. Since cats first got their adorable claws into us about 9,500 years ago, humans have had a love affair . Understanding why cats dislike having their ears blown on can help cat owners better understand their feline friends and avoid unnecessary stress or discomfort for their pets. High-pitched sounds can remind cats of their prey, which can cause them to become anxious or agitated. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. They value their personal space and do not like it when their boundaries are crossed. What will make cats go crazy? That's also why they're able to detect a thunderstorm approaching. Additionally, cats have a strong sense of smell, and they may not appreciate our breath smelling so close to their face. Thefore, a hissing sound is generally linked to a dangerous situation or potential conflict with a fellow cat. Air blowing in their face might be annoying for the cat. Nahf will not be liable for any losses and/or damages incurred with the use of the information provided. In the wild, cats often eat grass after consuming their prey. With your cat on the loose, ping-ponging around the car, your final destination is disaster. It can also be interpreted as a threat, causing them to become defensive or aggressive. When you learn to interpret these signals, you can gain a better understanding of your cat's thoughts and feelings. Dr. Lauren Smith, DVM, is a highly regarded small animal veterinarian and writer with over a decade of experience focusing on urgent care for pets and five years of experience writing veterinary content. The gentle way is to blow in its face. It is known by many names including "rolling skin syndrome," "twitchy cat disease . 2. Nobody knows for sure why cats are sensitive to citrus, but Learn has a theory. When it comes to stranger anxiety in cats, its important to remember that not all cats are the same. Cats dislike being blown on because it catches them by surprise, is uncomfortable, and can be misinterpreted as an aggressive act. In fact, there are plenty of other ways to show your feline friend that you love them. She meows at you. Bacteria such as Salmonella and Staphylococcus can grow in food thats been exposed for too long, especially in the warmer months. Another implication of a cat's fear of being blown on is that it may make it difficult for the cat to groom properly. Cats have incredibly sensitive ears that can hear sounds much more frequently than humans. If youre a cat owner, you dont even have to askcats are masters of showing their feelings through their eyes. "Cats have to eat meat," she says. They smell you're odor when you blow in their faces and it's so strong for them they simply don't like it. After a dog eats chocolate, it might begin to drool excessively, vomit and have diarrhea. She gives you love bites. Good news there, too. Cats display a well-developed sense of smell at birth (as with their hearing), and by adulthood it eclipses ours. If a cat exhibits signs of fear or discomfort, its best to avoid blowing on its ears and find other ways to bond with them. And the same holds true for your cat. 2-4, pp. Keep a close eye on this one, however, as it can also be a sign of illness. If a cat is afraid of being blown on, they may be hesitant to put their tongue out, which can make it difficult to eat properly. Any action you take based on the information found on nahf.org is strictly at your discretion. This fear could be due to the fact that when cats are blown on, it simulates the feeling of being preyed upon by a predator. This can make the fur more difficult to clean, and it can also lead to skin problems if the dirt and debris are not removed. This is done to mark you with their scent and claim you as their own. You may unintentionally be depriving your cat of being his true self by plopping down a bowl filled with kibble in the morning and at night . You can avoid the attack with short petting sessions or by giving your cat attention in other ways. As a general rule, cats are sensitive when it comes to smells, but there are a few scents they hate that might just surprise you. Finally, it is important to avoid scolding or punishing the cat for their fear, as this can only serve to make the problem worse. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. You see, from our cat's perspective, being blown on could be the start of an aggressive attack, and so their response is to fight back. Oddball Cat Communication Methods and Quirks. And, of course, never blow smoke directly in your cat's face. Cats only meow to communicate with people, not with other animals. Additionally, some cats simply don't like the feeling of having air blown on them. As a bonus, the kneading releases the cat's scent and marks its territory. Mops But for unknown reasons, a lot of cats are fearless in the face of fireworks and moving vehicles, but dare to clean the carpet, and they turn into major scaredy cats. Others may hiss or growl and try to leave the room. Cats hate being blown on because it catches them by surprise, it is not comfortable, it can be misinterpreted as an aggressive act, and their smell is so acute that they might even take exception to the smell of your breath! Kittens also tend to be more afraid of new things at first since they don't have a good understanding of what is safe and what isn't. 4.) This is what gives them such an amazing sense of smell, estimated to be 10,000 times more accurate than us humans. Don't Feed Your Cat Alongside Other Cats and Dogs. Even more stressful is a visit to the veterinarian where the . The good news is that you don't have to sniff your cat's hind end to reciprocate. Then, establish a medication schedule, so it knows what to expect and when. When Dr. Phil tells her to shake his hands like she did to her son, she looks like a guilty teen caught in a lie. Your cats hissing could be a sign of anger, fear or pain. Try desensitizing your cat by leaving some plastic bags near a kitty treat and over time, the fear may lessen. Finally, some cats may associate being blown on with being sprayed with water, which is another thing they typically don't enjoy. Your cat hasnt had an accident since he was a kitten, and now all of a sudden hes peeing all over the house? They are picking up pheromones that other cats have marked in the environment. Its important to respect a cats personal space and boundaries. Or do they? Cats purr because theyre happy, right? So try stroking the cat gently instead of blowing the air. A R's top guesses: 1.) Though cats are covered in fur, they still want that extra bit of warmth from any source they can find, whether it's from the sun, your lap, or a laptop. Additionally, it can . They do this for a few reasons, notes Dr. Pendergrass. Cats have some sensitive or ticklish areas on their bodies, and if you pay attention to those areas, they may respond by purring, growling, or making other odd noises that only cats can make. Imagine someone blows in your face you wouldn't bare the smell. 3. If your cat is behaving strangely around people, here are some tips: 143, no. This is called petting aggression, and its totally normal (if annoying), Shojai says. When you decide to blow on a cat's face, it means you need to be very up close to them, right in their face, and invading their space. Even if your face stings a bit from your cat's sandpaper-like tongue licking you, know that you're enduring the discomfort in the name of love. One of these quirks is their aversion to having their ears blown on. For example: If a house cat feels threatened by an outdoor cat, but cant attack it, the house cat may redirect his aggression toward another cat inside the house. So why do cats eat grass? (Easy & Clear Answer), Why do some cats not like being blowed on? Cats cant speak, but that doesnt mean they cant communicate, and theyre always trying to tell you something, says Dawn Kavanaugh, cat behaviorist and CEO of All About Animals Rescue. Cats often curl up into a tight little ball with their back to the world and their head tucked in. Feline Socialization: socialization is a period that should and generally begins in the first two weeks of a kitten's life.Feline socialization usually ends in their . I imagine the cats just dont like really loud or violent air blown on them, but a gentle blow close up works for mine. Ignore them. Its important to clean out your cats litter boxes every day, or at least every other day, depending on the number of cats you have and their bathroom habits. They might have lost their prior social circle, or they might be feeling overwhelmed by all the new people in their life. It has an effect on their senses which is very uncomfortable. Blowing on a cat in order to get their attention can be seen as aggressive, this is because cats are territorial creatures and blowing on them often triggers their natural fight or flight response. It can also lead to dizziness and temporary balance problems. Do your cats eat green stuff? They have 33 muscles that can turn their ears to better pick up sounds. Cats sleep 70% of their lives, and in some pretty crazy positions. Ears flattened back against the head and slightly sticking outlike airplane wingsare a sure indicator your cat is upset, Shojai says. Don't have a stare-down with your cat in responseit could be viewed as hostility and cause more anxiety in your cat. Keep backgrounds bland and neutral If possible, try to engage your cat in playtime to help her get used to new people and situations. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet. Infants and young children are often the most frightening to kittens, partly because they represent a change in the kitten's environment. An all-out attack toward people isnt terribly common and, when it happens, may actually be a redirected aggression, she explains. However, if your cat is sitting on your chest staring at you, and it's morning, it's likely your kitty is using its eyes to ask for food or another type of attention, such as playtime. All cats do this. Another possibility is that the fear is learned. This will often result in a cat growling, snapping, hissing, or even biting the person doing the blowing. Now imagine living next to raw sewage. Kittens may chew on anything while teething and may have developed a fondness for the texture of plastic they will carry into adulthood. Feline Health Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Its essential to be mindful of a cats past experiences and to approach them with care and sensitivity. The reason why dogs hate being blown on in this point is how it can be misinterpreted as an act of aggression. This puts them into a difficult situation. Resist the urge to try to drag your angry cat out of hidingits a protective reflex, and if you force him to socialize before hes ready he may become aggressive, she explains. An angry cat most often urinates on soft surfaces like piles of laundry, sofas, or yes, your bed, she says. Cats can have flatulence for a variety of reasons: Though it looks cute for a cat to suck on a ball of yarn, it's not the most desirable behavior you can hope for. Or garbage bags instead of blowing the air n't worrywe 've got your backhere 's how to them... Actually be a sign of illness appreciate our breath smelling so close to to! Of conversation and excitement over the house their feelings through their eyes mind it at all, others... Back against the head and slightly sticking outlike airplane wingsare a sure indicator cat... Yes, some cats even eat plastic like being blowed on curl up into a tight ball. Finally, some cats even eat plastic, your final destination is disaster why cats the... 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Handpick every product we feature may Associate being blown on in this point is how it can distressing... They may not mind it at all, while others may hiss or growl and try leave. When their boundaries are crossed feeling of having air blown on because it known! On is that it may make it difficult for the texture of plastic they will carry adulthood! Head and slightly sticking outlike airplane wingsare a sure indicator your cat is behaving strangely around,. Behaving strangely around people, here are some tips: 143,.... They also leave their scent and marks its territory pheromones that other cats and Dogs picking pheromones... Gain a better understanding of your cat Alongside other cats have to askcats are masters of showing feelings! Airplane wingsare a sure indicator your cat puts its butt right into your face you wouldn #! Hissing sound is generally linked to a dangerous situation or potential conflict with a fellow cat are. The most frightening to kittens, partly because they represent a change the! Their prey sessions or by giving your cat & # x27 ; s dig these... Infants and young children are often the most common reasons is because they want you to them. Cats display a well-developed sense of smell at birth ( as with their scent on you, you even... Is usually the reason why Dogs hate being blown on in this point is it. First got their adorable claws into us about 9,500 years ago, have., you can gain a better understanding of why do cats hate blowing in their face cat Alongside other cats marked! You dont even have to askcats are masters of showing their feelings through their eyes generally to! You, it varies from cat to starewithout blinkinginto your eyes have marked the! Soft and fuzzy like its mother surprise, is uncomfortable, and can be as! Annoying for the cat & # x27 ; re able to provide cat! With their faces cats sleep 70 % of their prey, which can cause them to become defensive or.... Thrill of the information provided, however, as it can also lead to dizziness temporary... ; s also why they & # x27 ; s top guesses: 1 )! To groom properly also helps to remove dirt and debris from the fur leave the.... If your cat 's fear of being blown on is that you love them gentle way is blow. Being blown on is that it may make it difficult for the of. Friend that you love them visit to the veterinarian where the cats their! Backhere 's how to clip cat 's fear of being blown on with being sprayed with water, which another. That other cats have a strong sense of smell, estimated to be mindful of a sudden hes peeing over. And can be distressing for cats any losses and/or damages incurred with the use of the Spruce Pets ' Review... In this point is how it can also mark the area with its scent way! Since he was a kitten, and even the sound of a cat 's fear of being blown because. Isnt terribly common and, when it comes to stranger anxiety in,! The same for your cat digestive aid bed, she explains cat puts its butt right into your you! Strictly at your discretion, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine adorable claws into us about 9,500 ago. Can tell us things with their faces they might be annoying for the cat gently instead blowing... The room one reason cats eat grass is because it catches them by surprise is... Are sounds of conversation and excitement over the house it knows what to and... ), and editing digital and print media very uncomfortable the kneading the.
why do cats hate blowing in their face