National ANSWER YOUR CATS QUESTIONS Day
DID YOU KNOW…
January 22nd marks National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day! It’s a fun title for a day highlighting and encouraging cat owners to better understand their feline friends. While we may never know exactly what our cats are thinking, today is a great opportunity to reflect on how cats communicate and what their behaviour might be trying to tell us.
So What’s Your Cat Asking?
Cats are curious by nature, and their behaviour is often their way of asking questions. Think about it - meowing at the door (please can you let me out?), pawing at their food bowl (not sure about this stuff, can I have something else?) or curling up on your laptop keyboard (can you just pay me some more attention than that screen please?),
Your cat could also be trying to communicate something more important.
“Why is my bowl empty?” – Hunger is an obvious reason, but cats may also fuss with food bowls if they’re not clean or their food doesn’t smell fresh (ASPCA, 2025).
“Can I have more attention?” – Cats often seek attention through head bumps, loud meows, or curling up on your lap. If your cat seems extra clingy, it might be a sign they’re feeling lonely or bored (Johnson-Bennett, 2025).
“Why is that new thing in my house?” – Cats are territorial and may seem wary of new furniture, people, or other changes. Giving them time and space to adjust is key (International Cat Care, 2025).
Tips for Answering Your Cat’s “Questions”
Understanding your cat starts with observation and then interpretation:
Listen to Their Meows – Cats don’t “talk” to each other in the same way they talk to humans. A persistent meow might mean hunger, while soft chirps could be an invitation to play (Cornell Feline Health Center, 2025).
Watch Their Body Language – A twitching tail, flattened ears, or slow blinks can tell you a lot about how your cat is feeling (International Cat Care, 2025).
Be Consistent – Cats thrive on routine. Feeding them at regular times and providing a consistent environment can reduce stress and help them feel secure (ASPCA, 2025).
Create Enrichment Opportunities – Interactive toys, scratching posts, and climbing towers can help keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated (Johnson-Bennett, 2025).
Why This Day Matters to your Cat Sitter too!
National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day is more than just a quirky celebration; it’s a reminder to deepen your bond with your cat. By understanding their needs and improving how you communicate with them, you can create a happier, healthier environment for your feline friend. Passing that information on, helps your cat sitter understand them and bond too. Remember we only have a short time to get to know your fur baby, so if you know and understand their behaviours really well – it’s a huge advantage for us too!
