September is Happy Cat Month! Many of our feline patients are quite happy, and are living pretty pampered lives. As it turns out, Fluffy is very, very good at wrapping her humans around her paws, and getting us to pamper her. How do these little balls of fur manage to boss us around so much? In this article from Westside Animal Hospital, a local Savannah, GA vet offers a few clues on this.

The Meow

The meow is probably Fluffy’s most powerful tool when it comes to getting us to do what she wants. Cats actually may have started meowing just to give us orders! If you pay close attention, you’ll notice that adult cats don’t really communicate vocally with each other. They usually only ‘speak’ to each other during love and war. The rest of the time, they communicate with each other by using facial expressions and body language. However, our feline buddies aren’t shy about yelling at us. This may not be a coincidence. Keep in mind that we first became friends with cats thousands of years ago, because their hunting skills helped keep our food stores clear of mice and other vermin. It probably didn’t take kitties long to figure out that making cute, mewling sounds is a very effective way to pull at our heartstrings, and get us to offer food and lap space.

The Purr

Purrs are another brilliant kitty manipulation tactic. Fluffy’s little engine just happens to run at some very interesting frequencies. These same frequencies have been shown to help promote bone and tissue growth, and are actually used in PT. And, as anyone who has ever fallen asleep with a content kitty can tell you, cuddling with a purring cat is very relaxing.

Violence

Your furry friend may look cute and innocent, but she’s actually a tiny, adorable serial killer. Kitties kill billions of birds and small animals every year! Have you ever wondered why our feline pals look very pleased with themselves when they bring us ‘gifts?’ Perhaps these are actually threats. Clearly these little furballs think we are very impressed by—and perhaps terrified of—their hunting skills. They also sometimes bite us just for fun. Is Fluffy trying to strike fear into our hearts? We may never know! Does your feline overlord need to come in for an exam? Contact us, your local Savannah, GA animal clinic, today!