Cat FAQs: Answers to the Most Common Questions Cat Owners Ask
Whether you're a first-time cat owner or a lifelong feline fan, cats never stop surprising you. Here are honest, straightforward answers to the questions cat owners ask most.
🐾 Behavior
Why does my cat purr?
Purring is most commonly a sign of contentment — your cat is relaxed and happy. But cats also purr when they're stressed, in pain, or even giving birth. Think of it less as "I'm happy" and more as "I'm self-regulating." The vibration frequency of a purr (25–150 Hz) has actually been shown to promote healing in bones and tissue.
Why does my cat knead me?
Kneading — that rhythmic pushing motion with their paws — is a behavior carried over from kittenhood, when kittens knead their mother's belly to stimulate milk flow. When your cat kneads you, it's a sign they feel safe and comfortable. Take it as a compliment.
Why does my cat bring me dead animals?
In the wild, cats teach their young to hunt by bringing them prey. Your cat sees you as family and may be "teaching" you. It's a gift, however unwelcome. The best fix is to keep cats indoors or use a bell collar to reduce hunting success.
Why does my cat stare at me?
Cats communicate a lot through eye contact. A slow blink from your cat is the equivalent of a kiss — try slow-blinking back. Prolonged unblinking stares can sometimes signal tension, especially with other cats.
Why does my cat knock things off tables?
Partly curiosity, partly attention-seeking, partly just... because they can. Cats are naturally drawn to moving objects, and they quickly learn that knocking things over gets a reaction from you. Enrichment toys can redirect this energy.
🍽️ Feeding
How often should I feed my cat?
Most adult cats do well with two meals a day — morning and evening. Kittens under 6 months need 3–4 smaller meals daily due to their higher energy needs. Free-feeding (leaving food out all day) works for some cats but can lead to overeating in others.
Can cats eat dog food?
Occasionally, a bite of dog food won't hurt — but cats cannot survive on dog food long-term. Cat food contains taurine, arachidonic acid, and vitamin A in forms cats need but dogs don't. A cat fed only dog food will develop serious nutritional deficiencies over time.
Can cats drink milk?
Most adult cats are lactose intolerant. While kittens can digest their mother's milk, they lose this ability as they grow. Cow's milk can cause upset stomach and diarrhea. Stick to fresh water — and plenty of it.
How much water should my cat drink?
Cats have a naturally low thirst drive (evolved from desert-dwelling ancestors). A cat eating dry food should drink around 60ml of water per kg of body weight daily. Many cats don't drink enough, which is why wet food is so beneficial — it provides hydration directly through meals. A cat water fountain can also encourage more drinking.
🏥 Health
How often should cats visit the vet?
- Kittens — every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks for vaccines, then annually
- Adult cats (1–10 years) — once a year for a wellness check
- Senior cats (10+) — every 6 months, as health can change quickly
Even if your cat seems perfectly healthy, annual checkups catch issues early when they're easiest to treat.
Do indoor cats need vaccines?
Yes. Even strictly indoor cats can be exposed to viruses carried in on your clothes or shoes, or through windows. Core vaccines (rabies, FVRCP) are recommended for all cats regardless of lifestyle.
How do I know if my cat is sick?
Cats are masters at hiding illness — it's an instinct from the wild. Watch for:
- Changes in appetite or water intake
- Weight loss or gain
- Lethargy or hiding more than usual
- Changes in litter box habits
- Vomiting more than once a week
- Dull coat or excessive grooming/scratching
When in doubt, call your vet. It's always better to check.
How long do cats live?
The average indoor cat lives 12–18 years, with many reaching their early 20s. The oldest recorded cat (Creme Puff) lived to 38. Genetics, diet, environment, and veterinary care all play a role. Indoor cats consistently outlive outdoor cats by several years.
😴 Sleep & Daily Life
Why does my cat sleep so much?
Cats sleep 12–16 hours a day on average — some seniors sleep up to 20 hours. As predators, cats evolved to conserve energy between hunts. Even domestic cats retain this pattern. As long as your cat is active and engaged during their waking hours, heavy sleep is perfectly normal.
Should I let my cat sleep in my bed?
This is entirely personal. There are no health risks for most people (unless you have allergies or a compromised immune system). Many owners find it comforting; others prefer their cat has their own sleeping spot. Either way, your cat will probably end up wherever they want.
🐱 Getting a Cat
Should I get one cat or two?
Two cats are often happier than one — they entertain each other, groom each other, and experience less separation anxiety. That said, adult cats can be territorial, so introductions need to be done slowly. Kittens from the same litter tend to bond easiest.
Is it better to adopt or buy?
Adopting from a shelter gives a cat a second chance at a loving home — and there are cats of all ages, breeds, and personalities waiting. If you have a specific breed requirement (due to allergies or temperament), a reputable breeder is a valid option. Avoid pet stores sourcing from kitten mills.
Have a question we didn't cover? Drop it in the comments or reach out — we're always adding to our cat guides.
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