What Does Your Cat Want to Know?

Last Updated on January 13, 2026 by Holly Anne Dustin

January 22 is Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day.  Yes, there really is a day for everything! It got me thinking, what sort of questions do you think cats are asking? What does your cat want to know?

Are they like little kids, asking “why,” and “how does it work” all day long?  I always think of my cats like teenagers. But I doubt they are asking to go to the mall.  Maybe they are asking about going to play with their friends though. Or going to patrol the neighborhood and look for girls? I’m pretty sure Plush wants to know when we are going traveling again.

Here are some questions I think cats want to ask their humans.

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Would you like to eat the same dry cereal every day

Dry food is convenient for us, but not for Kitty.  It can lead to many health problems from urinary tract crystals and blockages to diabetes to obesity. Catinfo.org has more information on the problems kibble can cause your kitty. Every time you add canned or raw food to their diet you are improving their health.

If your budget or lifestyle doesn’t allow for switching 100% consider offering one wet food meal a day, or adding a topper. Just remember, cats don’t like change so even though he’s asking for it, transition slowly.  Don’t assume that, because he doesn’t know what to do with wet food the first time you offer, he “doesn’t like wet food”. If kibble is the only food he’s ever known, he will not understand what is going on. Transition him a little at a time.  There’s a reason we call cats “finicky felines.”

Why do you yell and grab that squirt bottle when I scratch the chairs?

People really prize their stuff sometimes. They don’t understand why Kitty is scratching it. They think he’s being purposefully destructive. So they yell and scream and spray that water bottle. They don’t know how to train a cat.

Cats have to scratch. It gives them exercise, works off stress, and maintains their claws. It defines their territory.  Don’t yell and squirt them. It doesn’t work, and it might make them scratch more.

Move that scratching post out to the area he’s scratching, add some cardboard scratchers and a ball track toy/scratcher combination.  Make the couch less appealing. Cover it with a throw for now. Try Clawguard or Stickypaws to make it undesirable to scratch there.

You have to train him to use his scratching posts instead of the sofa but he’ll get the idea. Yes, cats are trainable. Your furbaby is not looking to drive you crazy. Just work with his natural behavior and meet his needs rather than working against them. You’ll both be happier.

Why did you throw away my favorite box?

It’s ratty looking and disturbs the look of their house. They don’t know how important it is to you.

Cats like to feel secure. The box, or a cave style cat bed gives them that.  Boxes give them a place to hide, play, and rest. Even if you get Kitty that awesome new cat tower with a hidey hole built in, she will still explore the box.  It is new and interesting and in her space. She’ll forgive you if you throw it out, just order something else first so she gets another new box to play in.

Why can’t I go outside by myself?

Because it isn’t safe.

Indoor cats live longer, healthier lives than their outdoor friends. There are ways to allow access to the outdoors in a safe and supervised way.  Harness and leash adventuring is one way to get them out in the big world. Training your cat to walk on a leash isn’t difficult.

A catio or screen porch is another. You can even buy portable playpens so you can bring them out in the yard with you while you garden or enjoy the sun.  Just make sure you keep them treated for fleas and be careful of the heat.

Why don’t you like me to play with your feet?

I’m sure Mocha Latte asks me this regularly because she won’t stop doing it and I hate it (she bites.)

Short answer girlfriend, it hurts! Hands and feet are wiggly, and about the size of kittens and Kitty wants to play with it. It’s important to train them out of it at a young age.  It’s cute and fun when they are tiny, less so when they are grown.

Why do I have to go to the vet?

This one’s easy!  Cats need a yearly checkup, seniors probably twice a year.  They are very subtle about not feeling well and things like diabetes, kidney disease and thyroid disease don’t show up without testing.  Sorry Kitty, that vet trip is for your own good.

I keep puking up hairballs.  Why? Can you help?

Kitty ingests fur when he grooms his coat.  Reducing the amount of fur he swallows is the best solution. Daily brushing and a good bath and blowout during seasonal sheds will remove a lot.  If Kitty’s got hairballs you can try adding a little extra fat or egg yolk to her diet. Hairball remedy paste is a commercial option.

Why don’t you listen?

Your humans don’t understand your language yet.

Cats meow to humans not to each other.  What is she trying to tell you? But cats also talk with their eyes, ears and tail.  Cats are trying to communicate with us, they are not aloof, anti-social animals. We even have scientific proof.  Learn to speak cat. You’ll be amazed at how your relationship with your furbaby will bloom.

Why are you staring at me?  Are you angry?

This question is like the last question.  Cats speak a different language.  In the cat world staring is aggressive behavior. The “slow blink” breaks that stare and shows he can trust you. Did he blink back?  That’s a relationship starter. Keep talking to him.

Why did you bring home that new cat/dog?

How would you like it if someone just showed up to live with you, wouldn’t you like to get to know them first?

It’s sort of like sibling rivalry when you bring home your new child. It is important to do the introductions right. Keep the needs of Kitty in mind before you adopt another pet, it might not be the right time.

What questions do you think your cat is asking today?  Share in the comments or on our Facebook page. Does she have deep questions about the meaning of life or foundation of the universe?  Or does she just want to know when dinner will be served?