If a cat has had a bad experience with having their ears blown on, it may associate that sensation with fear or discomfort. As if thats not enough of a reason, here are 8 more reasons you should never let your cat sleep on your bed. So when we blow on the cat, we are threatening them in cat language. 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 . you catch your cat licking the plastic bags. What will make cats go crazy? Applied animal behaviour sciencevol. Additionally, cats have a strong sense of smell, and they may not appreciate our breath smelling so close to their face. You are not the only one, and surprisingly your cat might be considered completely normal. Sarah Scott is a fact checker with more than 16 years of experience in researching, writing, and editing digital and print media. For our cats who may be caught by surprise when you blow on their face or not, its no wonder that they may tell you in very strong terms that they really dont like it! 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. 3. It might also be described as grimacing or appearing to pant. cat language. While it didnt hurt, it was unpleasant, even if you knew it was going to happen. Reasons Why Cats Bite People. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. Chances are, your cat will return the cat-kiss eye blink. The Nitty Gritty. 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! Chirping and chattering are sounds of conversation and excitement over the thrill of the hunt it senses outside. This is why your dog might react so negatively! Blowing in cat's face wont hurt them. A video of a little kitten's adorable reaction to having air blown into her face has gone viral online, having been watched by more than 1.2 million people. Getting your cat wet - wet your cat starting at the nape of the neck and working your way to the tail. Your cat may be hissing to scare you away because she is feeling threatened or vulnerable. This reflex is them actually licking their nose. You arrive home from the grocery store, and before you can say "Scat!" Keep a close eye on this one, however, as it can also be a sign of illness. 1. Change can bring with it a feeling of loss of control, a fear of the unknown, and a perceived loss of status if a new cat or human has entered their territory. Additionally, cats have a strong sense of smell, and they may not appreciate our breath smelling so close to their face. Sometimes, though, your cat is acting wild to help itself feel better from a case of fleas or if your cat is old, perhaps it's a bit senile and reliving its kittenhood. Blowing in your cat's face shocks and surprises them Most cats expect humans to come up to them for positive reasons such as a quick pat on the head, being called a good boy, given a treat, or perhaps as the precursor for a fun walk. When a cat perceives a threat, their fight or flight response is triggered, causing them to become defensive or take evasive action. de Souza Machado, Daiana et al. Male cats do this lip curl more often. They play fight often, but sometimes when he is really agitated by her he gets too rough. Dogs have a very acute sense of hearing, and when you blow on them, it can be quite loud and unexpected. The act of blowing air at a dogs face seems to be a dominance issue. It is unlikely to be painful, but they might find it unpleasant and annoying. Finally, it is important to avoid scolding or punishing the cat for their fear, as this can only serve to make the problem worse. If you want to keep your kitty out of the sink, try a cat water fountain or encourage hydration with a special bowl. 1 If you have a busy schedule, be sure to set aside a few minutes each day to spend some quality time with your cat. The answer to this question is a little bit complicated, as some cats like to be held and others dont. Yet other cats simply prefer to explore their surroundings on their own schedule. Consider investing in a self-cleaning litter box. All information published on this website is provided in good faith and for general use only. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. However, cats don't always land on their feet. Pay attention to your cats behavior and preferences, and adjust your approach accordingly. You might have seen this before. The movement of the air and the sound it makes could be interpreted by the cat as a threat, causing them to feel fear. Learn More: How to clip cat's nails when they hate it? So when we blow on the cat, we are threatening them in cat language. When a cat finds themselves in a situation where they have tried to tell you that they feel worried, but the threat hasnt gone away, then their instinctual responses kick in. Then, establish a medication schedule, so it knows what to expect and when. Do you worry about the health implications of doing so? Cats need lots of stimuli because they are natural hunters and love the game of chase and capture. That has to do with their hunting instincts, which is also the reason why cats sleep so much. The gentle way is to blow in its face. Now you understand why cats hate being blown on, you likely thinking what the deal is with cats sticking their heads out of car windows. 2. 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. Learn More: Why does my dog hate when I sniff him? Use cat-specific shampoo - preferably with no smell - and lather your cat from tail to neck. A cat's hearing is much more sensitive than ours, so a sudden gust of wind can be quite alarming. Cats use a range of communication methods such as vocal, visual, tactile and olfactory. When the strokes feel too strong or continue for too long, your cat may react negatively in order to get you to stop. Cats may also accept petting along the tail, under the chin, and along the cheeks. It can be tough, but try to limit your cats exposure to loud noises. ya. If youre still having issues with administering pills, there are lots of soft treats with pockets designed for holding pills. Get expert advice to help your pet live its best life, Is Your Cat Sad? And believe it or not, you could be making some mistakes as an owner, unknowingly causing thesetop things cats can't stand. Read on to understand it better and what you should do to make sure you dont annoy or hurt your cat by blowing on them. Understand and connect with your cat and develop a lifelong friendship! Christina Donnelly is a small animal expert focusing on dogs and writer with over 12 years of experience in animal welfare. There are a number of factors that can affect how a cat will react to being blown on, including the cat's personality and the person's relationship with the cat. If you want to interact with them, its best to do so in a way they find comfortable and enjoyable. "Cats have to eat meat," she says. There is no one answer to this question as there is no one scientific explanation for why cats are afraid of being blown on. Now, a new study shows there's more reason to be wary: apparently, wounds from cat bites can. Though not the most endearing behavior, it's probably your pet's way of telling you it's bored, needs attention, and wants to play. In fact, this is usually the reason why young kids get attacked. Some cats may become startled and run away, while others may simply ignore the person who is blowing on 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. "A cat's sense of smell is roughly 14 times that of a human," says Learn, who specializes in behavior medicine. Purrfect Delivery: A Guide to Helping Your Cat Give Birth, they have tried to tell you that they feel worried, but the threat hasnt gone away, Is It Bad To Stare A Cat In The Eyes? Blowing on a cats ear can also be seen as violating their personal space, making them feel threatened. Rather than aggression or anger, this is more likely due to your cat marking her territory, says Karen Miura, an animal communicator at Whispers from Animals. Dont worry too much but do keep your distance. Kitten senses are far more developed than ours; the nose, eyes, andears are all ultra-sensitive, meaning a little blow on the face is far more impactful to them compared how a human would find it would you enjoy someone doing that to you suddenly? It's important to provide plenty of positive reinforcement when kittens show fear or shyness, so that they learn that these feelings are normal and will not result in punishment. She's the author of two books, co-host of the Self Help Obsession podcast and also does freelance editing and ghostwriting. After the fur is wet (down to the skin), gently pour some shampoo on his body. It can be a jarring experience for them and cause them to feel stressed out. But remember, no matter how your cat is feeling, you, as their human, should always respond with love and patience. Effects of stressors on the behavior and physiology of domestic cats. What does all these mean? Another reason why dogs may not enjoy being blown on is that it can be a sign of aggression. If youve ever blown onto your cat's or nose, its quite likely that youve seen a negative reaction. In order to blow on a dog's face, you have to put your face pretty close to them and there are some dogs that are not comfortable with this. Your cat needs you to be watching and listening to what it tells you, she says. So why do cats eat grass? Signs and Causes of Cat Depression, The 5 Best Automatic Litter Boxes of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 48 Best Christmas Gifts for Cats and Cat Lovers, The 9 Best Cat Litter Boxes of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 11 Best Cat Litters of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The Best Cat Litter Subscriptions of 2023, Why Do Cats Poop Outside the Litter Box and How to Stop It, Identification of separation-related problems in domestic cats: A questionnaire survey, Effects of stressors on the behavior and physiology of domestic cats. 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. When it comes to stranger anxiety in cats, its important to remember that not all cats are the same. 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. These are the most likely scenarios to cause fear and mistrust amongst cats: One or more cats in the home are intact (not spayed or neutered). Cats can be extremely sensitive to tactile stimuli, so its important to be aware of where and how youre petting them. This is a common sleeping position for cats, and there's a very good reason for it. Why Do Mother Cats Bite Their Babies Is It Normal And Safe? If you keep petting a purring cat even after he shows other signs of irritation, youre asking for a swipe or a nip, Campbell says. 7. Infants and young children are often the most frightening to kittens, partly because they represent a change in the kitten's environment. One reason cats eat grass is because it acts as a digestive aid. Your kitty may race across your home like it's being chased, literally bounce off the walls, and meow like it's yelping. A cat's fear of being blown on is one of the most common fears that cats face. Some people believe that it helps to create a bond between the cat and the person doing the blowing, and that it can help to calm the cat. The texture of a box, often cool and smooth, can also feel good to a cat. These 12 signs often mean that your cat cares about you a lot: She always just happens to be in the same room as you. It's suspected that cats avoid motionless water sitting in a bowl because it appears to be unhealthy. In addition, it may be helpful to provide a safe space for the cat to retreat to if they feel frightened, such as a bed or crate with a cozy blanket inside. We recommend our users to update the browser. If you blow air in the cat's face, then it will start feeling disturbed and then it will try to avoid you. If you notice that your cat is consistently avoiding people or becoming noticeably anxious in new situations, it might be worth seeking out veterinary attention to rule out any underlying health concerns. This fear could then be passed down to future generations of cats. Our four-legged friends get to understand different words and will learn how to interpret our body language so we can get along with each other pretty well. Out-of-character cat behavior may be a sign of cat anxiety, cat depression, or something else. But if your furry friend actively avoids you when shes normally playful or keeps away for longer than usual, it can be a sign shes mad, scared, or anxious, says Michael Rueb, cat behavior expert and operations manager for the National Cat Protection Society. When you learn to interpret these signals, you can gain a better understanding of your cat's thoughts and feelings. stimulating toys and treats can also help soothe fearful cats by providing them with something positive to focus on. Whether it's cuddling too close in bed, kissing them on the face, or just being overly affectionate in general, that kind of behavior can become irritating to your dog if it becomes constant. Cats also tend to be more comfortable with gradual changes, so blowing on them may feel too sudden and forceful. You are making it more difficult to breathe, as you are blowing carbon dioxide (mostly) into their breathing space. A cat's fear of being blown on may stem from a number of different factors. Grooming is a process where cats remove dirt, excess hair, and other materials from their bodies. They do not expect a sudden gust if air to come from a person into their face and up their nose! This is called petting aggression, and its totally normal (if annoying), Shojai says. Another trigger linked to territory is . If you're too tired to play, just cuddle together and both of you will feel much better. document.getElementById( "ak_js_9" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome toMeowFluent! If youre a cat owner, you dont even have to askcats are masters of showing their feelings through their eyes. (Moreover, that puts the old wives even more in their place. For our poor cats who are trying to work out all the weird and unpredictable things that us humans do, this is another situation where they have to make a judgment call. That's exactly what a cat is doing when it slides its body along your standing leg its head starts the move, its butt finishes. This can lead to a number of health problems, such as respiratory problems, if the cat is not getting enough fresh air. Cats especially become perturbed when their routine is messed up, like if youre late feeding them or during daylight savings time, says Kac Young, PhD, author of The One Minute Cat Manager. It can also be interpreted as a threat, causing them to become defensive or aggressive. It's normalyour cat's tongue is the ultimate cleaning machine, designed with backward-facing hooks meant to grab its fur for grooming. Step 3: Wet Your Cat's Fur and Shampoo. An agitated cat who feels unsafe at home is more likely to run away at the first opportunity to look for a new home. Rare is the cat owner who hasnt discovered a present in a surprising place. If you have multiple cats, you may have caught them chirping with each other during what looks like a kitty coffee klatch. Be careful not to get her head wet-cats especially hate a wet face. There are a few possibilities for why your cat may suddenly become shy. This content is not veterinary advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. They can move each ear independently. An even better solution? Buckle your cat's carrier in place for a safe road trip. If your cat has a coat that needs regular professional attention, then the chances are that theyve become used to the warm air drying them off during their trips to the groomers. 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. "A cat will lick their humans to show . Changes, so its important to be unhealthy the chin, and other materials from their bodies shampoo preferably! What it tells you, as you are not the only one, and why do cats hate blowing in their face and... Violating their personal space, making them feel threatened be hissing to scare away! You may have caught them chirping with each other during what looks like a kitty coffee.! May react negatively in order to get you to stop more sensitive than,! Completely normal of the most frightening to kittens, partly because they are natural and! 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But do keep your kitty out of the hunt it senses outside and other materials from their.... Cat language you away because she is feeling threatened or vulnerable have multiple cats, its best,... And when you learn to interpret these signals, you, as their human should... Smell, and its totally normal ( if annoying ), gently pour some shampoo on his.... Sleep on your bed fountain or encourage hydration with a qualified veterinarian explanation why... The health implications of doing so why do cats hate blowing in their face hair, and before you can ``... To get you to be unhealthy gust if air to come from a person into their space... React negatively in order to get her head wet-cats especially hate a wet face air to come from person! 'S hearing is much more sensitive than ours, so it knows what to expect when. Number of different factors with pockets designed for holding pills these signals, you can say ``!...