Why do cats sleep in their litter box?

Cat sleeping in their litter box because they are stressed

The main reason why a domestic cat might sleep in their litter box – as shown in the photograph below – is because it strongly smells of their scent due to the presence of poop residue (after it has been cleaned) which means that it is a reassuring place to them. This will be …

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Why does my cat randomly lick blankets? There’s been no food on them.

Cat licks blanket

This is a question asked on social media and it’s a good one. I think the answer will be quite short. I have seen, as have others, domestic cats licking plastic bags which also appears to be mystifying. It is my belief that corn fibre or cornstarch fibre is being used a lot more …

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Why do domestic cats exchange scent with their human caregiver?

Cat Rubbing Up against Person's Legs

Why do domestic cats carry out ‘scent exchange’ with their owner? First of all, what is scent exchange? It may not be apparent to a cat caregiver that it is taking place. However, it happens very often, particularly when a cat owner comes home and their cat greets them. The cat will do one …

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Scented human objects alone do not reassure domestic cats when their caregiver is away

Gabs sleeping on a book to keep cooler

New Scientist reports on a study which tells us that scented human objects alone do not reassure domestic cats when their caregiver is away. I’ll explain what that means. There is a general belief that if you leave an item of used clothing with your cat while you are away it can reassure them. …

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Why do snow leopards have enlarged nasal cavities?

Snow leopard Flehmen response

The question in the title is a reference to the Jacobson’s organ a.k.a. the vomeronasal organ. The question in the title is slightly inaccurate as the vomeronasal organ is a separate to the usual nasal cavities. All cats and some other animals (snakes and many mammals) have this and it is located inside the …

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The solution if your kitten wants to curl up on your work papers

Cute tabby kitten curls on man's papers as he tries to work

This cute tabby cat in this equally cute YouTube video from the Philippines wants to curl up on the papers that this guy wants to work on and as usual the kitten is very persistent. One of the great qualities of the domestic cat is their persistence which is why they get their way …

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Pine tree sap on his paw left my cat befuddled

My cat settled down after being befuddled by pine sap on his paw

This is a minor experience both for me and my cat but it clearly indicates the major importance in the life of domestic cats of their sense of smell. He came in yesterday with some pine tree sap on his left forepaw. He wandered around the house looking slightly befuddled. He made an attempt …

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