Contact Us: (800) 709-3572 Want To Send Us A Letter? You May Be Surprised. Next, gently rub the shampoo into the fur (working up a nice lather as you go). In the footage, which was shared to . My cat LOVES me blowing in his face. Getting up in their face is unpleasant and an act of potential aggression. Instead, running water is perceived by cats to be fresher water which is why the bath or kitchen faucet is such a big draw. Dr. Monica Tarantino, DVM, is a small animal veterinarian and writer with five years of general practice, emergency medicine, and geriatric pet health experience. For instance, cats hate it when strong gusts of air blow straight on their face, either from the fan, the window, or the air conditioning unit. However, if your cat is sitting on your chest staring at you, and it's morning, it's likely your kitty is using its eyes to ask for food or another type of attention, such as playtime. This leave me alone bite doesnt mean hes angry, but that he wants to control the interaction, and the petting that goes on too long overstimulates him, she explains. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. One reason is that it startles them. You arrive home from the grocery store, and before you can say "Scat!" David DeHetre / Creative Commons / Getty Images. It makes sense when you consider that cats have 300 million olfactory receptors in their nose. It can be hard to tell if your cat is keeping her distance because shes upset, or if shes staying away because, well, shes a cat and cats are weirdos. 4 reasons why cats hate being blown on 1. Grooming is a process where cats remove dirt, excess hair, and other materials from their bodies. Bacteria such as Salmonella and Staphylococcus can grow in food thats been exposed for too long, especially in the warmer months. Most cats hate it when you blow on them, and there are a few different reasons why this may be the case. The reason why cats hate being blown on in this point is how it can be misinterpreted as an act of aggression. The very stereotype of an angry cat is a kitty crouching with an arched back, fluffed out fur, and a bushy tail, Shojai says. This gives the animal the appearance of being bigger and more intimidatingwhich often backfires with enamored owners. This fear could be due to the fact that when cats are blown on, it simulates the feeling of being preyed upon by a predator. One of the first subtle signs that your cat is mad at you is when you see her tail placed low, swishing quickly back and forth, from side to side, says Emily Parker, cat behavior expert at . When you blow on a cat's face it will quickly dry up the sensitive skin surface of the nose, so they have that reflex to lick it to reapply moisture. So when we blow on the cat, we are threatening them in cat language. 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. For example, try blowing on the back of the cat's neck or behind their ears. Now, a new study shows there's more reason to be wary: apparently, wounds from cat bites can. Try desensitizing your cat by leaving some plastic bags near a kitty treat and over time, the fear may lessen. Out-of-character cat behavior may be a sign of cat anxiety, cat depression, or something else. Bite-sized in just 5 minutes. Even though the winking stare is a kiss, the wide-open stare can be just as affectionate. This reflex action is very similar to how we blink when someone blows in our eye. Cats can be extremely sensitive to tactile stimuli, so its important to be aware of where and how youre petting them. Sometimes cats incorrectly interpret holding as an indication that they're going to be punished, so they may retreat even further. When your cat does this to you, it's like giving a hug and kiss when greeting a friend. Do cats hate humans? It can also be interpreted as a threat, causing them to become defensive or aggressive. Overall, a cat's fear of being blown on can have a number of implications for their health and wellbeing. However, a cat might leave it unburied to claim territory. Cats use their tongues to help them eat, and they also use their tongues to groom themselves. Don't approach an agitated cat. Front paw kneading is generally believed to be a leftover nursing behavior that kittens use to stimulate the release of milk from their mothers. Write To Us At: 19046 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. The act of blowing air at a dogs face seems to be a dominance issue. A cat's fear of being blown on is one of the most common fears that cats face. Getting your cat wet - wet your cat starting at the nape of the neck and working your way to the tail. 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. Its because when cats blow out air and have puffed cheeks, this often the what happens before a fight. 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. cat language. Cats cant speak, but that doesnt mean they cant communicate, and theyre always trying to tell you something, says Dawn Kavanaugh, cat behaviorist and CEO of All About Animals Rescue. The solution is obvious: Cats will do better on a regular, predictable schedule, so do your best to stick to one, she says. You probably dont want to dig into a big plate of spoiled foodand surprise!neither does your cat. Your cat might have looked upset, snapped at you, or even worse bitten you or a member of your family. So in lieu of spraying him I've just been blowing in his face only briefly. An unconfined cat is distracting to the driver, and vulnerable to injury or escape. This can lead to weight loss or other health problems if the cat is not able to get the nutrients they need. If you want to play with them, use toys they love, such as a feather wand or a laser pointer. Charlotte Hilton Andersen, BS, MS, has been covering health, fitness, parenting and culture for many major outlets, both in print and online, for 15 years. Ultimately, it varies from cat to cat - some may not mind it at all, while others may really dislike it. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. Cats may be attempting to self-soothe with an act that is usually associated with a happier time. 143, no. Additionally, the feeling of air on their face may not be particularly pleasant for some dogs. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. For example, they may think the person is trying to communicate with them in a friendly way, or they may think the person is trying to scare them. Not always! Licking you. Cats kill a hell of a lot of innocent animals for literally no reason. Does your cat flipthat is, throw itself on the ground at your feet and roll? Cats have great hearing and when you blow the air in their face, it will feel the air. A hiss is your cats way of warning you that they disapprove of the behavior and may react aggressively if it continues. Rear-foot treading is done before and after mating as well as when hunting and the cat is about to launch an attack. If the cat does not seem to enjoy it, it is probably best to avoid doing it. If a cat is afraid of being blown on, they may avoid areas of the house where there is good air circulation, such as near windows or doors. These are not overly sensitive areas and mimic the spots that cats rub against each other in the wild. Cats have a unique set of behaviors and quirks that make them both lovable and mysterious. Watch your cat during this behavior and if you see any physical evidence of bothersome bugs or other problems, call the vet for a visit. Consider investing in a self-cleaning litter box. A cat who doesn't feel completely at ease will sleep in this position. Cats use a range of communication methods such as vocal, visual, tactile and olfactory. Sarah Scott is a fact checker with more than 16 years of experience in researching, writing, and editing digital and print media. This behavior serves several purposes: It helps cats tone down their scent so they can avoid predators, it cools them down, it promotes blood flow, and it distributes natural oils evenly around. Do remember to have the hairdryer on the lowest settings both for the power of the airflow and also for the warmth of the air. Understand and connect with your cat and develop a lifelong friendship! 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. Most likely, it's just entertaining behavior for your cat's enjoyment. Some possible solutions to the problem of cats being afraid of being blown on would include gradually acclimating them to the sensation by blowing on them very gently at first,Rewarding them with treats or verbal praise when they do not display fear response, and/or desensitizing them to the sensation by blowing on objects near them until they no longer react fearfully. The growling and hissing might mean that the cat is feeling threatened, fearful, or extremely upset. One of my cat lies on his belly and meows. Cats with black fur are considered bad luck in some culturesbut it's purely a myth. you catch your cat licking the plastic bags. 7. Why do cats hate blowing in their face? When you blow in their faces, you're also blowing in their nose. "A cat will lick their humans to show . Dr. Smith is part of The Spruce Pets' Veterinary Review Board. 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. If you want to keep your kitty out of the sink, try a cat water fountain or encourage hydration with a special bowl. But for unknown reasons, a lot of cats are fearless in the face of fireworks and moving vehicles, but dare to clean the carpet, and they turn into major scaredy cats. Skipping the Small Stuff Never grooming your cat. In simple terms, its a smell utopia, or nirvana, that cats cant get enough of! Those things are pure evil. 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. Cats bare their teeth and make hissing sounds when they're scared or feel threatened. Everyone has heard of finicky cats. 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