Expert: Dear Tabbi - 9/20/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi. My cat Jeffrey randomly picks up a sock, lap blanket, etc. and walks around holding/dragging the object with his mouth while doing this really sweet pitiful meow. Sometimes making definite eye contact, but not wanting the object taken away, but not much protest when we do. Its quite a sight since hes a small cat stradling a 5 ft long blanket trailing under and behind him and walking with it in his mouth. :)

ANSWER: Laura,

Actually, it is a common 'odd' behavior.

In the wild, cats hunt their prey, then they bring their prey back to a safe place before they consume it. Indoor cats have surpressed hunting urges that they can't satisfy if they don't go outside. Cats who exhibit this behavior are usually trying to utilize their natural instinct to retrieve. The only thing that the inside cat can do to satisfy this urge is to 'hunt and kill' something inside the home. The most common items are toys, clothing and blankets.

In Jeffrey's case he hunted and caught a blanket (I bet it gave him an awful fight too!)(smile). Jeffrey is 'hunting and killing' your blanket  and bringing his 'fresh kill' to the area that, in the wild, would be his nest.

Try getting some little furry stuffed mice that you can throw and he can catch; get a pet laser light (PetSmart, Petco, etc,) where he can chase the 'little red bug' on the floors, wall, and ceilings. They also love the sparkly craft balls that you get in a package in Wal-Mart's craft dept., or at a craft store. Mine carry those around in their mouth, and also I throw them and they retrieve them.

Another thing that hunter type cats like, periodically for a treat, is a raw beef rib bone. I have the butcher cut some in half. The cats satisfy their 'fresh kill' instinct by pulling on the meat, the protein is good for them, and the fibers in the meat help clean their teeth. Not all cats are interested in them (some of mine aren't...one of mine won't touch meat, raw OR cooked) but the 'hunters' usually have fun with them. Sometimes they will growl at you if you look like you might take their prize away!

Jeffrey may also be bored and is making up his own fun. Maybe you should think about getting him a friend about his own age and temperment so that he can have a pal to play kitty games with and to snuggle with.

I hope this helped.

Tabbi



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi again, he has his litter mate Oscar and they both have their furry mice, etc. that they enjoy, along with yarn, etc. But this is absolutely not the hunting thing. He doesn't try to play/kill the object at all. Emphasis on the really pitiful meow he does, its like a funeral march or greiving, its so weird....any other thoughts maybe? Thanks so much again. :)

Answer
Laura,

The meowing IS strange. It's impossible to read a cat's mind  to know what they are thinking about. Sometimes, with bazaar behavior that is specific to a certain cat, only the cat knows why he behaves the way he does...and the reason behind it. It may be his way of getting your attention...they DO come up with some ingenious ways.

You don't say how old he is, but if he is young, it may be a phase he's going through and he will grow out of it.

Just smile and love him for the silly cat he is being. It sounds like he has a lot of personality!

Tabbi