10 Pet Habits Explained
Provided by P&G Everyday Solutions
What is your cat trying to convey when she bumps your nose? What is your dog trying
to tell you when he licks your shoes? From Fido's chewing habits to Fluffy's purring
proclivities, here's a sneak peek into the mysteries of pet language.
Why does my dog...
Lick?
What's the first thing your dog does when you walk in the door after a day's work?
If he licks your shoes, legs, and hands, you might be tempted to conclude that he's
glad to see you — and he may very well be.
Contrary to the popular belief that dogs lick owners purely out of affection, however,
there's another explanation for why dogs love to lick. According to pet care specialists,
dogs are mainly attracted by the smorgasbord of scents that they detect on your
shoes, clothes and hands. Similarly, if your dog licks your legs after a bath, she
could be attracted to the aroma of bath soaps, lotions or fragrances that you use.
Licking is your dog's way of exploring the world of scent.
Chew?
For dogs, chewing is a kind of sport. Dr. Wayne Hunthausen, director of an animal
behavioral clinic in Kansas, explains that "dogs chew to entertain themselves."
Because many dogs love outdoor adventures, chewing their toys can be the next best
thing to chewing and sniffing mud, grass, trees and flowers. (However, if your dog
enjoys chewing a bit too much, consider some behavior modification techniques.)
Dig?
If your dog digs, he has a lot in common with his canine pals, because much like
licking and chewing, digging is a favorite pastime for many dogs. In the summertime,
some dogs dig holes to lie in since moist soil is a lot cooler than hot, humid air.
Sniff?
Your dog's world is a paradise of odors, perfumes, fragrances and just plain interesting
smells, so it's no wonder that they spend so much time sniffing. In fact, dogs have
at least 25 times more olfactory receptors than humans.
Bury Bones?
If your dog prefers to bury his bones, don't be surprised — there's a good reason.
Bone burying is a trait passed down to domestic dogs from their ancestors in the
wild. Dogs that roamed freely would bury their prey to keep rival dogs from finding
it.
What is my cat trying to tell me when she...
Meows?
Does your cat seem to be meowing instructions to you? According to Barbara Simpson,
an adjunct professor at the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine in Raleigh, North
Carolina, "Constant meowing is how cats train owners." So listen to your cat's meowing
— she's trying to tell you something.
Points her tail?
Often, cats point their tails when they have something on their minds. For instance,
if your cat remembers that something in the closet caught her eye, her tail might
point in that direction.
Arches her back?
If a kitten arches her back and her fur stands on end, she most likely wants you
to play with her. But if your senior cat does the same thing, she probably means
that she'd rather be alone, thank you very much.
Bumps my nose?
When your cat bumps her head against your nose, she's "marking" you as her property.
Nose or forehead-bopping is a sign of affection.
Sleeps in my bed?
Cats don't like to feel vulnerable when they sleep, and nothing is more reassuring
and cozy than the familiar aroma and scent of your bed.
