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Do you consider yourself the ultimate cat parent? Think you know everything there is to know about your feline companion? Let’s put your cat knowledge to the test! Take this quiz to find out just how in-tune you are with your fur baby’s needs, quirks, and behaviors.

Questions:

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1. What Does It Mean When Your Cat’s Tail is Held High?

• A) They’re scared
• B) They’re feeling confident and happy
• C) They want food
• D) They’re being defensive

2. Your Cat Brings You a “Gift” (Like a Mouse). What’s Going On?

• A) They’re mocking your hunting abilities
• B) They’re asking you to play with them
• C) They’re showing affection and including you in their "hunt"
• D) They want to share their dinner

3. What Does It Mean When Your Cat Slowly Blinks at You?

• A) They’re sleepy
• B) They’re annoyed
• C) They’re showing trust and affection
• D) They want you to pet them

4. If Your Cat’s Ears are Flattened Against Their Head, What Are They Likely Feeling?

• A) Fear or aggression
• B) Excitement
• C) Playfulness
• D) Hunger

5. How Can You Tell If Your Cat is Stressed?

• A) They knead on you
• B) Their whiskers are forward, and they hide
• C) They purr loudly
• D) They bring you toys

6. What’s the Best Way to Show Affection Back to Your Cat?

• A) Talking to them constantly
• B) Petting them non-stop
• C) Giving them a slow blink
• D) Giving them treats whenever they want

7. Why Does Your Cat Knead You?

• A) They’re trying to make you more comfortable
• B) They’re practicing for hunting
• C) It’s a leftover instinct from kittenhood, showing comfort and affection
• D) They want food

8. What Does It Mean If Your Cat Licks You?

• A) They think you’re dirty
• B) They’re grooming you, which is a sign of affection
• C) They’re showing dominance
• D) They’re trying to play

How Did You Score?

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• 7-8 Correct: You’re a certified cat whisperer! Your feline friend is lucky to have such an attentive and understanding parent.
• 4-6 Correct: You’ve got a pretty good handle on your cat’s behavior, but there’s still more to learn about their subtle communication.
• 1-3 Correct: Don’t worry — cats are complex! It might be time to spend a little more time observing those furry signals and learning your cat’s unique way of expressing love.

Answers:

1. B
2. C
3. C
4. A
5. B
6. C
7. C
8. B

Turner, D. C., & Bateson, P. (2014). The Domestic Cat: The Biology of Its Behaviour (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press.

Bradshaw, J. (2013). Cat Sense: How the New Feline Science Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet. Basic Books.

McNamee, T. (2018). The Inner Life of Cats: The Science and Secrets of Our Mysterious Feline Companions. Little, Brown and Company.

Case, L. P. (2010). The Cat: Its Behavior, Nutrition, and Health (2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.

Johnson-Bennett, P. (2021). Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat – Not a Sour Puss. Penguin Books.