Cat Quiz

1. If a cat’s whiskers are pushed forward and the body is low, it can indicate hunting or intense curiosity.

2. A cat’s whiskers help it judge spaces and navigate its environment.

3. Declawing is just like trimming a cat’s nails and is harmless.

4. A cat’s pupils may become very large when it is frightened or highly aroused (excited).

5. Declawing a cat is the same as trimming its nails and is harmless.

6. Providing appropriate scratching posts can help redirect scratching away from furniture.

7. It is normal for all cats to breathe with an open mouth during rest.

8. Cats commonly use vertical scratching to mark territory (scent and visual marks) and to stretch/maintain claws.

9. Cats commonly use scent marking (like rubbing their face) to mark familiar people or objects.

10. Cats can be trained using rewards (treats, praise, play), not just punishment or “dominance.”

11. Most adult cats do best with access to fresh water at all times.

12. Slow blinking from a cat is often a sign of relaxation and trust.

13. A tail held upright with a slight curve at the tip often indicates a friendly, confident cat.

14. Cats can become stressed by strong scents (some cleaners, air fresheners, essential oils), so scent choices matter.

15. Cats “always land on their feet,” so falls from height are not a real concern.

16. A cat’s sense of smell is important for appetite and comfort in its environment.

17. A cat that flicks the tip of its tail while watching something is often focused and alert.

18. A high, short meow can be a greeting, while prolonged or repeated meowing can indicate a request or frustration (context matters).

19. When a cat slowly blinks at a person, it is usually a sign of relaxation and trust.

20. When a cat rolls onto its side and shows playful, loose movements (not stiff), it may be inviting play rather than a belly rub.

21. A cat hissing and flattening its ears is typically showing fear or defensive aggression.

22. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they require nutrients found primarily in animal-based foods.

23. Kittens and adult cats have different nutritional needs, so life-stage appropriate food matters.

24. A cat may bring “gifts” (like toys or prey) as part of instinctive behavior; it doesn’t automatically mean the cat is being “mean.”

25. Cats should be kept indoors only because they can’t learn to navigate outdoor dangers.

26. When a cat’s pupils suddenly get very large, it can indicate high arousal (fear, excitement, or hunting focus).

27. A cat that is kneading with its paws is often showing comfort or contentment.

28. Hissing and growling are distance-increasing signals that typically mean “back off.”

29. A cat that rubs its face or body on people or furniture is often scent-marking and showing affiliation.

30. Regular nail trimming can help reduce painful snagging and accidental scratches.

31. A puffed-up tail and arched back typically signal fear or a defensive reaction, not playfulness.

32. It’s generally better to introduce a new cat gradually (separate spaces, scent swapping) rather than forcing immediate contact.

33. Cats should be bathed frequently (weekly) to stay healthy, like many dogs do.

34. Flattened ears (ears pinned back) commonly indicate stress, fear, or irritation.

35. Regular play (e.g., wand toys, chase games) is an important form of enrichment for indoor cats.

36. If a cat’s skin ripples and the back twitches during petting, it can be a sign of overstimulation.

37. Scratching is a natural cat behavior that helps mark territory and maintain claw health.

38. Cats should never be brushed because it damages their coat.

39. When cats groom each other (allogrooming), it often reflects social bonding (though it can sometimes include mild dominance).

40. A relaxed cat often holds its ears upright and forward (or neutrally angled), not tightly pinned back.

41. Punishing a cat for accidents outside the litter box is usually an effective long-term solution.

42. A sudden change in a cat’s litter box habits can be a sign that something is wrong and should be checked.

43. It is generally safer to introduce unfamiliar cats gradually rather than forcing immediate face-to-face contact.

44. A cat that freezes with a tense body can be showing fear or conflict, even if it isn’t hissing.

45. A sudden change in litter box habits can be a sign of stress or a medical issue and shouldn’t be ignored.

46. Cats can get hairballs because they groom and swallow loose fur.

47. It’s normal for cats to hide pain, so subtle changes (appetite, grooming, behavior) can be important clues.

48. Milk is a safe and healthy treat for most adult cats.

49. Domestic cats can carry and transmit parasites such as fleas.

50. A cat that sits with paws tucked under (“loaf position”) is often relaxed, as long as the body is loose and the face looks soft.

51. A cat that exposes its belly is not always asking to be petted; it can be a sign of trust but also a defensive posture.

52. If a cat turns its head away or avoids eye contact during petting, it may be signaling discomfort or needing space.

53. Most cats benefit from having more than one litter box in multi-cat households.

54. Cats typically communicate with other cats mostly by meowing.

55. Feeding only fish-based foods is always ideal for cats because cats naturally love fish.

56. Cats often prefer multiple small meals throughout the day rather than one large meal.

57. A cat purring always means the cat is happy and never indicates discomfort.

58. Keeping a litter box clean can reduce the chance of a cat avoiding it.

59. A cat scratching furniture is often a normal behavior that can be redirected with scratching posts and placement.

60. Most cats lack the same taste receptors humans have for sweetness.

61. When a cat greets you with a head-butt or cheek press, it is often a friendly social gesture (bunting).

62. Purring usually means a cat is content, but it can also occur when a cat is stressed or in pain.

63. A cat that hides after a change (new people, new home, loud noises) is often responding to stress, not being “stubborn.”

64. Cats need access to fresh water every day, even if they eat wet food.

65. If a cat is bored, adding food puzzles or scatter-feeding can provide mental stimulation.

66. A cat that is purring is always happy and never in pain or stressed.

67. If two cats stare at each other with stiff bodies and slowly escalating tension, it can be a precursor to a fight even without sound.

68. A cat that follows you from room to room may be showing social interest or seeking attention, not necessarily “separation anxiety.”

69. Cats cannot be trained to perform simple behaviors using rewards.

70. Hairballs can be reduced with grooming and appropriate diet/enrichment, not only by “hairball treats.”

71. If a cat’s tail is twitching or lashing back and forth, it may be getting overstimulated or irritated.

72. Adult cats can become overweight even if they eat “only dry food,” so portions matter.

73. “Chattering” or “chirping” at birds through a window is a common excited/frustrated hunting response in cats.

74. Cats don’t need veterinary checkups unless they are visibly sick.

75. Regular play that mimics hunting (stalk-chase-pounce) can help reduce boredom in indoor cats.

76. A cat that kneads with its paws is often showing comfort or contentment.

77. A cat that flicks or lashes its tail rapidly is often annoyed or overstimulated.

78. Providing vertical space (cat trees, shelves, window perches) can reduce stress and improve a cat’s quality of life.

79. A cat that suddenly bites during petting may be showing “petting aggression” (overstimulation) rather than random meanness.

80. A cat’s coat color (such as 'orange') is always a reliable way to predict its personality.

81. Toxic plants for cats can include lilies.

82. A cat showing its belly always wants its belly rubbed.

83. I can tell that a cat with a gently upright tail (often with a slight hook at the tip) is usually feeling friendly or confident.