Crystal Aura Gaze

Q: Every time I sneeze, my cat meows. Why does she do that?

A: This is a phenomenon that happens with certain cats. Many cats won’t blink an eye when you sneeze, but sometimes a cat will meow every time!

We can’t really say for sure why a cat will meow after you sneeze, but the likely answer is that it startles your cat. This will especially be true if your cat is more skittish and shy. I’m sure there’s been times when someone sneezes and you jump or shout because it scared you. Sneezes are very random and can be very loud and surprising.

Another possibility is that your cat is communicating back with you. Your cat may project a sneeze as something similar to a meow. By meowing back, perhaps your cat is trying to engage in connection with you. They may assume that your sneeze was directed at them, and that you were looking for a response from them.

The last case that I will put out there – is that your cat is literally saying “bless you.” The ritual of saying “bless you” after a sneeze is quite peculiar. They say it’s because sneezes used to be linked to fatal illness, and so it was a way of praying for someone who may be dying, back in the Middle Ages. However, there’s a lot of traditions from the Middle Ages that we have dropped because they are no longer relevant to modern day – so why did we keep this one in particular? Perhaps the act of saying “bless you” goes beyond that, into a primal DNA code, that even your cat is aware of.

Q: How do I deal with the guilt of leaving my cats behind when I go on long vacations or going to work every day? I feel so bad when they are left alone in the house!

A: There is a lot of guilt in being a cat mom or dad, most especially when it comes to leaving them alone for a while. It’s hard leaving for work in the morning as they stare at you with sad eyes. It’s even harder on long vacations when you won’t see them for many nights.

You just have to do your best. Rest assured that cats are independent creatures who can take care of themselves. Also, what helps me, is keeping in mind how much sleep cats need – about 16-20 hours a day! Most of the time you’re gone, your cat is probably fast asleep!

You mention cats plural, assuming that you have more than one. That’s great! Adopting more than one cat, giving your cat siblings, is a great way to combat their loneliness and boredom while you’re gone. If possible, I highly recommend more than one. And if not, at least another pet would help – fish, reptiles, hamsters – something your cat can watch (be sure cage is safely secured of course.) I also highly recommend guinea pigs, as they surprisingly make great companions!

When you are home, give them attention – make time for playing with them, brushing them, and petting them in your lap. That will certainly ease the guilt for times that you are not there.

Other tips for while you are gone – leave the window curtains open and provide them a good space to see outside, put a bird feeder right outside of the window if possible. Keep toys scattered across your bedroom or living room, sprinkle fresh catnip right before leaving. Leave on TV or music, some type of background noise, softly.

Most of all, remember that you are doing your best! Time apart from them makes the time together that much more special!

My expertise comes from my animal science degree, as well as a lifelong experience of being a cat mom. Any questions – ask in the comments or email me at crystalauragaze@gmail.com