Viral cat videos explained by a vet

Every now and then an online animal video surfaces that's so cute, we wonder if they're doing it on purpose. And while we've been losing hours of screentime to online felines for years now (kitten yoga, anyone?), they never cease to draw us in. Even veterinarian Dr. Julia Hammond admits she gets caught up watching them now and then. Not that we need an excuse to keep watching, but it turns out we can actually learn a thing or two from these viral videos that may help us understand our furry friends a bit better. So Dr. Hammond used some frequently faved clips to break down the feline behaviour and what it can teach us pet owners.

A very kneady cat

This cat looks like it's going to be the next Great Canadian Baker, but it's actually kneading for another reason. When kittens are born, they have the instinctive reaction to knead their mom's bellies. This stimulates milk let down to make it easier to nurse from their mother. So when your cat is sitting on you kneading, it means that they are very comfortable and happy.

Unlikely friends

It's a fallacy that cats and dogs will always fight. That said, if you want to have a really nice cat/dog introduction, you want the cat to be under six months of age when it meets its canine companion. Cats — as you may know — are always in charge, so make sure that your cat is comfortable. An adorable friendship like the one from this video from Insta-famous @raven_and_woodhouse can also depend on the breed of dog. Some dogs have a very strong drive to chase things, so when they see a little cat zipping by, they might be tempted to chase or chew it. So in the beginning, always supervise your pets at play until you're sure they're both having a good time.

Nine lives might not be enough

This cat has skills, but it's a myth that cats always land on their feet. But generally by the time they are about three or four weeks of age they have developed what's called a righting reflex, meaning that as soon as they start to fall a cat can turn the front of its body and follow it with its back so that it lands on its feet. The reason cats can do this is because they have very flexible spines and unattached collar bones so they're able to twist very easily.