When it comes to vacuum cleaners, cats seem to take one of three approaches. Some hear the big noise monster come to life and take off for the deepest of hiding places you never knew existed in your house. Other cats act as if they could care less about the vacuum. Then, there are those cats who surprise everyone because they actually enjoy the vacuum cleaner for its various uses as considered by the feline mind.
Grey tabby cat Red is one of these surprise cats who finds delight in the vacuum. His mom has offered video proof of his weird joy, but before we see this kitty go nutty for the vacuum, let’s consider why cats hate vacuums…
Why Do Cats Hate Vacuums?
Sound
With 32 muscles in their outer ears and the capacity to hear 100,000 hertz compared to our 6 ear muscles and 20,000 hertz hearing levels, cats have an impressive hearing ability. The sudden, loud eruption from the vacuum can flood feline ears with a rush of uncomfortable sound. And not only does the vacuum fill a peaceful house with loud noise, their motors also emit high frequency pitches that can cause discomfort in sensitive cat ears.
Movement
The movement of a vacuum can provide a fear source for cats. If the vacuum is directed back and forth, with the forth aiming in kitty’s direction, this can be seen as quite the threat. Cats know most prey runs away, so who is that might be charging a cat? A somebody who wants to hurt them, that’s who! And with the vacuum coming their way while roaring with sound, no wonder most cats don’t care for vacuums.
Personality
Some cats are skittish by nature. While one kitty is ready to battle anything terrifying, other cats like to hide from the monster and watch from a safe distance because it’s what their nature tells them to do. Like us, cats have different personalities that dictate the way they respond to the world.
But Red doesn’t care about these things. He’s one of the cats who can dismiss loud monsters as a nothing more than a machine meant to serve him!
Red and the Vacuum Cleaner
In the video, Red is loafed up on the back of his couch as his mom comes through with the vacuum. She asks him to move, but this silly cat just stays put. Giving him a goose on the rump doesn’t make him go though. Instead, as the vacuum sucks up his fur, this goofball flops his head on the couch! Mom tries to get Red to move with another nudge and over he goes again. That suction sure feels good on a kitty coat!
So, which option does your cat fall into regarding the vacuum? Mild disinterest, run-and-hide-fear, or appreciation for a different kind of grooming that feels too good!
H/T: www.rumble.com
Feature Image: Carmiesandiego/Rumble