logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2020
23m 12s

Why Do Cats Sharpen Their Claws?

Vermont Public
About this episode

Why do cats purr? How do cats purr? Why can't we purr? Why do cats "talk" to people, but not other cats? Why do cats sharpen their claws? Are orange cats only male? Why do cats like milk and not water? Why are some cats crazy? Can cats see color? All of your cat questions answered with Abigail Tucker, author of The Lion in the Living Room.

Download our learning guide: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript | Coloring Page

Up next
Aug 22
Why are puffins' beaks so colorful?
Have you ever seen a puffin? With their bright beaks, orange feet and black and white coloring, these birds are very cool to look at. And we’ve gotten a lot of questions about them! In this episode, we talk with Don Lyons, an educator and avian ecologist with the Seabird Institut ... Show More
39m 34s
Aug 8
Who invented the English language?
Where did the English language come from? Why do words have silent letters? Why do some people have accents? Why do some words sound similar? Answers to all of your questions about English and words with sociolinguist Erica Brozovsky, host of a PBS digital show called Otherwords. ... Show More
34m 30s
Jul 25
Chameleons, jellyfish and ballerinas! Check out But Why Bites
For today’s episode, we’re doing something a little different! We’re going to be listening to our video series, But Why Bites! (Even without the video part, they’re really cool!) Every other week over on our YouTube channel, we answer one kid question in a short and sweet little ... Show More
14m 2s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2017
Cats: Glowing eyes, puffy tails and secret purrs
Why do cat eyes look the way they do? Can cats really see in the dark? And what are they trying to tell us with that purr (you know the one)? 
25m 49s
Mar 2023
Why Do Cats Purr? (ENCORE)
We're working on a special project that we'll announce in our next episode! Enjoy one of our favorite episodes while we make it ready for you.    Why and how do cats purr? That’s what Reid wants to know. It sounds like a simple question, but it leads us to a deep challenge: Can w ... Show More
23m 52s
Mar 2022
Why Do Cats Purr?
Why and how do cats purr? That’s what Reid wants to know. It sounds like a simple question, but it leads us to a deep challenge: Can we ever understand cats? To find out, we launch a full-scale cat purr investigation. You’ll hear from a puzzled veterinarian, a scientist who studi ... Show More
24m 43s
Apr 2016
How (And Why) Do Cats Purr?
Cats purr for all kinds of reasons, including communication and healing themselves. Christian explains how purring works and which cats can't do it. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. 
3m 52s
Nov 2023
Everyone Was Wrong About Why Cats Purr
Cats purr when they’re happy and kittens purr so their mothers can find them. But it turns out purring may be more like a snore than a smile.Read this story here. 
4m 5s
Oct 2012
Where did the crazy cat lady stereotype come from?
Why do we associate cats with crazy old ladies? What's the historical relationship between women and cats, and why do popes hate cats? Could bacteria in cat poop make people crazy? Join Caroline and Cristen as they answer these questions and more. Learn more about your ad-choices ... Show More
32m 42s
Feb 2024
What’s going on inside your cat’s head? With Kristyn Vitale, PhD
Cats have long had a reputation as standoffish pets, but many cat owners will tell you that the cat-human bond can run deep. Cat psychologist Kristyn Vitale, PhD, talks about new research on cats’ cognitive and social abilities; why cats really are as emotionally attached to us a ... Show More
31m 54s
Nov 2023
What makes someone a cat person?
People often refer to themselves as cat person or dog person, as well as  meaning that they prefer this animal to the other, it implies that they identify with certain characteristics associated with their preferred pet, dogs are loyal, cats are smart, dogs can be trained to help ... Show More
4m 10s
Jan 2020
How Do Bengal Cats Work?
Bengal cats are a hybrid of domestic cats and a small, wild type of leopard cat. Learn how this breed began and why they're an intensive pet in this episode of BrainStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for priv ... Show More
6m 2s