Have you noticed your cat acting particularly grumpy lately? Does kitty's body language show he is peeved about something? Take a look around; you may find yourself responsible for your cat's bad attitude. For example, does his litter box smell like a construction area portable toilet? Find out more cats' typical pet peeves and make friends with your cat again.
Share your own cat's pet peeves. What are the things you do that s/he hates the most? Share them in the attached form Note:This form is not for asking questions or replying to another reader. Think of it as your own mini-article on the About.com Cat site.
Stinky Litter Box
Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy
Related Reading:
Nasty-Tasting Medicine
Photo Credit: Courtesy of PriceGrabber
A sick cat really needs his medication to be well again, or in the case of certain chronic diseases, to maintain a stable condition. Make it easier for both of you and try one or more of these different methods of administering oral medications.
Spoiled Food
Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy
Kittens, who should be given smaller meals more frequently, probably will finish their meal well before 15 minutes. It's better to give them a tablespoon or two every three hours than to take a chance on spoiled food.
Be your cat's hero instead of a chump, by keeping his food fresh.
Too-Aggressive Petting
Photo Credit: © iStockPhoto/Anna Sematkina
Some cats are overly sensitive to tactile stimuli. Feline hyperesthesia is often associated with this. Your cat may be on your lap, sharing a tender moment as you are petting her, but after awhile may suddenly bite or scratch you and jump down. Amy Shojai's advice:
"Cats accept grooming from other cats on the head and neck, and full body strokes may feel “unacceptable” and stimulate the biting. Limit your petting to the cat’s head or the back of his neck. Then identify the cat’s petting threshold. In other words, count the number of strokes he allows before aggressing; watch his body signals so you stop before he bites."
Competition From Other Cats
© Yesrie
- Hierarchy Disputes:
Amy Shojai writes"In households where the cats get along very well, the 'top cat' position may change from room to room, with each kitty giving ground to the “owner” of the property only when s/he appears. Otherwise, the cats time-share and can all use the same favorite bed, for instance—as long as they get out if the 'owner' asks." - Outside Intruder:
Fully covered in this FAQ.
Loud Noise and Commotion
Holiday times are often extremely stressful for cats, especially those we've come to associate with fireworks, such as the 4th of July and New Year's Eve. Loud parties at any time of the year are also stressful for most cats, especially the older ones.Thunderstorms are also a source of fear and stress for many cats. I have two cats who startle and run upstairs to their bedroom sanctuary whenever they hear a doorbell ring, even on a television commercial.
The linked article will offer many tips for helping your cats relax, which are applicable to all these situations. For especially "nervous" cats, it is also often helpful to give them one or another holistic remedy, such as Bach's Rescue Remedy. Here are some other suggestions.
Being Ignored by Her Human
Photo Credit: © Amy Shojai
My little rescued cat, Jenny, feels neglected when I am "away," even if I'm just upstairs working on my computer. She loves my company, but becomes very lonely when I'm not with her.
Unlike some people believe, cats are not solitary animals, but they need and enjoy companionship. Witness how they will knead your legs when sitting with you, or even lick your hand.
Amy Shojai, CABC has two great articles covering these feelings of being lost and alone: The first, linked about covers "separation anxiety," and the second, "Tips for Creating Your Dream Cat," offers many ways of regularly demonstrating your love for your kitty, so that she will feel loved, not alone, when you are not with her.
