June 4th is “Hug Your Cat Day”, according to the Days of the Year website (https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/hug–your–cat–day/). So what better day to write about cats 🙂
I love animals … cats, dogs, birds, hamsters … animals of all kinds. Well mostly, snakes and spiders are kinda creepy. Pets are wonderful, they can be a true companion.
I’ve had many people comment that my cats are so friendly when
they visit my home. They have said that they thought cats were
aloof and stand-offish ~ I think most people believe this 🙁
While many cats might behave this way, I think my cats prove
this idea isn’t totally true. I think it has a lot to do with how they
were raised and depends on what they experienced during their
kittenhood.
Here are my tips:
- Try to not leave them home alone a lot when they are young kittens. I believe this is the most important time for them in learning to be social. If they a alone a lot they will learn to be happy being off by themselves and seem aloof.
- Be affectionate with your kitten. Hold them gently like you would a baby (cause they are).
- Hug and cuddle with them. Pet them, rub their belly or behind their ears – they will start to purr.
- When they are sitting on your lap, gently push on the pads on their paws, making their claws come out … this motion will become familiar for them and will help them to trust you when you trim their nails.
Talk to them and use their name frequently, they will learnto answer and come when you call them. They are veryintelligent.A firm “no” with a slight clap of your hands will usually stopany unwanted behavior. I don’t think you should ever hit orswat your cat. Some people use a spray bottle filled withwater to spritz the cat to stop a behavior (I’ve not tried it).Play with them, teach them tricks, give them treats … makethem part of the family.Our fur babies have the run of the house. We treat them asbeloved members of our family. They each have their favoritesnapping spots. They are well trained, friendly cats who know theyare loved <3
If you ever need someone to take care of your fur babies while
you are out of town, please give me a call. I’ll love on them for
you while you are away from home <3