Member

Posts: 173
From:Murfreesboro, Tn, USA
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 10-23-2003 12:07 PM         

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Hello all first time cat owner here!

I got Jack back in Feb. He was a street cat living near my apartment. I lived right next to a busy train tracks and feared someday the cat would get kill by the many trains that go by a day. so i brought him in to my home. I never had a cat before, so i got all sorts of books, etc. The first time i took him to the vet they said he was about 9 months old. so i thought he acted the way he did because he was a kitten. I got him fixed to see if that would calm him down but it didnt. Maybe its just because his a boy?!? He doesnt like ANYONE but me, he will his hiss at anyone who comes into my house and try to attack them. Mainly men and children. this makes me think he was abused, but i saw him ever day when he was living on the streets and he look very underfed. He doesnt like to be touched much, he is very protective of me, he doesnt like for my dog to take attention away from him and if Trike does get some attention he acts upset for the rest of the day! and he hates if any one sits next to me or when i write letters, he does his best to get me to stop, when i do he just walks away! i am just wondering if some of this is normal cat behaviour? Why does he get SO UPSET when some one comes in to the house. I love him to death! I wouldnt have changed getting him, i just want to know the reason behind some of the things he does.

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Member

Posts: 83
From:New Zealand
Registered: May 2003

posted 10-23-2003 08:44 PM         

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Welcome to being owned by a cat!

Actually what you have is a cat that finally has someone that he can depend on and he terrified of losing you. I suggest trying to get him to accept others but this will take time. Do you know any people who are really good cat people? If you don't then try someone you can teach.

Your aim is to get him confident that small changes like people visiting or you taking time out away from him will be ok, and he will still have you. Try playing with him alot while you have a visitor. When you want to write, let him sit on your lap or shoulders. If he bites your pen, play with him for a bit until hes statisfied, then maybe you'll get to write.

Some cats get very attached to one person, and its like being married in a way. They can be control freaks and tell you off all the time. But as time goes on and they get enough positive experiances, they learn not to be so worried.

Also, as far as the sulking goes, treat him the opposite to how you would a human. Give him a kiss and a hug, and lots of company. Bribe him with a treat or play a game with him. Don't be afraid to spoil him, its not like he has to become a respectable member of society in 15 years.

Most of all don't worry, not all cats are like this, some change over time, and some stay like this their whole lives. The important thing is to get him coping with other people so he will still eat when he is in other people's care, and won't suffer when he misses you.

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posted 10-28-2003 04:12 PM           

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Cats are cats. They are like us. Different personalities. But, I've always wondered why my Blade (female) was so mean and hated to be held (but loved being petted) than, I realized, it causes her pain. She has a medium lump on her belly and now I know.
Also, try showing this cat how loving you are that's what I do with my kittens and they favor me over my parents and brothers.

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