Cats are mysterious creatures. They can be purring in your lap one minute and scratching the sofa the next. But what if their behavior says more?
For example, if your pet brings you “gifts” in the form of dead mice, this is not always a sign of love.
Perhaps he thinks you are a lousy hunter and is trying to teach you survival. And when the cat stubbornly ignores the new bed, preferring a cardboard box, it is not a whim.
This is how he shows that your attempts to buy his love are useless - he only values what he has chosen himself.
Another warning sign: if your cat walks past the litter box, it may be taking revenge for the vacation you spent without it.
And yes, they remember grievances very well. The most frightening sign? Your pet sleeps on your pillow while you're at work. No, that's not cute. They're marking their territory, reminding you who's boss.
But don't panic. Sometimes, to improve your relationship, it's enough to buy more puzzle toys or hide treats in corners - this will restore your cat's faith in your usefulness.
For example, take a plastic ball with holes, pour dry food inside, and the cat will roll it for hours, getting food. This will not only entertain him, but also reduce stress levels.
Another life hack: if your cat is scratching your furniture, put a scratching post nearby and rub it with catnip - the smell will attract her attention.
What if your pet suddenly becomes aggressive? The reasons may vary: from pain due to illness to jealousy towards a new family member.
For example, if you bring a puppy into the house, the cat may hiss and hide - give him time to adapt.
Provide a separate room with his bowls and litter box so he feels safe. Introduce the animals gradually through the door, allowing them to sniff each other before meeting face to face.
And remember: cats love rituals. If you play with them or scratch them behind the ear every day at the same time, they will begin to trust. Try petting your cat for 10 minutes before bed - soon he will come to you "for a session".
And if your pet ignores you, don't push it. It's better to sit on the floor and blink slowly - in cat language, this is a sign of friendliness. Perhaps in a couple of minutes, it will come up to sniff your hand.
Speaking of smells, cats hate strong scents, like citrus or alcohol. If you come back from a party and your cat avoids you, your perfume is to blame. Wash up and change your clothes – the relationship will improve.
And never yell at your pet. He won't understand why he's being scolded, but he'll remember the fear. It's better to use a strict tone and ignore bad behavior while encouraging good behavior.
Author: Igor Zur