Since you can’t read his mind, your attempts to bond with your feline companion may have fallen flat, or been met with a twitching tail, hissing, or worse.
If you feel like you and your kitty just aren’t connecting, or you can relate to the expression, “Dogs have owners, cats have staff,” it could be you’re inadvertently offending his delicate sensibilities.
Many cat owners become frustrated by their cat's rejection of their love and attention.
Cuddles and petting are returned with hissing and scratches. If that sounds familiar, here are 8 actions that might put you in the "doghouse" with your cat, and how to stay on good terms instead.
8 Ways You May Be Ticking Off Tiger
Many cats (and also dogs) are tremendously uncomfortable with eye-to-eye contact from their humans.
This is because most animals view prolonged eye contact as an act of aggression, and trying to stare down your kitty can make him feel anxious and fearful.
A better approach when gazing at your cat is to close your eyes for a few seconds, then open them and look away, or simply glance away once kitty meets your gaze. This will show him you are not a threat.
A better approach when gazing at your cat is to close your eyes for a few seconds, then open them and look away, or simply glance away once kitty meets your gaze. This will show him you are not a threat.
2. Stop touching me!
Some kitties just don’t like to be touched and find the whole petting and stroking thing quite stressful.
If your cat initially allows some petting and then suddenly lashes out, it probably means she’s tolerating it for a short time, but it’s stressing her out.
Your cat may be touch-averse, or it could be you’re touching her all wrong. The right way to pet a cat is with an open hand and a soft gentle stroke, only touching her back, shoulders, neck, and the top of her head – never the paws, tail, or tummy.
Your cat may be touch-averse, or it could be you’re touching her all wrong. The right way to pet a cat is with an open hand and a soft gentle stroke, only touching her back, shoulders, neck, and the top of her head – never the paws, tail, or tummy.
3. Put me down!
If Fluffy’s tail is flailing about and her ears are flattened, she’s had enough – let her go.
The right way to pick up an agreeable cat is with one hand under her chest and the other hand supporting her back legs.
Hold her gently against your upper body so that she feels secure.
If she pushes away, looks toward the floor, flattens her ears, or twitches her tail, that’s your cue to put her down quickly and gently.
Images submitted by PNM