Write your answers on a piece of paper. Please try to be honest, you may be surprised!
Do you feel like you and your cat are happy?
Does your cat appear happy around other family members?
Does your cat have the option of wet and dry food?
Does your cat have access to a safe place in the house?
Do you play with your cat?
Does your cat have access to a wide variety of toys?
Is your cat neutered?
When you scold your cat after it has misbehaved do you do it with consistency?
Does your cat have company during the day?
Is your cat trained to use toys and scratching post that you have?
ANSWERS
Mostly A’s
If you feel like your cat is happy around you and your family then this is good but remember a happy cat has its ears erect and there tail in the air, if this is your cat then your cat is probably content.
Mostly B’s
You need to behave with more consistency so your cat has a routine; changes to a routine can cause stress an indication of stress could be just eating dry food. If you scold your cat with inconsistency this can lead to confusion and the cat will continue to do the undesired behaviour. Your cat needs access to a safe place at all times as this is what comforts and reassures a cat and can reduce stress.
If you do not feel like your cat is 100% happy then our helpline is available to ask advice to see how you and your cat’s relationship can be improved.
Mostly C’s
Your cat could be stressed, cats need the option of wet and dry food and if it is eating just dry food then this could be an indication of stress. Your cat also needs company during the day although they seem like they are not bothered about company they need it, even if it is on their terms.
A cat needs a safe place that is left undisturbed so they can hide away; if there are young children or a dog present then they may just want to hide.
A cat needs a variety of toys so it does not get bored and become disruptive, a cat does not automatically know what a scratching post is for a toy particularly if it is a stray rescue cat, coach your cat to use it and every time it does then give your cat a reward. A cat does not know behaviour is undesirable if we do not scold.
If your cat has not been neutered then it can lead to behaviours such as marking in the house also it can be an indication of stress. If it is marking on walls then this may just be sent marking if it is on certain objects or in unusual places this may be due to stress.
If you feel like you need more expert help to help build up your relationship between you and your cat then please ring our helpline or a visit from our animal behaviourist is also an option.
Please Ring 01472 276600