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Ever Thought Why Some Cats Are More Affectionate Than Others?
James Apps
http://jamesapps-motorcyclistandcatlover.blogspot.com/
No two cats are totally the same although they share characteristics typical of a cat. Neither will two cats react the same in any given situation.
We are all familiar with the cat who jumps up, spits and yowls when splashed with water. And the cat who defies all logic and ignores the rain when stalking a bird.
We are also familiar with the soppy neutered Tom who can't wait to leap up on your lap and purr as you stroke him. And of course there is the female who will follow you everywhere and sit with you as if she owns you. She does because you are her slave.
Of two cats, one a walk in stray who took over and the other chosen from a litter of kittens, the apparent loyalty was similar but the expression of affection quite different.
Toots, the stray, a black female needed a litter and a surrogate parent for her kittens to turn into an affectionate creature. She interpreted play as a cat on cat exercise regarding the human hand as fair game for the full power of her sharp claws. No punishment was meted out merely response in kind without the claws and the biting until after the birth of her kittens and her owner acting as midwife she modified her response and became tame.
She learned affection and loyalty from patient treatment and constant attention to her needs. She was a nibbler, a hunter and a fierce owner of territory attacking cats to drive them away yet tolerating those who also belonged to the household.
The key to her affection was patience, understanding when she wanted to be stroked or handled and the most effective ploy of all was to create a routine she was happy with. Toots was kept in at night and let out during the day; fed at 6.30 each morning and at 5.30 in the evening.
The result was a bond that grew stronger as she grew older.
Sophie, the kitten, however was nurtured from very young a little less than eight weeks old as if her owner was the Mother cat. Early play was done on the floor and she was gotten used to being handled. She was called often by her name and a simulation of mother cat sounds ( and still is) and contact is made head to head rubbing and nuzzling.
Sure she bites and digs her claws in but there is not that hard snapping or slashing and if things do begin to get a bit furious she runs and expects to be chased. The trick is to have a simple toy such as a piece of card tied on the end of a length of cord and offer that for her to slash at and chase. She will calm down having enjoyed the game and allow her belly to be rubbed and tickled.
So what is the difference between the two?
Toots was a young stray who began life having to fend for herself whilst Sophie was a kitten nurtured and house trained by an owner who took the place of her mother.
Both cats were treated kindly, given a routine and both had and have the full attention of the owner. Most importantly it is necessary to help them develop their natural friendly attachment to people and to give back as much affection in return.
But in spite of all their natural friendliness cats need to be taught to be affectionate and this is done when they are kittens. You have to learn to be their mothers.
Good luck and enjoy.
James Apps is a cat lover and a motorcyclist who combines his love of both with the practice of Aikido. He is an accredited instructor in Ki and Aikido and is affliated to the North Shore Aikido of Auckland New Zealand. To read more about him and what he does as a writer, poet and painter check out his blog http://jamesapps-motorcyclistandcatlover.blogspot.com/ or http://www.freewebs.com/catsurfer and feel free to leave a message and follow the links.
Article submitted Wednesday, May 28, 2008
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