1 learn to ignore them back, if they approach you and just sit near you, they want to be around you but doesn’t mean they want cuddles, so don’t touch them
2 don’t make them feel trapped cats bats love their freedom so while cuddling, at every move, lose the hug so they understand they can go whenever they want and you aren’t trapping them
3 interact with them, regardless of their personality they do enjoy to play and cuddles, even the grumpiest ones, you just need to find out how and stop when they start to get annoyed, some may hiss groan others may bite playfully as a warning, learn to read their behavior
Okay, do you have a cat who refuses to use a bed you bought but loves the cardboard box it came in?
After each washing, hug the bed. That's right. Or use it as a cushion to sit on. Get your scent on it, especially if it's a clingy/anxious cat that's bonded with you because it gives them another little cozy spot that smells like you when you're gone.
Like all (or most) cat owners, I noticed that my cat has to run around and play before night’s sleep (usually around 11PM when most of my family is asleep). This didn’t bother anyone much, because she just ran around, played with toys and, occasionally, our feet. But when my grandmother started looking after us and we went to sleep earlier, this became bothersome because my grandma isn’t very fond of cats. Eventually, I found some ways to entertain my cat without leaving my room and letting her disturb everyone’s peaceful sleep.
Laser Pointers
Okay, this one is fairly obvious. The problem with traditional laser pointers is that they emit too much light to my liking (my sister sleeps in the same room as me and cat) and I just kinda hate seeing this bright RED in the evenings (personal bias). The solution, was what I call a Light Pointer. They’re similar to laser pointers, but use dim white light (maybe mine does because of dust) with shapes! The one I have makes rat/mouse shape and I know that my little velvet devil isn’t interested in shape itself, that light has helped me while still catching cat’s attention. Also, it uses same batteries as regular laser pointers.
Don’t really know where they’re sold, but we got one from AliExpress and it is still holding fairly well (and was cheap!).
Worms. Worms? Worms!
I DON’T GIVE MY CAT LITERAL WORMS!
That’s how we call bright pink hair ties, that have snapped (or were cut) i half. Because of their resemblance to earthworms, my mother started calling them “worms” so when my cat hears word “worm” she meows until you throw one for her to bring (weird cat, I know).
The story behind this idea is kinda funny too. One morning my mother was tying my sister’s hair and a bright thick pink hair tie snapped in half. My mother didn’t think much and threw it on bed where my cat was “loafing” (resting in shape of a loaf). After few minutes we had chaos of our cat throwing that poor hair tie around and bringing it to my mother.
Now in the evenings when my cat starts running around (an indicator of nightly “hunt”), I catch her attention with Worm, lure her into my room and just play: drag on the floor, fly in sky and “attack”.
Because I am directly holding hair tie, my cat frequently scratches my fingers and I fully understand that it’s not her fault because she sees prey, not me holding it, like she usually does. But when she bites and touches my fingers, she immediately retreats.
Where to get one? Just know the colour that catches your cat’s attention the most and get thick hair tie with elastic inside! Just make sure your cat doesn’t swallow parts of it (vomiting guaranteed).
Scratchy sounds
All you need is a pillow, that makes sound while scratched. Those big hard sofa pillows come in handy there and I use green one from my mother’s room. This method usually has 50/50 chance of grabbing my cat’s attention but during “hunt” she will at least go to investigate. I use that as a way to keep her attention to worm while playing and she likes running around and on the pillow while trying to catch it. It’s also good for playing Hide and Seek with you hand - just scratch random places to keep your cat investigating!
Conclusion
Each cat is unique and we have to get to know them - just like any friend or room mate. While these methods work for my cat, they might not for yours. But do not fret! If you give your cat attention and play with them, soon you’ll know what they like and will be able to create your own games and toys! Everything in this post is just a general idea and example of how cats make use of useless objects (reference to Worms).
Observation is the key. Try to note when and how your cat begins their nightly play or Hunt, as I call it. Try various games (that’s the fastest way to end this) and mental notes are usually enough. Soon you’ll feel when your cat wants to sleep and what games they like the most. Just be patient :)
The Ultimate Guide to the EHEYCIGA Cardboard Cat Scratcher: Is It Worth the Hype?
Cats have an innate need to scratch—it’s how they maintain their claws, mark their territory, and stretch their muscles. But when your furniture becomes their scratching post, it’s time to invest in a quality cat scratcher. Enter the EHEYCIGA Cardboard Cat Scratcher for Indoor Cats (32 x 10.2 x 1.6 inches), a popular choice on Amazon that promises durability, functionality, and feline…
1/ Playful Biting: Kittens and young cats often engage in playful biting as a way to explore their environment and interact with their surroundings. They may bite during playtime, but it's usually gentle and not aggressive.
2/ Overstimulation: Cats have sensitive sensory systems, and they may bite when they become overstimulated or overwhelmed. Pay attention to their body language and signals of discomfort, such as tail flicking or flattened ears, and give them space when needed.
3/ Fear or Anxiety: When cats feel threatened or scared, they may resort to biting as a defensive response. This can happen when they are cornered, approached too quickly, or put in stressful situations. It's important to create a calm and safe environment to minimize fear and anxiety.
4/ Redirected Aggression: Cats may redirect their aggression towards people or other animals when they are aroused by something they can't reach or interact with directly. For example, if they see another cat outside the window, they might redirect their frustration and bite someone nearby.
5/ Pain or Discomfort: If a cat is in pain or discomfort due to an injury, illness, or underlying medical condition, they may bite when touched in the affected area. It's crucial to rule out any potential health issues and seek veterinary care if necessary.
6/ Lack of Socialization or Traumatic Experience: Cats that haven't been properly socialized during their early development stages or have had traumatic experiences may exhibit fear-based aggression, which can lead to biting. Patient socialization and gentle exposure to positive experiences can help them overcome these issues.
10 Cat Behaviors to Understand For Better Communication With Your Cat
1/ Purring: Cats often purr when they're content, relaxed, or seeking attention. It can also indicate pain or stress in some situations, so pay attention to the context.
2/ Kneading: Kneading is when cats push their paws in and out against a soft surface. It's a behavior they learn as kittens when nursing and can indicate contentment or a desire for comfort.
3/ Meowing: Cats use meowing to communicate with humans. It can indicate various needs, such as hunger, thirst, attention, or a desire to go outside. Context and accompanying body language can help decipher the specific message.
4/ Rubbing Against Objects/People: Cats rub against objects or people to mark them with their scent. This behavior is a way of claiming territory and expressing comfort and familiarity.
5/ Tail Language: A cat's tail can convey different emotions. A relaxed, straight tail indicates a calm and content cat, while a puffed-up or thrashing tail may signal fear, aggression, or overstimulation.
6/ Hissing or Growling: Hissing or growling is a defensive behavior cats use when they feel threatened or stressed. It's a warning sign that they want to be left alone and may escalate to aggression if not respected.
7/ Bringing Gifts (e.g., Dead Animals): Cats are natural hunters, and bringing their owners "gifts" like dead animals is an instinctual behavior. It's a display of their hunting prowess and a way of showing affection.
8/ Playful Behavior: Cats engage in play to exercise, practice hunting skills, and bond with their owners. Playful behaviors include chasing toys, pouncing, and engaging in interactive games.
9/ Scratching Furniture: Cats scratch to mark territory, stretch their muscles, and maintain healthy claws. Providing appropriate scratching surfaces and redirecting their behavior can help protect your furniture.
10/ Slow Blinking: When a cat gives you a slow blink, it's a sign of trust and affection. It's known as a "cat kiss" and can be reciprocated with a slow blink back to strengthen the bond.
1/ Give Them Space: Allow your cat to approach you on their terms. Give them a safe and comfortable space where they can retreat and feel secure.
2/ Respect Their Personal Boundaries: Avoid forcing physical contact or invading their personal space. Let your cat initiate interactions and gradually increase physical contact based on their comfort level.
3/ Establish a Routine: Cats thrive on routine. Create a consistent daily schedule for feeding, playtime, and bonding activities. This helps your cat feel secure and builds trust over time.
4/ Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward your cat's desired behaviors with treats, praise, and gentle petting. Positive reinforcement encourages trust and strengthens the bond between you and your cat.
5/ Offer Gentle Touch and Slow Movements: Approach your cat calmly and use slow, deliberate movements to avoid startling them. Offer gentle strokes and massages, paying attention to their preferred areas for petting.
6/ Play and Engage: Playtime is an excellent way to bond with your cat. Use interactive toys to stimulate their natural hunting instincts and engage in regular interactive play sessions.
7/ Avoid Punishment: Never use physical punishment or harsh methods to discipline your cat. This can damage the trust and relationship between you and your feline companion.
8/ Provide a Safe Environment: Ensure your home is cat-friendly and free from hazards. Offer vertical spaces, hiding spots, and perches where your cat can observe their surroundings and feel secure.
9/ Be Patient and Respectful: Building trust takes time. Be patient with your cat's progress and respect their boundaries. Avoid pushing them into situations that may cause fear or stress.
10/ Speak Softly: Use a calm and soothing voice when interacting with your cat. Avoid loud or sudden noises that could startle or frighten them.
