I adopted a black cat from a no-kill shelter 2 months ago and I love him. He's very affectionate and LOVES attention. The problem is just that. He jumps everywhere, he cries, he will do anything to get attention. Then when you're giving him attention he never lets you stop. And if you force stopping, he goes to another person. He also has a habit of wanting to eat human food all the time, which is not good to give to cats. What do I do with him?
2006-11-24 10:03:54 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
You are so lucky to have managed to get an affectionate cat. There are so many questions posted on this boards about people trying to find ways to make their cat more affectionate.
A part of his problem, right now, may be that he needs reassurance that he is truly loved and wanted. He is also very appreciative of your redeeming him from the shelter and trying to express his appreciation. Cats do have emotions.
You don't say whether he is a kitten or adult. If he is an adult, he may have had access to people food where he lived last, or, if he was a stray, human food from trash bags, may have been his only food source.
Just make sure he has his kitty food, and, if it is absolutely necessary to allow you to enjoy your meal, you could try putting him in another room while you eat. A small tidbit of meat from time to time, after you have finished your meal, wouldn't be bad for him. That might help to assure him that he will get a treat, but he won't get it from the dinner table.
2006-11-24 10:13:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It might sound like "more work" but in some ways getting a 2nd cat makes things easier.
See if you can bring the cat back to the same shelter and set up a "play date" try to find another cat, around the same age (preferably the same sex... or you might have more problems later on...) and see if the shelter has another cat that would get along with the one you already have.
The only problem with 2 cats is that you have to clean the litter box more often. If not a 2nd cat try new & different cat toys.
Good luck!
2006-11-24 18:21:44 · answer #2 · answered by disce_pati_30 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is a young cat and full of energy! My cat also is very affectionate.......she wakes me up every morning with kisses to the mouth! Some tines she will wake me up two or three times a night kissing me on the mouth. I just give her a pet and tell her I love her and I go right back to sleep, As to eating human food once that has been started it is hard to stop, But if you have the heart to say "NO!" to his begging you may be able to make him eat only cat food but it won't be easy.
2006-11-24 18:48:30 · answer #3 · answered by Pamela V 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As far as eating human food, be sure you feed your cat his food before you get your food to the table to eat yourself. Then he wont be quite as agressive about getting to yours. If you give him a pinch of chicken now and then, be sure he knows it will be served in his bowl, not on top of your dinning room table.
It does take time, but they get the idea after a while. Be VERY consistanand and give love when they are doing exactly what you want them to do! Cat's can be trained, even when they are older and have to break bad habbits.
2006-11-24 19:37:36 · answer #4 · answered by together420yrs 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be patient. He is traumatized. Be firm in your limitations and kind. Always speak in a low tone and let him know what is acceptable behavior. He will learn. Sometimes it takes a long time, I have a cat that would not let me touch her for a year. Now she is affectionate and dignified. I have another that acted like your cat. Just pet him and talk softly in his ear. Then let him know you have other things to do. He'll come around. If he cries, pet him and then when petting is over, if he keeps it up, ignore it.
2006-11-24 18:11:23 · answer #5 · answered by a_delphic_oracle 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds familiar! I had a cat that was like this and the ONLY solution I found was to get some of those feathers that are attached to an end of a stick and play with her until she was exhausted! Then she would lay down wherever she happened to be and fell asleep. As for eating human food, I would NEVER let another pet eat human food after my BF's dog got diabetes from eating it. Yes, they want it, but it's not healthy for them and it's our responsibility as their humans to make sure they get a healthy diet. Sorta like kids, you don't give them candy, cookies, pies and cakes whenever just because they ask for it do you?
Perhaps getting another cat for him to play with will help alleviate his need for attention and affection?
2006-11-24 18:09:46 · answer #6 · answered by Texanborn 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like you may have a cat with a social problem. Best bet is to drop him off at the local Kill shelter and pick up another down the street at the no kill shelter.
2006-11-24 19:59:43 · answer #7 · answered by ec1177 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
About human food its easy, give him canned food, cats love it, when you are eating give him food and he will be fine. Also about atention, well depends how old was your cat when you got him. since they been in a cage they get excited that they are free and want attention 24-7. Buy him toys, Condos they love those.
2006-11-24 18:10:11 · answer #8 · answered by kathernva 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
How old is he? If he is under 12 months, that's how they are. He will calm down. Anyway, give him toys, love, and play with him as much as you can, and it is normal to want human food, which in fact will not really harm him, as long as it doesn't have garlic, onions, spices and salt etc. They are not as sensitive as dogs, but mainly you can only give him some meat (like chicken or fish or beef), not carbs. I usually give my cat some of my food after I rinse it with water to get off sauces, etc. But don't let him get too fat. And if he's neutered, give him special food for neutered cats, that controls urinary PH balance.
2006-11-24 18:12:07 · answer #9 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I think that if your kitty had a playmate it would calm him down a lot. I have two kittens that are litter mates and they roll around and play with each other all the time. Another kitten would wear it out in no time! Good luck to you and your kitty!
2006-11-24 18:18:32 · answer #10 · answered by tigerlily_catmom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋