How can I love my cat?

Question

First of all, I am a 100% dog lover. We rescued this cat we've had for about 1 1/2 years now. She is not very affectionate. Kind of a prissy attitude and she loves to wake me up in the middle of the night. She's not a bad cat. She's just not a dog and I think I try to make one out of her. How can I love my cat for what she is?

Answer 1

You are such a dear for rescuing that kitty and wanting to love and care for her as a cat becuase you now realize that cats are quite different from dogs temperamentally. Cats are abit more "independent" or aloof than doggies, but they will have moments when they want to scoot and snugge with you or lay on your lap or just rub you to get petted. Most cats will sleep and nap more than half the day. The rest of the time will be divided into eating time, play time or just plain old "hanging out time."
1. For sleep and nap time, make sure kitty had lots of calm and quiet (oridnary household noise wil not bother her), but provide a place where she can "hide" and sleep in peace. Don't bother to buy her a "cat bed" - cats will make their own beds wherever they like. :)

2. For eating time, provide a clean food and water bowl. Give her good quality cat food (both wet and dry) and plenty of fresh water changed daily. Provide a litter box in an area where she can do her business privately, such as in the bathroom, laundry, garage or basement. Clean the litter box daily by scooping out the poop and other soiled material out. Change the litter weekly or twice weekly.

3. For play time, devote at least 15 mins a day to play with her. Laser pointers (never point directly in cat's eyes), feather teasers, even crumpled bits of paper make good human0cat interactive toys. She'll want to play byherself occassionally, so get her cat toys like littly furry play mice stuffed with catnip, balls, etc.

4. Give her a scratching post or scratching pad made of material that she prefers (cardboard, carpet or sissal).

5. Praise her when she does well and NEVER hit her when she misbehaves - this will only teach her to avoid you. Instead, to discourage her from doing something bad, just hiss at her or clap your hands very loud. This usually startles the cat enough to stop.

6. Groom her regularly by brushing or combing hercoat with appropriate kitty brush. Don't forget dental care: kitty has to have her teeth brushed regularly too especially if you are feeding her wet canned cat food. Never use human toothpaste. There are cat toothpastes and kitty toothbrushes available at any pet store. use those. Wipe her ears clean regularly with moist towellete.

7. Protesct her from fleas and other parasites (wormd).

8. Vaccinate against rabies, distemper and any other vaccinations your vet may recommend.

10. Schedule regular vet check-ups.

11. Hug and pet her a lot!!! Let her know you enjoy her.

Answer 2

Ah ha! A convert! My problem was exactly the opposite. I was never a dog lover, in fact couldn't stand them...too demonstrative. I got over it and finally understood the "Dog" mindset. We get along great now unless the Moose in the house tries to knock me down and lick my face off. Then I get a bit p8ssed. Cats on the other hand are in a lot of ways the opposites of dogs. In order to relate to a cat, you have to really chill out. You almost have to get into a state of "total calmness". It's almost a "Zen" thing. Lay down on a sofa. Call the cat if you want to. Let her approach and then coax her onto your lap. If she hops up, and that will take some effort, especially if she doesn't trust you, just be gentle. Cats are extremely sensitive. Never get rough with a cat. You can get rough with a dog and they will, for the most part, dig it. A cat will split especially if you haven't created any kind of bond. A low voice and smooth strokes and total calmness...no stress on your part will do the trick and you will find a new appreciation of another fellow traveler on the planet Earth. Good luck!

Answer 3

I think you are doing a great job just rescuing her.. if she really bothers you at night i would shut your bedroom door.. rescue cats are often not really that affectionate as they may have gone through some bad stuff before you got her... she will never be a dog most cats have a bit of prissy to them... that's just how cats are... I commend you for putting your "dog person" status aside to give a needy animal a home

Answer 4

Give it time, I have 2 dogs and 2 cats and I am a cat person but I love my dogs too. You will grow to love your cat. They do have a personality of their own but the independence is what I like. Also when petting a cat your blood pressure will actually lower so it is therapeutic also. You will most likely always be a dog person but there's no where saying you cant be both. :)

Answer 5

Well, you must have potential cat-lover written on your forehead in invisible red ink - kitty chose you based on what she was reading from you. Congratulations! If I had to pick only one word to describe cats, I'd say "polite" - they will usually respect others' sense of privacy/self and will not "force" themselves on anyone. They won't crash a party - they have to be invited (sometimes more than once...) Try talking to her more, interact with her more - I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how she reacts back (it might take a little bit of time). She's never probably going to fetch for you, but you can try playing with her - drag a feather on a string, praise her if she practices her "hunting" moves in front of you with jumps, spins, etc. You can laugh at her antics when she's showing off, but don't laugh at her foibles (dogs think everyone is laughing with them, while cats are sure you're laughing at them, not good form at all...). Cats are just as affectionate, loving, loyal as dogs - and they bond very strongly and deeply to their people. They just show it in a different way. Good luck.

Answer 6

First, you have had her for 1 1/2 yrs. So there must be some emotion linked to her. Cats are not as sociable as dogs are.That's what most people like about them.Leave them food and water and leave them alone. They take care of themselves.But sometime she will want your attention and during those times just pet and love her till she has had enough and everything will turn out fine.

Answer 7

First of all, kudos to you for helping this kitty out when she needed it! We've taken in a few "feral" cats over the years and with a little love and some "one on one" attention (and a little patience), you and she will become great friends. Cats aren't always prissy and mine are definitely sociable and real love bugs with everyone that comes around them. They'll be your best bud when times are tough, plus..... they don't slobber in your hair. : )

Answer 8

a cat is a cat is a cat and there is nothing u can do to make it more affectionate toward u. all cats have their own personalities. they own u not the opposite and they will condone to allow u to take care of them. u will have to accept the cat for whom it is or give it to someone who can. I also am a dog person but my husband is a cat person and cats r so much easier to care for than dogs, it is not even comparable, but a dog gives u unconditional love and a cat gives u love IF and WHEN it feels like it
good luck

Answer 9

the comparable chemical compound that acts as a depressant on human apprehensive systems acts as a stimulant to the tom cat gadget, yet in simple terms while that's inhaled. Ingested, it places cats (and persons) to sleep! Weirdly sufficient, some cats look resistant to nepetalactone, the chemical that triggers the reaction. they have not got any pastime in any respect interior the herb, on the same time as others in simple terms bypass nuts over it.

Answer 10

Maybe you should find a new home for her. I am also a dog person and know what your talking about. She needs someone to love her. You dog probability feels the same way.