Cats are among the most popular pets, although they are occasionally misunderstood. This is due in part to the numerous misconceptions and biases people have about cats. It’s time to dispel four common cat myths in order to discern reality from fiction.
Myth: Cats are difficult to train
Many people believe that cats are harder to train than dogs or that they cannot be trained at all. Even kitten socialization lessons are offered by some certified cat behaviorists, veterinary practices, and animal shelters; they are frequently referred to as “kitten kindergarten.” Owners who believe their cats cannot be trained also believe that their feline friends’ behavioral problems cannot be resolved. This can commonly result in the death of the cats involved, including through euthanasia and surrender.
Cats can be trained easily, and many of their behavioral problems can be resolved. Basic abilities (targeting, paying attention), excellent cat care techniques (nail clipping, brushing, and handling), and fun tricks can all be taught to cats (roll over, high five).
When training cats, put your attention on the good behavior rather than telling the cat what to do wrong. Animals are more likely to understand what we are asking of them when we ask them to do something rather than repeatedly telling them no, which speeds up learning. These methods encourage enthusiastic learners, inspire creativity, and strengthen the bond between humans and animals in addition to keeping instruction pleasurable for both the teacher and the student.
Because we want to teach your cat appropriate play and that your hands and feet are never toys to be attacked, refrain from playing with your cat with your hands or feet. It is not recommended to use force (such as beating, screaming, frightening, or water spraying) to stop the activity. The cat might start to fear you as a result, damaging the bond between people and animals. This can also cause worry and anxiety. Additionally, it fails to convey to your cat what you do desire. The cat learns to hold off on engaging in the behavior until you are not around.
Myth: When your cat shows you their tummy, they always want you to pet them.
Even though many people see this and think the cat is asking them to scratch her tummy, most of the time the cat is not trying to communicate with you when she exposes her abdomen.
On sometimes, cats will roll onto their backs to show that they are in a protective position. If she feels she cannot escape, a cat will roll onto her back to better use her claws and teeth against a predator. A cat’s abdomen is especially vulnerable since it houses so many vital organs. Do not get upset if your cat bites or scratches you when you massage her tummy.
A cat resting on her back and exposing her abdomen in a comfortable setting, like her house, can also commonly convey her sense of comfort and security. Since she is so at ease, the cat will lie on her back and reveal their internal organs, choosing to do so rather than keeping an eye out for predators.
When they want to play, cats can also lie on their backs. At this time, get out the feather wand or their favored catnip kicker. e.
The best course of action when you see your cat displaying her abdomen is to keep your hands free. Avoid dogging the region if you do choose to pet your cat while her abdomen is on display and instead concentrate on giving her shoulders, head, and chin a brief rubdown. Watch your cat’s body language and cease petting her if you see any indications of annoyance or excessive arousal. Over-arousal is often characterized by the twitching and lashing of the tail, fluttering of the ears and whiskers, twitching of the skin, hair standing on the body or tail, and a fixated expression.
Myth: Cats don’t require socialization.
Contrary to common belief, kitten socialization and training should be just as important as that for puppies.
Between the ages of 2 and 7 weeks, during their first few weeks of life, cats go through a socializing phase. They are currently learning what is safe and unsafe in their surroundings. Both of those beliefs can be harmful if a cat owner holds them.
Lack of socialization can make an animal avoid visitors, fear other animals, acclimate slowly to new situations, and become frightened and combative when handled at vet visits. These cats are more likely to become stressed, afraid, or begin urinating outside of the litter box, which can harm the relationship between humans and animals and cause owners to give up their cats.
However, kittens who have received good socialization are more likely to be gregarious, social, and have better coping mechanisms, which will lead to stronger human-animal bonds and fewer behavioral problems. These kittens have had positive interactions with a wide range of people, strange kittens, settings, and handling methods. These kittens are also more likely to receive yearly veterinary care since their owners won’t be reluctant to take their cats to the vet.
Myth: Cats don’t have a malicious streak.
Like people, cats don’t behave spitefully. The term “anthropomorphism” refers to the ascription of human traits to an organism or thing. We frequently interpret the emotions of animals based on what we perceive as personal body language, not feline body language.
We naturally do this because we want to connect with our cats, and while it can strengthen our ties with them, it can also be damaging.
For instance, if a cat owner believes that their cat(s) are eliminating outside of the litter box out of spite, they are more likely to treat this problem negatively, which could worsen the problem and harm their cat’s relationship with them.
The owners will tackle the situation sympathetically and get the cat the assistance they require to solve the issue if they address the real causes (stress, fear, anxiety, medical problems) (stress, fear, anxiety, medical problems).
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