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 Cats who stalk their owners are often bored or frustrated. A healthy cat needs physical and mental stimulation so be sure to play often.
A visit to the vet or cat dentist should be arranged at least once a year as all cats are subject to gum disease and cavities.
Despite the myth that cats should drink milk, it's usually only good for kittens as most cats have difficulty digesting cow's milk.
Cats need fibre in their diet so will eat grass occasionally. It's a good idea to grow some grass in a pot plant if your cat's not used to being outdoors.
Keep bags with handles out of reach of your cat, or cut their handles off. Cats can become stuck in the handles while playing and panic.
If you've noticed tiny black spot on your cats chin, it's a form of acne. Take your cat to the vet for medication or carefully sponge your cats chin with some hydrogen peroxide. Also make sure food bowls are cleaned regularly.
Never pick up a cat by the scruff of its neck, even if it's a kitten. The correct manner to pick your cat up is with one hand under his chest, and with the other supporting his back paws.
Never give your cat chicken bones as they can splinter in the mouth and your cat could choke.
Cats may sleep up to 16 hours a day, so make sure that yours has a cozy bed or box with a comfy blanket to curl up in.
Is your cat aggressive?
It is rather tricky to detect what exactly is going through your cat's mind. Your cat's war-like behaviour makes the midnight crazies bitterly ironic. You might assume that its a state of mind; that eventually she's going to be normal again. To a cat, normal is just a cycle on the washing machine.
Intuition is your best bet to know what is really annoying your feline cute face. And here are the reasons. I will to start with a strong beginning to my analysis and work my way up to a dramatic climax. Confused yet? Good. You have an idea of how a feline thinks.
Biologically speaking, if something bites you, it is more likely to be female. Lucky for me, she didn't: the female Abyssinian cat sat beneath a shade of a tree. I walked toward her with the obvious intent of caressing it; every cat loves to be touched.
But this one reacted differently. When I got closer, I expected her to look at me with that “come-hither” look and a meow. But no! Meow turned out to be “Raaow!!!” That's when I decided to back off a little bit.
I saw more cats gather around the area and I knew I was in the middle of drama that's got nothing to do with me.
Some of us, unfortunately, do not understand what cats wish to communicate. A certain amount of aggression is entirely normal in the life of all animals. It establishes social hierarchy and protects groups and individuals. In female cats, aggression ensures the survival and well-being of the species. A mother cat retaliates fiercely to protect her kittens and to defend her territory from outside danger (Me). A cat's aggression may be serious if it is focused against you or other people, or other pets. But it is considered abnormal only when it becomes excessive.
Aggression also highlights your cat's sexuality. A female cat threatens and even fights with the male before she permits him to approach her. Toms also clash violently when they compete for the same female in heat.
Some behavioural disturbances in cats can be motivated by fear and dirty destructive habits. And at times – I hate to say this – you might be the cause of it too. Because your cat is naturally quiet and relaxed, and poses no obvious difficulty, you may decide to leave her alone even when you suspect something is amiss.
To make your life easier, I've compiled a list of the different faces of your cat's aggressive behavior and what you can do about it.
Territorial aggression: It is a violent reaction by any cat to an outsider entering its territory or its living space.
Predatory aggression: This is your cat's natural hunting instinct. The cat may play games in which it pursues and ambushes its owner or other individuals. Unfortunately, its over-excitement sometimes transforms a harmless attack into an episode of violence.
Reactive aggression: This is displayed when the animal becomes violent due to physical pain, caused by internal diseases such as cancer, joint disorders, ear disease or external injuries such as blows or bites.
Deliberate aggression: Occurs when the cat wants something. It purposely provokes you in order to get something. For example, it might threaten or scratch, hoping to get a gentle stroke.
Antisocial aggression: Closely linked to fear, it is common among cats whose early life was spent outdoors and without human company. This is where you come in!
There's a lot of energy that goes into being normal, and it may be more than your cat can handle. You just have to learn to understand what your cat really wants, and if she needs some therapy, so be it. You can turn her life around just by being there for her.
Once you know the cause of the aggression, you can decide on how best to calm the cat. Sometimes your cat may be neutered to reduce any sex-related aggression. One of the last options you have is to use tranquilizers or sedatives, even though the results are difficult to control and only temporarily effective.
A hostile cat can be a real problem. However, with your increased understanding of feline behaviour, it is possible to improve your cat's demeanor. To put it down is a very extreme solution – in fact, try not to entertain the idea. Cuddles and hugs and some nice words whispered in her ear can be life-altering. And knowing when she needs to be alone – without repercussions – is just as crucial.
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