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Cat Lovers Please!
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Why does my cat sit on the newspaper when I am reading it, or on the paperwork when I am trying to write something? Also why do cats like to go inside boxes and large carrier bags? Thanks !
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I recently wondered the same thing. We got two kittens about a year ago.
Whenever they come upstairs to lie on our double bed they do not just lie on the duvet they ALWAYS like on whatever is ON the duvet, like a towel, or some clothing.
And as you say, if we have a box or maybe something like a container for the washing or ironing they always lie in the box or container.
Is it like a nest to them ?
Well I always thought that when my cat does this he is trying to get my attention,so I'll pet him.He also likes me to cover him with the newspaper like he's hiding.As for boxes I think they feel safe.Maybe like noone can see them.Maybe even they remember when they were kittens and were in a box.Who can really say why a cat does what it does.If only we could ask them.
Yes, I always think its an attention thing too! Like, if I am reading (or trying to read) the newspaper then I am not giving her my attention. She also climbs all over me and starts miaowing if I am talking on the phone! Also walks in front of the monitor while I am using the computer, etc etc. KT84 is quite right - we have to know our place !!!!
Yes loopey, I have noticed this - I know this one! It is because when they were kittens, their mum washed their backsides (same with their heads and eyes, that's why they like being stroked) and that is the reason they lift their tails in welcome - and as we are now the mum, they want us to do it ... We won't go any further with that one. Also when my cat wants to lay on my lap, I have to put a towel on me - he almost says the word - and then kneads and licks the towel as if it is his mum's tummy and he is kneading for milk ! It Fascinating. Still, does anyone know the answers to my original questions? I noticed in the Sunday Mail there is a book about cats with all the answers -- but of course, I am trying to get the answers for free!
Think it's definitely attention seeking. My cat used to climb over the keyboard and sit on it while I was playing the organ which was infuriating but certainly ensured he became the full focus of my attention!. As to hiding in boxes, I think they like dark hidey-holes in which to play and sleep. I don't think cats have eyelids like humans which means when they want to sleep, it's easier to do so in a dark place. Have you noticed how they will often cover their eyes with their paws when having a dose?
My cat does all the things mentioned - I'm sure it's just the cat make absolutely sure you haven't forgotton about them. He walks on the laptop when I'm trying to use it - he doesn't sit on my lap, he sits on my chest and completely blocks my view of the tv, he gets in between me and whatever I'm reading and sometimes he lies on the back of the armchair and rests his front paws on my head! At night he sleeps on my bed but not on the ample space of the bed itself - oh no - right on top of my feet! I love him dearly but he is a pest!!
Cats have body language just like dogs. When they have asked for attention and you didn't see the signals they will come demand it just as dogs will. When a cat turns their back end towards you they are either in heat OR they are saying they trust you and are willing to turn their backs on you, depending on the position of the tail. Cats like den type areas also, it may smell like you or it smells of something new and they want to emerse themselves in it, and they get playful at times.
Check out:
http://www.purina.com/cats/behavior/index.aspx
I'll give some examples, but I need to split this up it's too long it says:
A cat's posture, tail, ears, eyes and hair all speak volumes. But frequently, because we fail to understand and interpret the signals correctly, we blame the cat � unjustly. Understanding the body language of felines can be difficult, even counterintuitive, since it is meant to convey messages primarily to other cats. Signs of fearfulness or irritation can be easily misread as playful excitement because a cat's associated behaviors appear to be similar. And misinterpretation of cats often arises out of confusion with the body language of dogs, which is sometimes opposite in meaning.
A cat's tail is its signal flag. Held high, the tail is a banner communicating confidence. Curling around another feline's tail or a person's legs, it offers friendly greeting. In motion, it usually indicates excitement. The cat is either in predator mode, having sighted a bird or a mouse, or is feeling playful, hiding behind a chair ready to pounce on a passing person or cat.
And while the rhythmic wagging of a dog's tail signals happiness, the agitated whipping of your cat's tail means that he is perturbed or upset. Don't startle a cat in this state. Your reward may be a claw swipe or a bite.
Cats are affectionate and love to be touched, but only on their own terms. They may greet members of their household fondly with cheek rubs, but they prefer to initiate this contact. Cats may exchange quick eye-blink hellos with each other, but they seldom stare. Instead, they will respond to a long stare from you by freezing movement and then alternately looking at you and looking away.
Huddling with its tail wrapped around its body, a cat may be telegraphing that it is cold. A similar body position, but with a relaxed cat, signals its dreamy contentment.
A sick cat often doesn't curl up, but lies in the position requiring the least energy.
An alert, attentive cat scans wide-eyed, ears pricked and rotating, tuned to threats, prey, and other felines. Spotting something of interest, the cat stares intently, pitching its ears and its whiskers forward.
I got this from the animal planet web site
Hope I helped some of you understand a bit more about cats. I was told long ago that if cat looks at you and blinks slowly and long at you it means they really like you, like a cat kiss.
What a lot of responses I have had! OK now let me ask two more questions, as I seem to have a 'problem' cat. A large ginger moggy, I feed him twice a day but he always sits by his bowl and always seems hungry. Only asks me for food, with anyone else, he just stays curled up on the couch but as soon as he sees me, he starts loud maiowing and will eat at almost anytime. I worm him every three months or so. Also he is quite vicious, I can be cuddling him, or just bending over him (is this threatening?) or just laying on the sofa - he will just lunge and bite my legs, hair and face if possible, clutching with his claws and biting. Its awful I know, but he's mine so what can I do? Is it just inbred? I can't trust him 100%, he just loves biting into flesh and usually mine! Is the 'hunger' just a sign of something else? He is the only cat in the household and I think he thinks he is top cat all the time.
You need to do a little detective work and figure out what's causing your cat to bite or claw you. Aggression takes many forms, and the solution depends on the cause, some of which may be as follows:
* Fear or pain. If your cat is striking out because he's afraid or hurting, your best bet is to leave him alone and work on the underlying problem. A cat in pain or fear has his ears flat back against his head and his body rolled into a defensive posture low against the ground with claws up and ready. This cat is saying, "Don't come near me!" You need to let your cat calm down - hide if need be - before you can get your veterinarian to check her out. Often under these circumstances that carrier your cat seems to hate will seem like a haven. Place the carrier with the door wide open in the room with your cat. Your cat may choose to go in there and this may save you the "fight" of trying to force your cat to enter the carrier for the trip to the veterinarian. Remember: Don't fight with your cat. You will lose.
* Overstimulation. You're petting your cat and suddenly he grabs you with his claws and teeth. Not a full-powered attack, but you've still got those sharp tips around your hand. What to do? In the short run, freeze. Don't fight your cat or you may trigger a real bite. Sometimes smacking your other hand hard against a hard surface - a table top, for example - may startle your cat into breaking off the attack. If you stay still, however, he usually calms down and releases you.
That's the solution if you've gotten to the attack stage. The better option is to be familiar with your cat and his body language and stop petting before he becomes overstimulated. Cat lovers often think such attacks come without warning, but the fact is that they missed the warning signs of a cat who has simply had enough.
This is from the Author of "cats for dummies" book.
* Fear or pain. If your cat is striking out because he's afraid or hurting, your best bet is to leave him alone and work on the underlying problem. A cat in pain or fear has his ears flat back against his head and his body rolled into a defensive posture low against the ground with claws up and ready. This cat is saying, "Don't come near me!" You need to let your cat calm down - hide if need be - before you can get your veterinarian to check her out. Often under these circumstances that carrier your cat seems to hate will seem like a haven. Place the carrier with the door wide open in the room with your cat. Your cat may choose to go in there and this may save you the "fight" of trying to force your cat to enter the carrier for the trip to the veterinarian. Remember: Don't fight with your cat. You will lose.
* Overstimulation. You're petting your cat and suddenly he grabs you with his claws and teeth. Not a full-powered attack, but you've still got those sharp tips around your hand. What to do? In the short run, freeze. Don't fight your cat or you may trigger a real bite. Sometimes smacking your other hand hard against a hard surface - a table top, for example - may startle your cat into breaking off the attack. If you stay still, however, he usually calms down and releases you.
That's the solution if you've gotten to the attack stage. The better option is to be familiar with your cat and his body language and stop petting before he becomes overstimulated. Cat lovers often think such attacks come without warning, but the fact is that they missed the warning signs of a cat who has simply had enough.
This is from the Author of "cats for dummies" book.
The tail is the key: If your cat starts twitching his tail in a jerky fashion, time to call off the petting has arrived. If you watch your cat's body language you can slowly build up your petting time. Three pats, then four, then five. Push up to, but never over, your cat's level of tolerance and build slowly on your successes.
Warning
Often these "I've had enough" attacks come if you've been petting your cat's belly. This is a very sensitive area for cats, and even if yours offers it to you, you're better off petting somewhere else. One reason is sexual in nature: Your male cat becomes aroused when his belly is rubbed, and reacts with a bite because that's what feline mating behavior involves.
* Play aggression. Sure, it hurts all the same, but the cat who pounces on your feet and then careens off the wall isn't trying to hurt you - he's playing. You need to increase your play sessions with your cat with an appropriate toy, such as a cat fishing pole or toy on a string - not one of your body parts - to help your cat burn off his excess energy before you try for a quiet pet session. Let him know that attacks on you are not permitted by letting him have it with a blast from an air horn or a spray bottle. A little Bitter Apple on your hand can help, too.
* Redirected aggression. Your cat sees another cat, an intruder, outside your livingroom window. He becomes enraged. You walk by, and he nails you. What gives? You were just the victim of redirected aggression. This one's tough to fix. Try to discourage strange cats in your yard.
He may ask for food because you have given in to him in the past? You are the food dispenser. If this behavior just started ask the vet, but if he has done this most of his life "see above."
When my cat decides to sleep with me he always opts to lay stretched down my body from hip to knee. If he gets on me before I am comfortable he digs his claws in my leg and clings on until I settle. If I go to the loo during the night, he waits until I get back into bed then he gets straight back on me. Sometimes he sits and waits until I am comfortable and pat the quilt before he gets on. Then another night I can pat the quilt call his name and he just stares at me from the doorway, then walks off in disgust.
Talk about rule the roost !!!
drgnrdr. Everything you say makes sense, my cat seems to have an aggressive streak, he is not in any pain and just lashes out at me (not all the time, but I feel I can never trust him). If I ever try to stroke his tummy, the paws come straight around my arm and he guides my hand towards his teeth .. so that is a no-no. As I say, I can be washing up etc and suddenly it is as if I have been injected in both legs with a needle, while being bitten on the backside!! Not a pleasant experience and very painful but of course, we cat lovers love our cats although sometimes I am at my wits end. He doesn't always give a warning when he is going to bite, just laying asleep on my lap sometimes, and suddenly leaps, as I said. Also, what can I do about the food? It does seem to be a bad habit. Do I just ignore him? He is regularly wormed, as I said, and not ill - just naughty! I wondered if it could be that he is bored, as you say, maybe I should play with him some more. Thank you so much, any more advice would be appreciated.
okay, judiewudie: I gave you lots of info to digest. Check out everything. If you just ignore his food request it would be best. Make sure he is okay health wise. Play with him more but with toys not your hands. If anyone played with arm and hands when he was younger he got use to playing that way. You can do as the articles suggest, also a sealed shaker can (empty soda can) with pebbles, makes noise, if you see him stalking you, shake at him when he comes at you, don't hit him with it, if you don't have a water bottle, (but water usually deters cats better) and if he likes to attack you when your in the washroom, close the door if you can, not sure how your home is arranged, we have doors on our bathroom, if I don't want anyone following me I close the door.
check out: http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/cat-toys.pdf or
http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/kitten-play.pdf
I hope this helps, Good Luck
