The Affectionate Cat
It's true, cats really can be incredibly
affectionate
MetPet.com Staff Writer
 Have
you heard stories of cats who are just as loving as the most affectionate
pooch? Are you doubtful because you have yet to see a loving cat?
It is true. There are cats who will follow you around, lie down with
their head on your hand and plaster themselves to you wherever you are.
Some cats will dutifully hop into your lap whenever you sit down. There are some cats who, especially in the cold of winter, ride around like
mufflers on your shoulders.
A friendly cat is a combination of nature and nurture. Although
cats can naturally live together in groups, the image of a solitary cat is
just as true so it is likely that social bonding is less of a factor in cats
as in dogs. Large groups of cats are able to live together peaceably
provided there is plenty of food, water and space. Farms typically
include many generations of cats, usually related females, living together
without incident. Cats have a social life. Cats make close friends.
The ability to be a friendly, sociable companion obviously exists in cats.
A cat of your own
If you have never had a cat, it is likely that you have never experienced
the truly affectionate cat. The neighborhood cat is just as likely to
run away as to say hello and friends' cats often go and hide when company
comes to visit.
Unlike the glad-handing dog, cats are often suspicious of strangers or
simply frightened of them. With the sensitive cat, fear is an emotion
that is never far away.
With cats, the person who is afraid of cats and avoids direct eye contact
with them is the person they are most likely to approach. Direct eye
contact, approaching a strange cat or, quite alarmingly, trying to pick up a
strange cat will send most cats running. If you ignore a cat, it may
try and approach you or, at least, not run away.
This is likely a fear reaction. Just as you are more likely to
approach a horse who is standing still and grazing than one who is running
directly at you, the cat feels safer with someone who is just going about
their business.
The first 8 weeks
Cats develop much of their social conditioning during the first 8 weeks
of life. If those 8 weeks include a great deal of kind and gentle
human contact, they are likely to produce remarkably confident, outgoing and
affectionate cats. It is a lucky family who can adopt such a cat.
During those 8 weeks of imprinting, kittens have not finalized their fear or prey
instincts. Kittens can be introduced to other species such as dogs and mice and
not develop the normal fear/prey reactions. If they learn that
constant human contact is a normal part of life, they will likely seek it
for the rest of their lives.
Nurturing and coaxing
If you have an adult cat who is aloof, you can nurture and coax affection
in any number of ways. It takes time as cats are very attached to
their habits but it is quite possible.
Take the time to have many short, positive interactions with your cat.
Pet him and play with him in short bursts, always leaving him looking for
more. Feed smaller meals with greater frequency.
Walk your cat
or sit with your cat out of doors. Turn the temperature in the house
down so that your cat seeks your warmth.
Use his name frequently to get his attention. In particular, call
his name before you feed him and get him to come to you before he gets meals
or treats.
Start off slowly with short interactions. Aloof cats can be highly
sensitive to close contact and may react badly out of fear or nervousness.
Play
frequently with your cat. Instead of setting out the cold,
electronic mouse or catnip toy, play interactively with your cat. Play
at least several times a day for 10-20 minutes each time. Your cat
will associate you with fun. We know cats who will seek out people to
play.
Nature versus nurture versus expectations
Although cats may not be as genetically inclined as dogs to be
affectionate companions, they can be nurtured to become remarkably friendly
ones. If we expect them to be as aloof and cold as their popular image
suggests, they will likely remain that way. If we expect them to be
affectionate and close, they will tend to be that way as well.
Related Information:
Tail signals in cats
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