Cats are much more attention needy than most people think. They can become bored and depressed if they are ignored consistently. Some develop “negative attention syndrome” – they misbehave just to get their pet parents to notice them. They will try to get your attention good – or bad.
If the only time the you talk to your cat is when they scratch the sofa or stroll down the kitchen counter, then you can bet that is what they will do. They will perform these feats when you are near, and not acknowledging them, as a form to get your attention.
Just picking up your cat and putting them on the floor from the counter …. the cat gets his reward, you acknowledged them and they got picked up even for a brief moment. (Cats and small children have a lot in common!)
When you get home from work, take the first few moments to acknowledge your cat. Talk to them and give them a good stroke if they come to you. Forget looking through the mail, or making dinner for awhile.
Your day may have been hectic and stressful, but your cat has had no choice but to spend many long hours in a quiet house without any stimulation, they have been waiting for you.
You are, without a doubt, the most exciting part of their day. Talk to them, call them by name and say how wonderful they are, stroke and play with them. You both will be happier and healthier for the time you have spent together.
For any other information on cat behavior please visit our web-site www.catsinternational.org
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