Why do we think cats are unfriendly?(bbc.com)
bbc.com
Why do we think cats are unfriendly?
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20191024-why-do-we-think-cats-are-unfriendly
72 comments
People who say cats are unfriendly have never taken the time to get to know a cat. While dogs are promiscuous with their affection, cats tend to show affection for a particular person more than others. When you're picked by a cat there's no more friendly, affectionate creature.
That said, I have also known cats that were just friendly to everyone. We used to have a large orange tabby cat in the neighborhood who would just walk up to everyone who walked by and give them head butts. But he was a rare cat.
That said, I have also known cats that were just friendly to everyone. We used to have a large orange tabby cat in the neighborhood who would just walk up to everyone who walked by and give them head butts. But he was a rare cat.
> While dogs are promiscuous with their affection, cats tend to show affection for a particular person more than others.
Cats have actually been found to be promiscuous in a different way: In a Horizon documentary a few years ago, "The Secret Life of Cats" [1], researchers tagged cats and followed their territorial habits, and they found that cats spend a sizeable amount of time with other families. In other words, while cats may have a home they consider their base, they're not exclusive.
It's a good documentary, featuring real researchers, which made some surprising discoveries about cat habits. In particular, the sheer number of kills is fairly astounding, with some cats averaging 7-8 (if I remember correctly) or more kills a night, including birds.
[1] https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-22821639
Cats have actually been found to be promiscuous in a different way: In a Horizon documentary a few years ago, "The Secret Life of Cats" [1], researchers tagged cats and followed their territorial habits, and they found that cats spend a sizeable amount of time with other families. In other words, while cats may have a home they consider their base, they're not exclusive.
It's a good documentary, featuring real researchers, which made some surprising discoveries about cat habits. In particular, the sheer number of kills is fairly astounding, with some cats averaging 7-8 (if I remember correctly) or more kills a night, including birds.
[1] https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-22821639
Cats kill over 300 million birds a year in Australia.
They’re now using a special toxin (harmless to native wildlife) to kill feral cats, by dropping poisoned sausages from the sky.
They’re now using a special toxin (harmless to native wildlife) to kill feral cats, by dropping poisoned sausages from the sky.
Cats have different personalities, just like people. Not all people like other people, not all cats like people. Cats are allowed to be "unfriendly".
Agreed, we have 3 cats and while all their personalities are very different, they are all suckers for love. One will come to you when she wants and climb up on your chest wrapping her paws around your neck and nuzzle you for as long as she needs. The second is a boy who follows me around like a dog, jumping up on my lap at any chance and sleeping beside one of us every night. The third is a younger boy and follows our daughter around like they’re best friends. He cuddles, plays and is constantly seeking attention. He regularly sleeps up against my neck.
We show them a ton of love and they definitely reciprocate.
We show them a ton of love and they definitely reciprocate.
> can be friendly
This has been my problem with cats. They are hit or miss. I've grown up with cats and dogs and enjoyed both of their company. I never once had an unfriendly/bad dog. At least half the cats I had were... "distant" to say the least. Didn't really want attention, liked to be off on their own, etc.
Of course, the good ones are so great. A nice kitty is a really great thing and if it weren't such a dice roll, I'd have cats now.
This has been my problem with cats. They are hit or miss. I've grown up with cats and dogs and enjoyed both of their company. I never once had an unfriendly/bad dog. At least half the cats I had were... "distant" to say the least. Didn't really want attention, liked to be off on their own, etc.
Of course, the good ones are so great. A nice kitty is a really great thing and if it weren't such a dice roll, I'd have cats now.
Two absolutely adorable and friendly kittens in my life, both got snatched, probably by a neighborhood dog. Both times we were looking and calling out all day. Even mom and dad were in tears. I don't think it's a good adaption for cats to be friendly, at least for outdoor cats. The distant ones always got to live longer (at least the females, tomcats tend to roam and disappear after a few years).
Similar story myself. Had a really amazing cat growing up, the friendliest little bugger... And so, so sweet.
Went missing one day, and we never saw her again. Everyone in my family was heartbroken.
I can certainly understand and agree that for a cat being so aloof and carefree probably isn't a great survival trait. Something got her, probably a coyote.
I had another cat growing up that was far more distant. Didn't really like being held / pet (but would endure it). She was a hunter. Regularly brought back kills. She lived into old age, and died peacefully.
Went missing one day, and we never saw her again. Everyone in my family was heartbroken.
I can certainly understand and agree that for a cat being so aloof and carefree probably isn't a great survival trait. Something got her, probably a coyote.
I had another cat growing up that was far more distant. Didn't really like being held / pet (but would endure it). She was a hunter. Regularly brought back kills. She lived into old age, and died peacefully.
I had an outdoor cat growing up that lived to be 18. Spent about 1/2 his time outdoors and 1/2 his time indoors. He occasionally would bring back live mice or baby rabbits. So although he was self-sufficient in that aspect, when he was inside he was the most affectionate cat imaginable. He'd come and nuzzle his head into you and lay on your lap or chest until you petted him. He was never super affectionate with the dogs, but he put up with them. Cats are very complicated.
Once in his old age he didn't return for about a week; we thought he had died. We put up posters for him around the neighborhood-it turns out that a family who lived in a house several streets away had "adopted" him (this was before RFID chipping). I still miss him.
Once in his old age he didn't return for about a week; we thought he had died. We put up posters for him around the neighborhood-it turns out that a family who lived in a house several streets away had "adopted" him (this was before RFID chipping). I still miss him.
All cat owners seem to have owned more cats than they started out with :)
> This has been my problem with cats. They are hit or miss.
There's a crucial period between 8 and 12 weeks (IIRC) where if a kitten isn't handled regularly they are likely to always be somewhat wary around people. If you want an affectionate cat your best bet is finding a breeder and visiting them to make sure they're treating the kittens well and interacting frequently with them.
I've owned or lived with a lot of cats over the years and the difference is very obvious, especially if you're a stranger.
There's a crucial period between 8 and 12 weeks (IIRC) where if a kitten isn't handled regularly they are likely to always be somewhat wary around people. If you want an affectionate cat your best bet is finding a breeder and visiting them to make sure they're treating the kittens well and interacting frequently with them.
I've owned or lived with a lot of cats over the years and the difference is very obvious, especially if you're a stranger.
You should foster some kittens, then you can pick and choose the ones you want to formally adopt. If you don't mesh with the first batches personality, back to the shelter they go for a proper adoption. We had a "failed foster" and ended up with an amazing kitty.
It varies on the cat so much as well, I've got two (brother and sister), girl cat ignores food and comes for cuddles before going and eating, boy cat largely ignores my existence except when he wants feeding except when I'm ill then he'll come sit on me, half a dozen times in last 6 years.
Girl cat is ridiculously affectionate, she has to be on or near me or she cries.
Girl cat is ridiculously affectionate, she has to be on or near me or she cries.
If you googled it, it really, really was not “many, many years ago”.
I object. As loudly as my old body allows.
I object. As loudly as my old body allows.
Cats seem unfriendly to us because they can't move their faces as much as dogs. They can't make as many facial expressions.
Cats do show affection for each other and humans, but their body language is more subtle.
EDIT: I also disagree that cats are asocial, as suggested by the article. They clearly form bonds with each other and with humans.
Cats do show affection for each other and humans, but their body language is more subtle.
EDIT: I also disagree that cats are asocial, as suggested by the article. They clearly form bonds with each other and with humans.
For example, see this study: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/24/science/cats-humans-bondi...
face is not the whole story, behavior is quite different too, less jolly, different and fewer playing mode
I have had cats my entire life (well maybe if I add up all of the time without cats for various reasons it would add to a year... but close enough).
I can't tell you how often I will go to a friends place and they tell me the cat hates people, and half an hour later they are in my lap sleeping, or laying next to me.
A lot of people misunderstand how to act around cats. I see people chase them around the house, jump right at them with all this energy, and then get upset when they jump away that the cat is "mean". No... the cat just clearly does not like what you are doing to them.
In my experience, you have to be slow. Let them come to you if they want, but don't force it. Every cat is different though, and you can't treat them all the same.
Have I met truly indifferent cats, of course. They exist and I will never deny that they do. How much of that is based on people not knowing how to properly socialize them as kittens is an open question for me though.
I can't tell you how often I will go to a friends place and they tell me the cat hates people, and half an hour later they are in my lap sleeping, or laying next to me.
A lot of people misunderstand how to act around cats. I see people chase them around the house, jump right at them with all this energy, and then get upset when they jump away that the cat is "mean". No... the cat just clearly does not like what you are doing to them.
In my experience, you have to be slow. Let them come to you if they want, but don't force it. Every cat is different though, and you can't treat them all the same.
Have I met truly indifferent cats, of course. They exist and I will never deny that they do. How much of that is based on people not knowing how to properly socialize them as kittens is an open question for me though.
> How much of that is based on people not knowing how to properly socialize them as kittens is an open question for me though.
A lot from what I've read and my experience, there's a critical period between 8 and 12 weeks where they need handling if they aren't always to be a bit wary around people.
A lot from what I've read and my experience, there's a critical period between 8 and 12 weeks where they need handling if they aren't always to be a bit wary around people.
My cats love me to death. I never force myself on them and never try to train them to obey me, greet me etc.
We think cats are "unfriendly" because they do their own thing, and don't OBEY people like Dogs. When an animals doesn't obey you and do your biding, you think they are "unfriendly".
Cats are also not "reward" oriented like Dogs, i.e. you can't "train" a cat to obey you and do your biding by giving it rewards like you can with Dogs.
We think cats are "unfriendly" because they do their own thing, and don't OBEY people like Dogs. When an animals doesn't obey you and do your biding, you think they are "unfriendly".
Cats are also not "reward" oriented like Dogs, i.e. you can't "train" a cat to obey you and do your biding by giving it rewards like you can with Dogs.
As the old comparison: Dogs excellent are for people who want to be worshipped as Gods. Cats are for people who want to wake in the night to find a God sat on their chest demanding a sacrifice.
Few people have seen much of my cat, because it takes her a bit of time to get used to new people[†] and will scuttle off when they are around. But she is quite attached to me. She misses me when I'm away for longer than usual and is very fussy when I come back, despite having a full bowl of kibble all morning she'll often wait until I come home at lunch and have me sit near her while she eats, she plays with me like an excited kitten at times, etc. She is happy to order the lodger around too when I'm away[‡], and will let her guard down enough to play while she is there (though usually not enough to actually play with her). There are a few others she will come out and greet, though no others she really relaxes around.
[†] she was a rescue, though I don't think she was abused explicitly in her first six months, just ignored (as she'd have never put up with kids, and her age suggests she was a Christmas kitten) so she didn't learn that a fair number of us humans are pretty decent, but we don't know for sure as she was left outside the RSPCA in a box heavily pregnant.
[‡] apparently when I'm not there, the lodger gets woken up at 0730 sharp, which is the time my alarms normally go off six days a week, and breakfast is demanded, if I am there she usually sits with/on me purring, waiting patiently, perhaps being fussed and/or massaging me, while I snooze the alarm a few times.
Few people have seen much of my cat, because it takes her a bit of time to get used to new people[†] and will scuttle off when they are around. But she is quite attached to me. She misses me when I'm away for longer than usual and is very fussy when I come back, despite having a full bowl of kibble all morning she'll often wait until I come home at lunch and have me sit near her while she eats, she plays with me like an excited kitten at times, etc. She is happy to order the lodger around too when I'm away[‡], and will let her guard down enough to play while she is there (though usually not enough to actually play with her). There are a few others she will come out and greet, though no others she really relaxes around.
[†] she was a rescue, though I don't think she was abused explicitly in her first six months, just ignored (as she'd have never put up with kids, and her age suggests she was a Christmas kitten) so she didn't learn that a fair number of us humans are pretty decent, but we don't know for sure as she was left outside the RSPCA in a box heavily pregnant.
[‡] apparently when I'm not there, the lodger gets woken up at 0730 sharp, which is the time my alarms normally go off six days a week, and breakfast is demanded, if I am there she usually sits with/on me purring, waiting patiently, perhaps being fussed and/or massaging me, while I snooze the alarm a few times.
>you can't "train" a cat to obey you and do your biding by giving it rewards like you can with Dogs.
You totally can shape cat's behaviour by reinforcement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNiL9Hv2V5Q
It may be harder than for dogs, but it can be done.
You totally can shape cat's behaviour by reinforcement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNiL9Hv2V5Q
It may be harder than for dogs, but it can be done.
My cat is awesome and cool and wicked smart. Sometimes he isn't interested in hanging out but otherwise he is incredibly friendly. He programs with me at least a couple hours a day sitting with his rear on my lap and his upper body on the desk in between my typing arms. Our communication is great too, he knows how to ask for food, water, to go outside, for upset tummy rubs, and to play. He has as much character as any well adjusted dog.
You can train a cat, but it's much harder than training a dog. Cats will lose all interest occasionally and you just have to end the training until they're ready again. It's very much on their terms. That said, I've found positive reinforcement to work well for my cats. We've been able to train one of them to sit and stand using treats and a clicker. The other has no interest in treats so there's not much we've been able to do.
Random cat thoughts:
They are more social at night, solitary during the day.
Three "modes" of hunting, related to three main kinds of prey, each cat can have one, two, or all three:
Pounce/bite-neck: for mice and other ground prey. Some cats will pounce with their paws, but if they're hunting for food they try to get a quick kill by nipping the spine at the neck. I've heard, but I can't verify it, that the cats' tooth lines up with the mice' neck vertebrae just right to snap it instantly, when the pounce is good.
Leap/two-paw-grab: for birds/bats and other flying things (bugs). (Look up the videos of the cat and owl that grew up together...) The cat will try to grab the bird with both paws and then land on it to pin it before bringing the mouth to bear.
Reach-and-pull: For fish. Many cats ignore fish, but the single-paw reach-and-pull maneuver is to hook fish on the claws and yank it out of the water onto the land (thence to pounce/bite.)
They are more social at night, solitary during the day.
Three "modes" of hunting, related to three main kinds of prey, each cat can have one, two, or all three:
Pounce/bite-neck: for mice and other ground prey. Some cats will pounce with their paws, but if they're hunting for food they try to get a quick kill by nipping the spine at the neck. I've heard, but I can't verify it, that the cats' tooth lines up with the mice' neck vertebrae just right to snap it instantly, when the pounce is good.
Leap/two-paw-grab: for birds/bats and other flying things (bugs). (Look up the videos of the cat and owl that grew up together...) The cat will try to grab the bird with both paws and then land on it to pin it before bringing the mouth to bear.
Reach-and-pull: For fish. Many cats ignore fish, but the single-paw reach-and-pull maneuver is to hook fish on the claws and yank it out of the water onto the land (thence to pounce/bite.)
I had two indoor outdoor cats.
It was cool. There’s something really neat about having a little creature you can let outside and they’re smart enough to return to you and learn the neighborhood.
It’s no longer ok to do that, and I’m not really recommending that anyone do that. Feel free to tear into me for it (I get it). All I’m saying is that there were interesting and unexpected aspects.
I attached a gps to my cats just to find out where they’d go. This was back in 2010 or so, before gps was very small. It was just small enough to put on their collar without too much risk to them.
I ended up with a scatterplot of my cats’ favorite spots. It was the Midwest in a relatively smallish suburb. Scuzzle was such a ham; it turns out he’d made friends with a lot of the neighbors, and sometimes he’d stay out for a couple days since people kept feeding him.
Eventually I started driving my car to meet him each night. I’d get pretty close to him and yell out “Scuzzle!” And he’d mrowww from the shadows and run up to meet me, then hop in the car like a dog. Eventually he started recognizing my car, and me driving it. I know this because I’d often encounter him observing my approach, and at a certain point you could see him go “oh, it’s you.” He was always very aware of the roads.
Eventually a neighbor kidnapped him and took off the gps collar. I don’t think the old lady understood it was a gps. We were walking around at night near his last known location shouting “scuzzle!” And we were getting pretty frantic since it had been days. But then we tried the last known location again and shouted again, and we heard “mrowww!” The old lady had let him sit in her sunporch, and the window (but not the screen) was open. So he heard us and we heard him. I went up and thankfully the door was unlocked, so we got him out of there without more hassle.
Showed up the next day with a picture of him on a flyer and asked her directly “have you seen this cat?” The look on her face was kind of funny in hindsight.
Meh. It was an interesting experience. Life is like that sometimes. Don’t do that; not worth the stress. But not a lot of people know that cats are smart enough that they do learn a lot of our customs, like roads and where you live.
It was cool. There’s something really neat about having a little creature you can let outside and they’re smart enough to return to you and learn the neighborhood.
It’s no longer ok to do that, and I’m not really recommending that anyone do that. Feel free to tear into me for it (I get it). All I’m saying is that there were interesting and unexpected aspects.
I attached a gps to my cats just to find out where they’d go. This was back in 2010 or so, before gps was very small. It was just small enough to put on their collar without too much risk to them.
I ended up with a scatterplot of my cats’ favorite spots. It was the Midwest in a relatively smallish suburb. Scuzzle was such a ham; it turns out he’d made friends with a lot of the neighbors, and sometimes he’d stay out for a couple days since people kept feeding him.
Eventually I started driving my car to meet him each night. I’d get pretty close to him and yell out “Scuzzle!” And he’d mrowww from the shadows and run up to meet me, then hop in the car like a dog. Eventually he started recognizing my car, and me driving it. I know this because I’d often encounter him observing my approach, and at a certain point you could see him go “oh, it’s you.” He was always very aware of the roads.
Eventually a neighbor kidnapped him and took off the gps collar. I don’t think the old lady understood it was a gps. We were walking around at night near his last known location shouting “scuzzle!” And we were getting pretty frantic since it had been days. But then we tried the last known location again and shouted again, and we heard “mrowww!” The old lady had let him sit in her sunporch, and the window (but not the screen) was open. So he heard us and we heard him. I went up and thankfully the door was unlocked, so we got him out of there without more hassle.
Showed up the next day with a picture of him on a flyer and asked her directly “have you seen this cat?” The look on her face was kind of funny in hindsight.
Meh. It was an interesting experience. Life is like that sometimes. Don’t do that; not worth the stress. But not a lot of people know that cats are smart enough that they do learn a lot of our customs, like roads and where you live.
When approaching a new cat, I find it helps to be sat on the ground or crouched, so you don’t tower over them. Don’t be too close. Then hold out your hand and let them approach and sniff it, so they can identify you. I usually click to get their attention. Then when you stroke them be gentle on their head. Do not under any circumstances start with their belly or further down their back, unless you like scratch marks.
I have a theory that cars like being stroked on the parts of their head that they can’t lick themselves, so just above their eyes etc. Logically this also means under their chin, but they had better trust you before you attempt that.
Have had very close relationships with cats - one that would meow on command for me (without reinforcement training), come and find me in the countryside if she wanted attention, curl up with me every evening, chew my hair; another that sat on my shoulders like a parrot; but also one (male) cat that I was never able to properly bond with - built like a panther and liable to bite me for no clear reason.
I have a theory that cars like being stroked on the parts of their head that they can’t lick themselves, so just above their eyes etc. Logically this also means under their chin, but they had better trust you before you attempt that.
Have had very close relationships with cats - one that would meow on command for me (without reinforcement training), come and find me in the countryside if she wanted attention, curl up with me every evening, chew my hair; another that sat on my shoulders like a parrot; but also one (male) cat that I was never able to properly bond with - built like a panther and liable to bite me for no clear reason.
Cat treats. I've used it to train my cat, she will run to the cat chair next to my desk. Hop on it, roll around, and start the loudest purrs for some tasty cat treats. I just shake the can, where ever she is hiding, I got instacat.
Shes smart though, I don't always give her a treat with a can shake, soon as she runs to me. She will sit and wait for me to "remove" the lid before she hops on the stool. But I figured that out, and just removed the lid, and I get the look like "wtf", so I pet her a bunch, then give hear a treat, not before.
I even got her to roll on her back and let me pet the soft belly. But that backfired, she now demands belly rubs, and will lay there while I'm on the computer, expecting my hand on her.
And yes, lots of slow eye blinks, shes a happy puss.
Just gotta understand them.
Shes smart though, I don't always give her a treat with a can shake, soon as she runs to me. She will sit and wait for me to "remove" the lid before she hops on the stool. But I figured that out, and just removed the lid, and I get the look like "wtf", so I pet her a bunch, then give hear a treat, not before.
I even got her to roll on her back and let me pet the soft belly. But that backfired, she now demands belly rubs, and will lay there while I'm on the computer, expecting my hand on her.
And yes, lots of slow eye blinks, shes a happy puss.
Just gotta understand them.
I believe there was a study done some time ago (I cant find the link) that suggested cats perceive humans as large, dumb, docile cats.
https://www.bustle.com/p/cats-apparently-think-humans-are-bi...
The author is John Bradshaw and the book is Cat Sense
The author is John Bradshaw and the book is Cat Sense
I don't think cats are unfriendly at all. Just less understood.
Or more discerning. A dog will love anyone who crosses its path. If you want that kind of affection from a cat, you just have to earn it.
I've had to work pretty hard to get some dogs to trust and approach me. Some cats, even on the street, a hi kitty is enough to get the most wonderful figure 8 oflove around my legs.
Or hate everyone walking on the road close to their garden. Can't walk in this small town without this annoyance.
Agreed. Anecdotally, some friends had a cat that was always angry, at everyone. He never purred in his life. I said he wanted a bath. They had never bathed him. They said I was insane and that he would claw my eyes out.
I got into boxer shorts, started a bath, grabbed the cat. He loved it. It was the first time in his life he had ever purred. I made a friend that day. My friends were completely taken aback. I think his joints were inflamed, probably arthritis.
I got into boxer shorts, started a bath, grabbed the cat. He loved it. It was the first time in his life he had ever purred. I made a friend that day. My friends were completely taken aback. I think his joints were inflamed, probably arthritis.
You were comforting him in an instinctively scary time for him. How could he not love you?
Unlike a dog, you can never own a cat.
But as long as you treat it well it will always come back to you. :]
But as long as you treat it well it will always come back to you. :]
Oh no, my cat is very friendly, but only when she gets hungry. She knows who has access to Fancy Feast. Also, "from the other side of the room" probably means the cat can only see the general outline of you if the room is large enough - their eyesight acuity at a distance is pretty bad. They have broader field of view, and higher sensitivity to motion though. Another misconception is that cats and dogs don't see colors, but they do, just not the same way as humans, and not as many.
With cats, you need to meet them halfway. I've never met a cat I couldn't bond with, including a number of "lost causes", ferals, etc.
Like most behavior in living things, cats are a product of their environment, how they are treated, how their needs are met. Lots of people "do it wrong" then blame the animal. The family I live with for a while longer went through a dozen cats in 3 litters over the first year or so I was here as the matriarch kept getting pregnant and they would never take her to the vet. Most of the kittens disappeared quickly. They had to live in a garage and I assume they were killed by wildlife in this rural place. I had enough and took the eldest female kitten to get spayed and intended to take the mother next and the others when of age but the mother and the remaining little ones ran off or were killed as well and the one I had was the only one left. She is the best, and really only good thing in my life now, and she is expressive and has clear emotions and personality around me because I spend time with her and treat her well. She isn't "allowed" in the house by them but when they are gone I bring her in and she will curl up with me and purr away.
The family generally ignores her. They are "put food and water down once a week" sort of people. One does the occasional petting when walking in or out and it's convenient, and one person especially claims she is "mean" and hasn't once gone out just to socialize with her. She isn't mean...she just doesn't trust them. That's something many people don't seem to innately understand and I don't get it. You have to build trust and be consistent in how you treat life. If you treat them like things, shout, swat, or ignore them, it's you who are unfriendly and wrong. In my opinion your true character comes out in how you treat life you have power over. Whether a kitten, puppy, homeless person, employee whatever. I do the best I can for her given the "rules" they set in their house, but not being able to ensure her future as my life declines rips my heart out. I know they won't take proper care of her and I see no future where I have stability to protect her. I've tried to adopt her out before, but they refused to allow it out of some weird ego driven feeling of insult they are crap pet owners, which is a demonstrable fact. The thought of claiming she ran off and sneaking her to someone has crossed my mindm but there are so many homeless cats here its near impossible to find someone in short order. I put in my will that I want them to rehome her and left some money toward it, but I expect that to be ignored like all other requests are.
I know all of that may sound mental or ridiculous to some. My life is collapsing and it brings out intense emotion and focus on what is truly important. She has been a light for me. My family are "its just an animal/tool/mouser" types. But to me she is a living thing that feels emotions and pain and deserves a life. To me that's more important than some TV show or Facebook argument or "I don't want hair on the carpet" or the new boat or whatever other stupid egotistical material bullshit they think matters more than making sure she is fed or not locked out of the garage. I am sure my own situation magnifies my empathy, there but I wish people would consider what really matters more often. Life matters more than things. I am going to go feed her then bring her in now for a stealth cuddle session. She will probably claw bloody "play" gashes in my hand today as a reward for talking her up ;) The love scars are worn proudly. I need to start wearing some leather gloves when I antagonize her.
The family generally ignores her. They are "put food and water down once a week" sort of people. One does the occasional petting when walking in or out and it's convenient, and one person especially claims she is "mean" and hasn't once gone out just to socialize with her. She isn't mean...she just doesn't trust them. That's something many people don't seem to innately understand and I don't get it. You have to build trust and be consistent in how you treat life. If you treat them like things, shout, swat, or ignore them, it's you who are unfriendly and wrong. In my opinion your true character comes out in how you treat life you have power over. Whether a kitten, puppy, homeless person, employee whatever. I do the best I can for her given the "rules" they set in their house, but not being able to ensure her future as my life declines rips my heart out. I know they won't take proper care of her and I see no future where I have stability to protect her. I've tried to adopt her out before, but they refused to allow it out of some weird ego driven feeling of insult they are crap pet owners, which is a demonstrable fact. The thought of claiming she ran off and sneaking her to someone has crossed my mindm but there are so many homeless cats here its near impossible to find someone in short order. I put in my will that I want them to rehome her and left some money toward it, but I expect that to be ignored like all other requests are.
I know all of that may sound mental or ridiculous to some. My life is collapsing and it brings out intense emotion and focus on what is truly important. She has been a light for me. My family are "its just an animal/tool/mouser" types. But to me she is a living thing that feels emotions and pain and deserves a life. To me that's more important than some TV show or Facebook argument or "I don't want hair on the carpet" or the new boat or whatever other stupid egotistical material bullshit they think matters more than making sure she is fed or not locked out of the garage. I am sure my own situation magnifies my empathy, there but I wish people would consider what really matters more often. Life matters more than things. I am going to go feed her then bring her in now for a stealth cuddle session. She will probably claw bloody "play" gashes in my hand today as a reward for talking her up ;) The love scars are worn proudly. I need to start wearing some leather gloves when I antagonize her.
FYI the grey cat in the article is a British shorthair, a pedigree.
I was recently bit on my ring finger by my indoor house cat. Unbeknownst to me, people were messing with the poor guy all night during a party. I ended up being near him when he freaked out and bit (I am glad it wasn't someone else). Had to go to urgent care and was almost sent to the hospital for an IV drip because my coffee made it seem like I had a fever when they took my oral temp.
The DR reported the bite to the state, who forced a home investigation and vet checks on me. Even though it's no longer infected, my finger/hand still hurts and I expect it to for a long time. The whole thing cost me time away from work, prescriptions/medical stuff, and the cat's vet exam. 10/10 will never own a cat again, especially if I had kids in the house.
The DR reported the bite to the state, who forced a home investigation and vet checks on me. Even though it's no longer infected, my finger/hand still hurts and I expect it to for a long time. The whole thing cost me time away from work, prescriptions/medical stuff, and the cat's vet exam. 10/10 will never own a cat again, especially if I had kids in the house.
But 10/10 would still party with people who torment animals?
No, absolutely not. man, i really don't get why people are tearing me apart here when none of you know anything about me or my cat. You all sound like a bunch of assholes.
Dogs would do the same thing
except the dog would have had the potential to maul and kill you
I've learned from my recent experience that dog maulings is why states take animal bites so seriously. My cat bit me, requiring medical attention (due to infection, the bite wasn't bad at all), cat may have rabies, may be an outdoor cat (mine isn't), and may bite a dog that would potentially maul someone.
The problem with cat bites is that people don't know how they can cause sepsis and kill you within a few days, despite appearing relatively minor. If their teeth penetrates ligament lining, it can totally destroy it, etc.
My doctor told me they'll clean dog bite and send you on your way, but a cat bite they may hospitalize you for days for monitoring, antibiotics, etc. expecting a wide variety of dangerous ailments.
The problem with cat bites is that people don't know how they can cause sepsis and kill you within a few days, despite appearing relatively minor. If their teeth penetrates ligament lining, it can totally destroy it, etc.
My doctor told me they'll clean dog bite and send you on your way, but a cat bite they may hospitalize you for days for monitoring, antibiotics, etc. expecting a wide variety of dangerous ailments.
I suggest you google for "cat bites vs dog bites".
Having been hospitalised following a bite from one of our cats (caused by a dog scaring him witless) I hadn't realised how dangerous their bites are - I now know that if you get a proper deep bite from a cat get medical attention.
Cat bites are the strongest of any animal in terms of PSI because their teeth are so sharp, and they're ambush predators that kill with a single bite. I would totally go to hospital after a full-on bite from our cat.
Just in case, because of my experience, the cat bite doesn't have to be powerful/severe or deep to require medical attention. Mine was on my finger and quit bleeding after I washed it, but now I know I should've gone to urgent care pretty much right away.
I've read a ton of stories lately about folks who barely bled/hurt and ended up requiring surgery.
I've read a ton of stories lately about folks who barely bled/hurt and ended up requiring surgery.
Yes, but the danger profile is very different. A dog bite will do all the damage it's going to do instantly. If it's a big dog, it can be severe, but otherwise it's generally just a minor wound you can treat the same way you'd handle a scrape or accidentally cutting yourself in the kitchen.
A cat bite puts you at risk of several very serious infections which may not develop until much later and can cause long-term consequences.
Dogs do impact damage, but cats do poison damage.
A cat bite puts you at risk of several very serious infections which may not develop until much later and can cause long-term consequences.
Dogs do impact damage, but cats do poison damage.
Maybe don't let assholes fuck with your cat?
On second thought, you never owning a cat again is probably the best choice.
On second thought, you never owning a cat again is probably the best choice.
Personal attacks will get you banned here, regardless of how wrong someone else is, or you feel they are, about cats. Please review https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html and don't post like this to HN in the future,
>On second thought, you never owning a cat again is probably the best choice.
The net take away for me as well.
From OP:
>Unbeknownst to me, people were messing with the poor guy all night during a party
Doesn't say a whole lot of positives if OP is freely acquainted with people who willingly hurt/disturb animals.
I own multiple cats. Have a child. We foster additional cats as well. I've never seen anyone hurt by a domesticated cat(non-feral) that didn't have it coming.
The net take away for me as well.
From OP:
>Unbeknownst to me, people were messing with the poor guy all night during a party
Doesn't say a whole lot of positives if OP is freely acquainted with people who willingly hurt/disturb animals.
I own multiple cats. Have a child. We foster additional cats as well. I've never seen anyone hurt by a domesticated cat(non-feral) that didn't have it coming.
My roommate has a cat who mostly hangs out in the living room. I never had pets growing up, so I never interact with it. Every so often, when I'm walking past it to get around the apartment, it swipes at/scratches me, even drawing blood at times.
Did I also have it coming?
Did I also have it coming?
This is my situation. Cats have different personalities and some don't like to be touched, some like to hunt more than others. Those aren't factors that need to be fixed or are the result of us as owners. My cat doesn't like to be touched, but likes to sit near people when they come over. When I say "messing with my cat" I meant they were just trying to pet him all night, but that appears to have been interpreted as "tormenting" him by judgy assholes on this site.
You can buy all the toys, trees, and catnip you want, but sometimes cats just behave in a way we don't prefer as pet owners. Doesn't mean you or your roommate are at fault like others are saying.
You can buy all the toys, trees, and catnip you want, but sometimes cats just behave in a way we don't prefer as pet owners. Doesn't mean you or your roommate are at fault like others are saying.
The first time, no. The following times, yes.
The cat is making it clear that you are not respecting its personal space. (It can't talk, yeah?) If you never interact with it, it has no idea whether or not you're cool.
The cat is making it clear that you are not respecting its personal space. (It can't talk, yeah?) If you never interact with it, it has no idea whether or not you're cool.
What's GP supposed to do, never walk around the apartment? Avoid the living room entirely?
You might want to try to interact more with the cat, ask your room-mate what the favorite toy is. That's the best way to form a bond with any cat. It may be trying to assert dominance over you.
Might be your roommate plays rough with the cat and it thinks all humans like being swiped at. Some cat owners are surprisingly incompetent...
No, you don't. That's on your roommate.
I personally wouldn't say you "had it coming" or "deserved it", but there is an extremely high likelihood that a person attuned to cat behavior observing your interactions with this particular cat would not being surprised by the reaction.
And that's been fixed, so maybe don't assume. No need to be an asshole to strangers when you don't know anything about them but a few words.
I'll never understand why anyone would want to own a cat, especially one that frequently roams outdoors, when something like toxoplasmosis exists and affects over 30% of the global population.
When I rescued a street cat, the first thing I did was google how to take care of it and understand it. This was many, many years ago. All this information existed a long time ago, and so it's weird to me that people still think that cats are unfriendly. Or are people knowledgeable, but media just likes to make clickbait?
I'll forever trust that cats absolutely can be friendly. My cat would come and sleep with me every night, often cuddle up in my lap, and my roommate told me when I went on vacation, my cat would stay all day at the door every day waiting for me to come back. Yeah, I once took care of a friend's cat that was particularly unfriendly. That cat just had a difficult time bonding with strangers. But just because some human being has difficulty interacting with people (especially people on the autistic spectrum), I wouldn't label them (and certainly not the entire human race) unfriendly. Those cats and those humans just have something else going on in their lives and need a different approach, that's all.
As a cat guy, these articles do annoy me. Show a cat love, the cat will respond positively. Some cats are high-strung and need certain attention, but that's true for people too. Even my friend's unfriendly cat eventually came around, though it took weeks. Don't label the entire species.