The very frequent question people keep asking each other is whether one is a dog or a cat lover. The world is thus separated into two major halves of the cat lovers on one side and the dog lover on the other. Seldom do you find people on neutral grounds. There is always this virtual comparison between cats and dogs as to who is better. But something we fail to understand is that they are both two very different kinds of animals and their individuality is very appealing to different kinds of people.
If you ask a dog lover what is the best thing about their canine they would be probably be on the never ending rant about the unconditional love, true loyalty, discipline, their ‘puppy eyes’ et al. however, you can’t say the same things about the feline line. You’d probably be able to say a word or two in acclamation. There is a phrase which says that a cat will never get attached to you like a dog and I couldn’t disagree more.
If you have ever experienced an encounter with a cat, you will agree with me when I say they way they carry themselves with those incandescent eyes that will just make your heart melt in the wink of an eye. The cat is the most docile of the feline family. They have an attitude that only few can handle. They have an edge personality which is always been a matter of awe for me. They sure are fluffy and you would want to cuddle but what makes them so lovable is their nature and gracefulness.
We fail to understand the nature of a cat and thus have interpreted their behavior in a wrong way. The cat is also attached to you and equally loves you. But the behavior of your cat depends solely on how you treat her. If you love her and care for her, she will do the same for you. However, if you ignore her and don’t give her your undivided attention everyday for a few minutes, she will be ignorant and unapologetic about it as well. They literally live by the idiom, “As you sow so shall you reap!” In order to avoid this debacle, always spend time with your pet cat. Make her feel loved and cared for. Do talk to her and make her feel special. They do enjoy this attention and will pour you with the same kind of attention.
Cats are considered as the cleanest animal and also fiercely independent. The independent part is just concoction. The cat has the ability to take care of itself when not cared for and looked after. When compared to dogs, cats do not have a lot to be taken care of but that doesn’t mean you completely ignore them. They do love your company and attention. Cats have a very short span of attention so keeping them occupied is the main thing. Also have toys that they can knead and play with. Cats urinate and paw on things to mark their territory. Their paws do release a scent and that helps cats to know their territory. You must have noticed that once your cat climbs onto your lap, she will first paw your lap and knead it for sometimes and then sleep. Although, it might hurt sometimes and give you a tingle they are just calling it dibs on your lap!
Cats communicate with the humans with the ‘meow’ sound. You will never find your cat communicating with the other cats using its vocals. It has its slender tail to talk to other cats. They are also one of the most jealous animals. If you get a second cat, your first cat will be very hostile to the new feline in the block. So make sure you give all you pet cats equal amount of attention and make them feel loved. Purring is another form of communication. It shows that the cat is agony and sheer pain. So you know it’s time to visit the vet when there is a lot of purring. Cats also eagerly wait for you to come home. If you have fixed office hours, she will be right there at the doorstep to welcome you. Rubbing your leg, swishing its tail and giving a low noise are signs that the cat is being affectionate. They also will playfully scratch you, this doesn’t hurt. They might even nib on your fingers with their ivories. However, do not fret this is just a playing gesture.
Understanding a cat’s behavior is solely by paying attention. If you do, then there is nothing that will stop you from falling in love with such a bewitching charisma. Everything you instill in the kitten will be rendered once she grows up. They do understand your feelings and will share a strong bond with you. There will be pangs of jealous and bittersweet anger but there will always be that love beneath the fluffy fur. Learn to build the communication bridge between your feline and you. When she does something which is undesirable nudge her with a firm ‘No’. They are great teachers. So help them help you! Felines are one of the greatest companions since ages ago. Mark Twain has wisely said,’ of all God’s creatures, there is only one that cannot be made slave of the leash. That one is the cat!’