Photo by Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash
Cats, unlike dogs, are not easily-domesticated animals. They have a high sensitivity to almost everything. The innate wild instincts of felines cause them to be super defensive and easily agitated.
Cats and dogs have different ways of handling stress and anxiety. Dogs are very emotional and appear to be fragile. Cats, on the other hand, tend to be offensive and outraged. But we cannot always conclude that cats are angry every time they are growling or when their pupils are dilating.
Knowing how to calm your kitty during grumpy situations help them de-stress and become more sociable. Try these amazing tricks to soothe your angry or fearful cat:
Get To Know Your Cat
The primary motivation of cats for displaying aggressiveness is fear. Sometimes, it is out of loneliness; other times, they are just craving for attention. Just like humans, cats get hurt when they are misunderstood. And as a pet parent, it is your responsibility to become acquainted with your cat.
Take time to observe your kitty’s behavior – when are they outgoing and when would they like to be isolated. Cats are constantly alert for danger, which makes them overly self-protective. Strangers, sickness, discomfort, and a noisy environment are the common things that trigger the stability of cats.
Cats do not trust anyone easily; not even their kind, nor people. The adaptation process takes longer than with dogs. And even after your kitty is tamed, their wild spirits never go away. But just be patient, and everything will be in control.
Make Your Cat Comfortable
Very human as they are, but cats also need privacy. They need a home within a home. Give your kitty a comfortable space in your house – somewhere quiet, safe, and has a fair temperature. Set up a cat bed and a blanket. Put their cat bowl near to them as if they are VICs (very important creatures) – lodging in a hotel with meals in bed (so sassy!).
Give your kitty a creative space; where they can play with their favorite toys, meditate, and roll around. Cats, just like us, need leisure and recreation for sanity.
Play with your kitty. Cuddle them, talk to them in a very relaxing tone. If necessary, sit down or lie on the floor when you approach them so they won’t see you as an attacker. It will give cats an impression that you are their friend; and that they can confide in you.
Photo by Ludemeula Fernandes on Unsplash
Trivia: Cats are most defenseless when they are in a laid-back position. So when your kitty is sleeping like this at home, it is a good indication that they feel secure. Good job, pet owner!
Keep Your Cat Healthy
Schedule a regular check-up with your kitty’s vet. Make sure they are free of illnesses and are groomed properly. Keep your cat physically fit; they tend to become obese when lacking regular exercise. And obese cats are twice grumpy than normal ones.
Let your kitty play with other cats, so they can practice their biting and scratching skills. You wouldn’t want it if they were doing the drill with you. Walk them around unfamiliar surroundings so they won’t be estranged anymore. In time, it will be easier for them to embrace their new environment.
Give Your Cat Some Time
There are moments when your cat will need complete isolation. They get stressed and anxious for no reason. Simply put, your little pet has mood swings. If so, give them peace. Let them stay in their secluded place and wait until they are ready to socialize again.
Do not ever punish your pet when they make mistakes. This will aggravate fear, leading to agitation and aggressiveness. Your cat will never be calmed if you can’t interact with them in the same way.
Let your kitty do their own thing, practice their habits. If you want them to follow a few house rules, gently teach them. Learning is never enjoyable when it is done harshly.
Photo by Yerlin Matu on Unsplash
Cats are always special. They have deeper personalities compared to dogs. Cats have trust issues; but if you can master the tricks above, then you are already a successful pet owner.
**********
About the Author:
Charles is a certified pet-lover who writes for RestoraPet.com. He, together with his wife, enjoys doing volunteer work in various animal shelters at his city.