Attention Seeking Behaviour in Cats!
By jennybianca
@jennybianca (12912)
Australia
August 26, 2007 10:46pm CST
*"Lost in the Night" Howling
Although no one knows for sure why some cats do this, it sometimes is related to increasing deafness or even senility, as cats age. This kind of mournful calling, when associated with suddenly racing around the house with the fur on the back rolling, can also be the result of another physical condition, feline hyperesthesia, commonly known as Rippling Skin Disorder.
*Begging for Food and Treats
Although genuine hunger can't be completely discounted, cats, like humans, do sometimes suffer from addiction
*Pawing Your Arm or Leg
Some cats, like kids, do need frequent attention, and will paw your arm when you are seated, or do the "figure 8" around your legs as you try to walk.
*Insistent Meowing
Some cats are also very vocal (Siamese and Oriental breeds are famous for this trait). And many cats actually enjoy a back-and-forth feline-human chat, and will meow right back at you when you talk (or meow) to them.
*PICA (Eating Inappropriate Substances like String)
Wool-sucking is common to certain breeds, including Siamese, Burmese, and Himalayans, and it is also inherent to cats prematurely weaned or removed from their mothers. Stress seems to be a common denominator in cats with PICA.
*Inappropriate Scratching
Sometimes cats who have plenty of scratching poles and other "legitimate" scratching surfaces, still will insist on inappropriate scratching on carpeting or furniture. It is considereda meams of communicating with humans.
*Stress and Anxiety
Many of these attention-getting behaviors can be the result of stress or anxiety, particularly if there have been recent changes in the household, including, but not limited to:
A Recent Move
New Baby
New Pet (Cat or Dog)
Owner's Absence Due to New Job or Vacation
Sudden Aggression by Another Cat
Sickness of Owner or Another Cat
1 response
@66jerseygirl (3877)
• United States
27 Aug 07
Thanks for this wonderful information. My kitty used to scratch and bite all the time. I have kitty covers for his claws but his teeth still hurt. It's interesting to find out why,now I wish I could figure out what he's trying to communicate,lol
1 person likes this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
28 Aug 07
I am very interested to know what kitty coverrs for claws are?
1 person likes this
@66jerseygirl (3877)
• United States
29 Aug 07
kitty covers are vinal claw covers for kitties. they have a special glue and last for about a month. they usually cost about 20$ and you get enough for several months.I wouldn't recommend them for outdoor kitties as they would have no way to defend themselves. My Moose was really tearing our legs up ,that's why i got them
1 person likes this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
5 Sep 07
So thsats what they are. I have never seen them here. My cat is very naughty scratching the lounge, she has almost ruined it. But there is no point in me using kitty covers, sas she goes outside a lot.