Kitties are quirky pets, full of personality. They best respond to routine and distinct instructions. However, as cat owners, we tend to send out confusing signals that stress the cat out at times. This can be inconsistent reacting to the same action whilst at other times improvising rules. Such actions can lead a kitty to the disorientation of safety.
In this article, we will examine how inconsistent behavior from owners is laden with confusion and how we can help relieve that tension at least a little.
Why Cats Excel On Certain Erzats
Like many other animals, kitties are creatures of dependence. Strongly clinging to their habits, they find it soothing to repeat actions, giving them a sense of assurance about their surroundings. Animals like cats used to rely on specific overlap patterns for hunting, sleeping, and even avoiding getting eaten. Domestic cats do the same as they are able to rely on their owners but still bring these natural tendencies with them.
As habitually mixing our signals, we are inadvertently interfering with this sense of equilibrium. For instance:
Scolding them for scratching the couch after hitherto talking to them like a baby.
One day they sleep on the bed and the other day you don’t allow them to.
Encouraging playtime that includes a gentle nip, and then getting angry when the kitten bites too hard.
These discrepancies mystify felines since there have been radical shifts in tone that are unexplainable for them. Through their scope, the sudden change in your actions is alarming and vague.
Typical Confusion That Cat Parents Exhibit
Pawing Dilemma Pawing is a part and parcel of a cat’s character. It serves to trim their claws, massage the muscles, and relieve stress. Regardless of this, many of us have varied responses whenever our cats decide to scratch our furniture: Sometimes we tend to brush it off. Other times, we reprimand them by attempting to stop them, with hand clapping for instance. This naturally causes confusion within them whether it is appropriate to scratch or not. In reality, they are simply acting upon their instincts, which makes our mixed reactions all the more infuriating for them.
Solution:
Buy a scratching mat or an item that these cats can use to scratch when they have the impulse of doing so. This is often placed near the furniture the cats scratch and then the use of catnip or toys to entice them to use the post. When they do use the post, they should be praised in order to make this more of a habitual behavior. Mixed Messages About Black And White Unlike dogs, cats cannot comprehend spoken words; they learn through actions, and if these actions are continuous, then they take that as a point of reference for actions that are permitted and not. If one day you let your cat jump on the kitchen counter, while the next day you chastise them for that, then they will not know where the line is drawn.
Set predictable boundaries by moderating your actions. For example, if you want to keep your cat off the counter, you can place your cat gently on the floor whenever it jumps up on the counter. Or, offer an alternative (e.g. a shelf near the kitchen) so that they can still jump without violating the rules.
Mixed Practices
Cats are also very much attuned to how we react to them as it is one way for them to learn. If, in one instance, you are laughing and enjoying a kitten, as it is chewing on your hand and then later on you scolds the same kitten for chewing your hand, it may be confusing for them. They are unable to tell the difference between ‘playful nibble’ rather than ‘chewed too hard’, and this leaves them in the state where they remain confused as to what they are allowed to do with you.
Solution: Making it possible to comply from the very beginning. Rigid Play biting and any forms of rough housing is to be redirected to toys and appropriate gentle behaviors rewarded with treats or petting.
Does Inconsistent Responses Results In
High Level Of Anxiety And Frustration
It can be quite confusing for the feline companions when they are not able to predict the trends of your behavior, and as expected this adds into the stress levels. They may also be caused to avoid certain behaviors completely or be overly anxious at other times not clearly sure what is required from them.
Lifestyle Related Concerns
The other behavior likely to arise through refusal to give an appropriate response to these physical disturbances may be over-scratching, going into hiding and becoming aggressive. The affection may also diminish if the cats are unsure how to engage with you or trust you.
Undermining the Strong Connection
Cats require some level of trust if they are going to build a tight relationship with their humans. If your actions are somehow erratic, it can decrease their feeling of safety and risk your relationship.
How to Talk to Your Cat in a Way That is Convincing
Acknowledge Natural Behaviours
Cat's claw, jump, and wander as a normal behaviour. These impulses should not be discouraged. Instead, they need to be redirected in a positive way:
Clawing posts to help with claw maintenance.
Cat trees or shelves to encourage climbing and exploring.
Chasing and pouncing toys.
You are less likely to send mixed signals when you respect their requirements.
Set Rules and Stick To Them
Set certain house rules for your cat and abide by them. If you wish your cat to stay off the dining table, make sure such a ban is established at every occasion. If the expectation is always the same, they do not get confused when undertaking the required behavior.
Associate Actions with Outcomes
Most cats are willing to accept positive reinforcement. This is usually done by giving a treat, compliment, or playtime after the desired behavior is exhibited. For example, Cats do get treats every time they use their scratching posts. During mealtime, there’s no touching the table, and if all goes well, I’ll cuddle with them or play with them afterwards.
Cat routines should be established
Regardless of our differences, we all possess certain preferences. All of us desire our food at a specific time, allocation of certain tasks particularly in a spatial setting, and our grooming at a certain time, each day. Cats have a strong affinity towards having a routine and schedule for their activities. A routine is not only about helping them with a sense of reliability but also providing them with security and minimizing any underlying stress factors.
Situation Assessment and Strategic Adjustment
Identifying the behavior of an individual’s cat is relatively more effortless, due to the genetic makeup and pets inherent tendencies. On an instinctual level all cats demonstrate patterns in their behavior and having adjustments through observant actions caters to their instincts. If your cat appears uneasy and flustered, evaluate how clearer communication can be facilitated.
Understanding your cat’s behavioral patterns, strengths and preferences, mastery over incorporating cats into daily life takes patience and dedication. With some time and consistency other factors such as building trust, ensuring a smooth role transition in a house, helping a cat in boundary setting, and adapting to specific rules would fall into place.
Becoming a cat owner comes with the expectation of building a nurturing ecosystem for cats to live in. Accepting the fact that everyone wants and is deserving of love, it’s a two-way street: empathy is how we cater to the underlying factors such as routines, communication, and space which lay the foundation of a deep and nurturing bond between a cat and its owner.
Final Remarks
The emotional connection and nurturing bond an individual feels when they pet and sustain a cat is outstanding. Building, understanding, and adapting should not be difficult, however, striking a balance between mixed signals alongside ensuring clarity and consistency is key.
The next time your feline friend digs its claws into the sofa or decides to stand on the kitchen counter, just stop. Ask yourself: am I clear and consistent in my actions? A little bit of work and patience can help put a system in place that works well for both you and your cat — leading to less stress and a happier life for your cherished kitty companion. 🐾