Explaining “breaks in service” is difficult. Here are the best ways to handle it.
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When we run low on certain essential items, we understand that the cats are going to downgrade our comment cards for a while. But how do we explain the store is closed, we’ve got the flu, we’re snowed in? How do we shut off the cat’s reminder notices? Is there a way to still meet the cat’s needs?
We haven’t forgotten about it. We aren’t being mean. The stuff isn’t there. We realize this is an emergency.
Our cats regard us as powerful creatures. Look at all the stuff we do, that they cannot. So when we are not responding to their requests, we have to apologize and explain it’s not there. It’s not that we are upset with them, or witholding anything. This is something we didn’t plan to do.
By making the effort, we will get the cat thinking about how poor the service is, or other ways the substitute is not making it, but the cat will no longer ask. They have gotten something. That it’s something they don’t understand or comprehend… well, that’s a different issue. This will buy us time.
If we are out of food, we are hopefully not out of all the food. If we have dry instead of canned, or vice versa, put the wrong food in the right bowls and let them consider that for a while. Do we have treats? Well, by gum, it’s party time!
People food of certain kinds will get us through. Mince up some deli meats, open a can of tuna or salmon, or scrape the breading off those heated fish sticks. Canned soups will at least offer broth, and they can try the bits of meat and vegetables, though the noodle types will not appeal. A saucer of milk or cream, even yogurt or ice cream, can also fill in the gaps.
If it’s litter we need, the first step is to clean out the present litter. Even if the level is low, clean litter is appealing on its own. Plain sand is what the first boxes were filled with, so the cat can cope with that. Shredded newspaper is something many cats have experience with, but as long as it’s in the box, most cats will use it. Just don’t try things that will cause trouble for us later, like potting soil. Even a cupful of litter, as long as it’s clean, will trigger the cat’s instincts to use their box.
Remember, any substitute will get the cat thinking about how we have suddenly lost our minds. It will distract them from the issue of not getting the food or litter they were expecting. Whenever they ask, respond, even if it’s picking up their dish, looking at it, and setting it down again. We have to redirect them from not getting what they want, to get them thinking, Why on earth did they give me this? It will give both of us a break from the asking.
Once we have a chance to get out to the store, we will make it up to them. Share our joy when supplies reappear. The cat is reassured. We are glad the emergency is over.
And maybe we’ll tuck an extra box or bag away somewhere. Just in case.
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There’s more ways to care for our cat with The Way of Cats than the article you are reading now. See all of my posts on CAT CARE.
We’ve been saved by warm scrambled eggs a couple of times when the cat food ran out. Add more milk than you’d use in eggs for yourself, but no salt or pepper. They seem relieved to find them when the dish is empty.
What a great idea! My Puffy also loves cheese. He’d take to an omelete.
Really interesting & fun idea! They will appreciate it!