As highly curious creatures, they routinely encounter interesting things. But the cat is also a highly cautious creature. They are suspicious, always, when they don’t understand.
more cat pictures
This is the pivotal point where we can and should step in to help them out. If we are not concerned about the big noise or the strange activity next door, this will reassure them. If we are happy and excited about the new thing, this will intrigue them. Likewise, if we are upset and concerned, they will become apprehensive.
When they don’t understand on their own, they will look for our cues.
I had a reader recently share her experience with a DirtDog. She reports it does a great job on her slate floor. While it doesn’t make as much noise as a vacuum, she was still worried about her three cats’ acceptance of the new device that will be wandering around the territory.
She reports, “I wanted to up the ante so I acted very excited and told the cats how much fun this is and what an exciting new toy… this brought them all closer and my uber-alpha started chasing it! Now they think it’s a cat toy that sweeps up litter!”
This was a great way to handle something that could spook a cat under the bed for days. Instead, she guided the cats to not only acceptance, but all the way to enjoyment.
“I never would have done that if I hadn’t started reading your blog… thanks.”
You’re welcome! And thanks back, for so nicely illustrating my point. Which is:
Cats pick up their emotional cues from us.
This has more implications than when we introduce a Robot into the house. Our emotional state is being constantly monitored by our cats, who care about us and feel responsible for us. So if we have a bad day, and bring it home, the cats can act oddly. They might hide, or “bother” us with attention. Either way, they are trying to let us know they care.
So we should pay as much attention to the cat’s behavior as they pay attention to ours. When we change something, let them know. Lay the groundwork. Make a fuss when it comes. Tell them what we think.
And they will know what to think.
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There’s more to raising and training a cat with The Way of Cats than the article you are reading now. See my CAT TRAINING TIPS.
