Cat problem....... (Full Version)

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adaddysgirl -> Cat problem....... (2/15/2007 11:34:26 PM)

To make a long story short....i took in a male stray last summer as he was sick and the vet told me if he stayed outside, he would most likely die.
 
Okay....but now, he follows me around like a dog....every freakin' move i make, he is there.  As i sit here on the computer, he is at my feet.  As soon as i get up, he follows (even if it looks like he's deeply sleeping).  To the bathroom, he sits at my feet while i am on the john;  if i close the door, he sits outside of it.  To the sink, the stove, the fridge....he is right underfoot.  i trip over him all the time.  i have tried to 'push him' away....and i tell him 'git'....but it doesn't make any difference.
 
Anyone have this same problem?  If so, any ideas on how to settle him down?  i am really at my wits end with him under my feet all the time  [sm=banghead.gif]
 
Thanks in advance....
 
DG




FukinTroll -> RE: Cat problem....... (2/15/2007 11:39:49 PM)

Nope. Your Moma and that is about it.




adaddysgirl -> RE: Cat problem....... (2/15/2007 11:45:17 PM)

Oh please....do not tell me that [:o]
 
He's like having a walking shadow!  There must be something to do  (hopes and prays).
 
Soon i will be going to bed.  Bathroom first....then bedroom....cat in tow.  Aarrrgghhh!
 
Edited to add:  He's not the Troll my Moma warned me about, is he?  [:D]

 DG




FukinTroll -> RE: Cat problem....... (2/15/2007 11:46:40 PM)

Get a kitten.




abeyant -> RE: Cat problem....... (2/15/2007 11:53:38 PM)

I had the same problem with my cat. Half the time she'd be waiting outside my bedroom when I got up in the morning. She'd crawl in my lap the moment I sat down anywhere, regardless of how awkward that made it to eat/read/use the computer.

The best advice I can give is to not be afraid to shut those doors on him once in awhile, and let him sit outside. Don't push, but set him aside when need be. Let him know he's not unwelcome but he needs to give you some space. Try and give him some attention first though. Cats aren't always too social, so generally if the cat is inviting an interaction, it's a big deal to them. That's what I did, anyway. Pet, ignore, get on about your day. If he wants to hang around, let him, but if you keep trying to get him to go away, he never will, because he's getting the constant attention he's looking for.

I'm not an expert or anything. This is just based on my experience from having lived with a cat.




FukinTroll -> RE: Cat problem....... (2/15/2007 11:57:41 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: adaddysgirl

Oh please....do not tell me that [:o]
 
He's like having a walking shadow!  There must be something to do  (hopes and prays).
 
Soon i will be going to bed.  Bathroom first....then bedroom....cat in tow.  Aarrrgghhh!
 
Edited to add:  He's not the Troll my Moma warned me about, is he?  [:D]

 DG


*rubs chin all sophistacedumum like*

It is in the realm of possablity.




adaddysgirl -> RE: Cat problem....... (2/16/2007 12:08:17 AM)

Thank you abeyant.  See, because he still likes the outdoors, the only peace i get is when he's out.  Right now though, because of central NY's winter.....he is in most of the time.  As soon as he comes in, life ends!  And now he is in for hours on end and i guess it is just getting nerve wracking.
 
Oh, he is definitely a different breed.  i try to pet him to satisfy him, but it's never enough.  He truly is a very loving cat and you can hear him purring a room away.  i do try to ignore him after awhile but i can't ignore him when he is underfoot.  Maybe most cats are just like this?  i hadn't had one before but took him in because i didn't want to see him die.  Oy....lucky me!
 
But thanks...
 
DG




abeyant -> RE: Cat problem....... (2/16/2007 12:10:51 AM)

Do you have many toys for him? It could be he's bored.




carolsea -> RE: Cat problem....... (2/16/2007 12:18:51 AM)

I have 5 cats who let me live with them, and, yes, most of them are like that.  They do entertain one another most of the time, but my gray bobtail Jack is my little shadow.  Problem is, he's usually right in front of me, and I've tripped on him more than once.

But that's just the way he is.  Be sure your kitty has plenty to "do" inside the house.  Stuff to chase, places to hide, things to climb.  They are active animals and are used to having something to do all the time.

They all have their times when they want to cuddle and be petted, and frankly, I've found that males are more clingy than females.  Is he neutered?  That is a MUST for a male cat (and spaying for females) and will make him a better pet and a happier kitty!

Take time to PLAY with him, not just petting, though that's important too.  Cats have a lot of energy, and they love to chase things, so put something on the end of a string and drag it around for him to chase, just be sure to let him catch it sometimes so he doesn't get frustrated.  Find some of those interactive toys that will play with him without you having to be there - like feathers on top of a sproingy thing stuck into a board, something hung in a doorway that he can bat at and chase when it flies away from him.

I know it can be aggravating, but he just loves you and is thanking you for saving his life.  They know who loves them!  My cats have the full run of my house, and usually all 5 are on the bed at night.  Yeah, they shed, and the blankets get covered with fur, but they're washable!  And I don't need an electric blanket when they're around!  ;-)

Good luck!




adaddysgirl -> RE: Cat problem....... (2/16/2007 12:21:15 AM)

i tried some catnip things...he ignores them.  If i take a toy and play with him, he will engage....but then again, it is time i have to sit and play, and as soon as it's done, he's back.  In other words, he does not play on his own.  It just seems like every movement is focused on him...which i just can't do all the time. 
 
This is funny though.  i just looked down at him.  He makes this noise.....like a combination cry and purr....and he keeps doing it until i say 'yes i see you'.  This just cannot be normal.   (i am really trying to see the humor in this so i don't scream....lol)
 
DG




lilsubl -> RE: Cat problem....... (2/16/2007 12:25:53 AM)

this is pretty common in a rescued animal...i have a little dog who was rescued from the streets in New Orleans & i had the same problem with him, once he became socialized to humans...about the only thing i know to do for them is get another animal to entertain him;  get some toys that hang, like carolsea suggested; or live long enough to see him finally become secure in his new home...after over a year together, as i sit at the computer, Spike the Amazing Wonder Dog is asleep in the bedroom...ahhhhh...blissful solitude......




abeyant -> RE: Cat problem....... (2/16/2007 12:29:21 AM)

Huh...yeah, definitely pretty extreme. You said you took him in as a stray, maybe he was previously ignored or abandoned? Or maybe he's just abnormally needy. Beyond my expertise, in any case, you might try asking at some cat forum (I don't know of any but am entirely sure such things exist and are full of experts on the subject of felines) or seeking advice from a local vet or pet store owner or pet psychiatrist (also pretty sure such things exist despite personal knowledge). Beyond that, my best suggestion would be to get a fish tank. If that doesn't occupy him, nothing will.




untndedrosegardn -> RE: Cat problem....... (2/16/2007 12:30:21 AM)

Welcome to the lovely world of being owned by a cat.




carolsea -> RE: Cat problem....... (2/16/2007 12:34:27 AM)

Yep, you said it!!

quote:

ORIGINAL: untndedrosegardn

Welcome to the lovely world of being owned by a cat.




adaddysgirl -> RE: Cat problem....... (2/16/2007 12:34:43 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: carolsea

I have 5 cats who let me live with them, and, yes, most of them are like that.  They do entertain one another most of the time, but my gray bobtail Jack is my little shadow.  Problem is, he's usually right in front of me, and I've tripped on him more than once.

But that's just the way he is.  Be sure your kitty has plenty to "do" inside the house.  Stuff to chase, places to hide, things to climb.  They are active animals and are used to having something to do all the time.

Funny thing....i had no desire for a cat.  Why?  Not because i don't like them but because 1)  i have 4 very active parakeets and 2)  i hate cat hair all over everything.  It has been a real challenge to keep him away from the parakeet cage (which is a long, but successful, story).....and he is only allowed to sleep in my bed (which he always does)....but not allowed on other furniture (which he doesn't seem to mind much as he is always at my feet).

They all have their times when they want to cuddle and be petted, and frankly, I've found that males are more clingy than females.  Is he neutered?  That is a MUST for a male cat (and spaying for females) and will make him a better pet and a happier kitty!

He was not neutered when i took him in and that might be part of the problem.  Yes, that has to be my next step and may account for part of the problem.

Take time to PLAY with him, not just petting, though that's important too.  Cats have a lot of energy, and they love to chase things, so put something on the end of a string and drag it around for him to chase, just be sure to let him catch it sometimes so he doesn't get frustrated.  Find some of those interactive toys that will play with him without you having to be there - like feathers on top of a sproingy thing stuck into a board, something hung in a doorway that he can bat at and chase when it flies away from him.

i have stuff hanging from the doorknobs.  If i do play with him, it all ends when i walk away.  He is an active cat when he is outside but inside, he's a pest....lol.

I know it can be aggravating, but he just loves you and is thanking you for saving his life.  They know who loves them!  My cats have the full run of my house, and usually all 5 are on the bed at night.  Yeah, they shed, and the blankets get covered with fur, but they're washable!  And I don't need an electric blanket when they're around!  ;-)

Good luck!

Thank you.  i couldn't let him go now but if i could just figure out something so he won't be right up my ass (lol) every minute, i would be very happy.  Maybe there is no answer *sighs*
 
DG





carolsea -> RE: Cat problem....... (2/16/2007 12:37:59 AM)

that little purr/meow/gurgle thing is their "mommie" noise, or that's what I call it.  I also had a stray momma cat at one time, in fact, Jack is her son.  The other 2 stray babies were not hers, but she fed them, bless her heart.  That's how they talked to each other the whole time.  I would lie on the bed and watch her with them, and once they were big enough to go through the house, she would chirp to them like that, and they would follow her.  I could almost hear her saying - see, children, this is the living room.  There are big boxy things in here that are comfy to sleep on and are good for sharpening your claws.... etc. etc.

I hear my catchildren now talking to each other that way, and I really love the sound.  It's so happy and contented sounding, sort of like a genuine purr.

Yeah, it's really very normal.  He must just be really insecure and will probably grow out of it.  Do you know how old he is?  a baby, or an adult?


quote:

ORIGINAL: adaddysgirl

i tried some catnip things...he ignores them.  If i take a toy and play with him, he will engage....but then again, it is time i have to sit and play, and as soon as it's done, he's back.  In other words, he does not play on his own.  It just seems like every movement is focused on him...which i just can't do all the time. 
 
This is funny though.  i just looked down at him.  He makes this noise.....like a combination cry and purr....and he keeps doing it until i say 'yes i see you'.  This just cannot be normal.   (i am really trying to see the humor in this so i don't scream....lol)
 
DG




adaddysgirl -> RE: Cat problem....... (2/16/2007 12:42:37 AM)

i have to say that i don't think he was actually a stray, in the sense of never being owned.  i only say this because he was beautifully groomed and very friendly, unlike a lot strays.  i honestly think someone just dropped him off because he was out there a year before i took him in. 
 
When i have company, he lays around all of us.  my one and a half year old nephew actually lays his head on him...and the cat loves it!  He's a freakin' attention monger!  lol
 
Maybe he was used to a lot of people around and now i am the only one....so he clings?  i don't know...only speculating.  i think i do need some kind of therapist though because he's about ready to drive me nuts!  lol
 
DG




adaddysgirl -> RE: Cat problem....... (2/16/2007 12:57:12 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: carolsea

that little purr/meow/gurgle thing is their "mommie" noise, or that's what I call it.  I also had a stray momma cat at one time, in fact, Jack is her son.  The other 2 stray babies were not hers, but she fed them, bless her heart.  That's how they talked to each other the whole time.  I would lie on the bed and watch her with them, and once they were big enough to go through the house, she would chirp to them like that, and they would follow her.  I could almost hear her saying - see, children, this is the living room.  There are big boxy things in here that are comfy to sleep on and are good for sharpening your claws.... etc. etc.

Yes...it's like a chirp!  But if i don't acknowledge him, he just keeps doing it.  What the heck is he looking for?  lol

I hear my catchildren now talking to each other that way, and I really love the sound.  It's so happy and contented sounding, sort of like a genuine purr.

Yes, it definitely is a contented sound.  He does seem like a very content, mellow cat (who needs a lot of attention though)

Yeah, it's really very normal.  He must just be really insecure and will probably grow out of it.  Do you know how old he is?  a baby, or an adult?

He is big, so i am assuming an adult?  i probably should have asked he vet when i had him there.  And he is quite staunch.  i named him Bull because he walks with a 'bullish' stride...lol.
 
He could be insecure.....as this is the most he has been inside.  But gawd...give me the patience!  [:D]
 
DG







adaddysgirl -> RE: Cat problem....... (2/16/2007 1:11:48 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: lilsubl

this is pretty common in a rescued animal...i have a little dog who was rescued from the streets in New Orleans & i had the same problem with him, once he became socialized to humans...about the only thing i know to do for them is get another animal to entertain him;  get some toys that hang, like carolsea suggested; or live long enough to see him finally become secure in his new home...after over a year together, as i sit at the computer, Spike the Amazing Wonder Dog is asleep in the bedroom...ahhhhh...blissful solitude......


i should add something to this (which i didn't think i needed to but it might help).  The summer before, i noticed a lot of feral cats here so i religiously put out food for them.  They did their little hierarchy thing and life was good.
 
One day, when i opened the door to feed them, this yellow cat just ran inside.  Long story short, my son had always wanted a cat and she ran right over to him....so we took her in.  This cat is the complete opposite of Bull.  First of all, she is not very friendly.  If you pet her too long, she bites.  She does not come out when people are here and she stays mostly in my son's room.  She only comes to me when my son has neglected feeding her or she needs to go out.
 
She makes no noise at all.  When she goes outside, she scratches to get in (instead of mewing).  She rarely purrs.  She's kinda just there.  So honestly, when i took the other in, i had no idea he would be so needy.
 
When my other son visited and brought his cockapoo, Bull attacked him every chance he got but by the end, he was rubbing up against him.  Go figure!  He chirps at the other cat all the time and she just ignores him (little bitch...lol).
 
i wish this other cat would keep him company but although he makes those noises at her and runs to find her when she is scratching somewhere, she has no interest.  (And she is fixed from what the vet says so no problem there.)  And god forbid he try to sniff her...she hisses at him.....hahaha.....such a bitch!  [:D]
 
DG




kindaeasy69 -> RE: Cat problem....... (2/16/2007 2:09:41 AM)

I’m going to suggest something here that is going to sound just a little crazy, but it will likely work.  Have you considered training your cat?  Regardless of what many people think many cats are eager learners and really enjoy learning.  I know it sounds a little crazy but it has done wonders for my two cats, which were both ferals.

Honestly I bought the first book I ever saw on the subject and in no way would claim it is the best, but it’s not bad.  It’s called “Cat Training in 10 Minutes” by Miriam Fields-Babineau.  However there are actually a couple of books on the subject so you might want to do a little reading before you pick which one, if any, is right for you.

Cats are very bright, and very often need challenges in order not to be bored.  By spending 10 minutes training each cat about 4-5 days a week, I have not only taught them to do “tricks” but also given them a chance to exercise their brain enough that they aren’t pestering me for attention.  Actually, unlike many dogs who will learn for as long as you will teach them, after about 10 minutes my cats wanted down time.  They would just kind of say screw this and walk away.  However the next day they were ready to learn again.  After a couple of months, after they had learned every trick in the book, I just trained them a little less often and now only do it once or twice a week.  It might seem like a huge commitment of time, but both my cats and I would rather spend 10 minutes “training” then an hour playing, it really is very different for them, and well I suspect the thought of treats probably doesn’t hurt either.

My only other thought is if have given him treats, he may just be trying to figure out what in the hell it is you are expecting him to do to give him a treat.  If you gave him a treat just one time for jumping in your lap, he remembers that and is going to work his ass off until he gets that next one.

I hope this helps




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