Does your cat ignore you? It's normal. These animals have very different personalities than dogs, so it's only natural that they'll do what they want, when they want ; therefore, in order for I paid attention to you You have to teach him something he really likes, otherwise he'll keep doing what he likes best.
To help you, we are going to offer you a series of tips for your cat to pay more attention to you based on their nature, their language, and respectful parenting techniques. This way you can improve daily coexistence without fights or punishments and build a much stronger relationship with your feline.
Understand why your cat “doesn’t obey”
Before trying to get him to listen more, it's essential to understand that cats They don't think or act like dogs.They are social animals, but much more independent and less interested in pleasing people. This doesn't mean they don't love you, but their motivation is different.
Each cat also has a own personalitySome are very active and boisterous, others are reserved and shy; some cats are very independent, while others are very affectionate and clingy. They may also have lived negative experiences or traumas that influence how they respond to touch, voice, or commands.
Your goal shouldn't be to make the cat obey like a dog, but learn to communicate with himUnderstanding their needs, motivations, and the reasons behind their actions is crucial. When you grasp their physical, emotional, and environmental needs, it becomes much easier to get their attention when you truly need it.
Don't mistreat him
Even if it scratches or bites, you should never hit a cat (or anyone, for that matter). You also shouldn't yell at it or completely ignore it for days (neglecting it is also a form of abuse). Physical punishment or fear only makes the animal more aggressive. distrust yourself and avoid it, the exact opposite of what you're looking for.
Therefore, you don't have to do any of this:
- Spray him with water every time he does something we don't like.
- Hit him with the newspaper (or anything else), not even "gently".
- Scaring him: neither by putting things behind him nor by intentionally making noise.
- Forcing him to do something he doesn't want to do, like picking him up by force.
- Harass him with caresses or games when he shows clear signs of discomfort.
- Keep him isolated in a room as punishment.
Cats don't make good connections between punishment and what they've just done, so it's most likely that they'll only feel afraid or try to escape. Instead of learning, they will become more fearful, less friendly, and less willing to come when you call them.
Love him as he is
No one is born knowingJust as a mother dedicates time to teaching her child the basic rules of coexistence, you have to do the same with your cat, but respecting its pace and personality. Not all felines interact in the same way or enjoy the same things.
Teach him to not bite and do not scratch using positive reinforcement (Rewards, games, gentle words) when he behaves as you want. Avoid scolding him late, because he won't understand why you're angry.
It is also important to learn where and how he likes to be touchedMany cats feel uncomfortable if their belly, paws, or the base of their tail are stroked, while they greatly enjoy gentle caresses on their... cheeks, temples, chin and neckThese are areas where they release social pheromones. Always respect their boundaries, even if it's a very affectionate cat.
Enjoy watching their movements and understanding their body languageIf your dog moves away, looks away, lowers its ears, or twitches its tail abruptly, it's telling you it needs space. Giving it that space will help it develop over time. trust yourself more and come on their own initiative.
This blog has lots of tips, but if you need help, just ask. Being consistent, respectful, and patient is key to making your cat feel comfortable. safe by your side and be more willing to listen to you.
Protect your cat
In the home there are various products and things that are especially dangerous, such as cables, some Facilitiesdishwashers, cleaning products, thread, or plastic bags. For your own safety, It's very important that you keep all of this safely stored away.hidden from view and out of reach of the furry one.
Furthermore, to prevent damage, you must keep windows and doors closed or protected (with heavy-duty mosquito nets or special screens), including those around the microwave and washing machine. This reduces the risk of what is known as mosquito bites. “high-rise syndrome”That is, falls from balconies or open windows that can cause serious injuries.
A safe environment makes the cat feel CalmerA calm animal is more receptive to your voice and your commands. If it lives in constant tension, it will only focus on protecting itself and will be less likely to listen to you.
Don't forget to provide your pet with well-distributed basic resources: a clean litter box, accessible scratching posts, high places to climb, comfortable beds, and a corner where they can... to take refuge without being disturbedThe more adapted the environment is to their instincts, the less need they will have to "misbehave" to release energy.
Offer him something that he loves
If you ever find yourself in a situation where your cat is in danger (or could be), or if you simply want to get its attention, all you have to do is offer it something it really likes, such as a cat food tin or her favorite treats. As soon as you pick it up and show it to her, she'll surely come running to you without a second thought.
This same idea can be used as training techniqueAssociate his name with something positive: every time you call him and he comes, offer him a small reward (not always food, it can also be play or petting if he likes it). Little by little, he will begin to associate your call with pleasant experiences.
You can also take advantage of certain sounds that catch their attentionsuch as the sound of a food pouch, a squeaky toy, or your own voice in a specific tone. Always use the same name, pronounced clearly and with a friendly and warm toneAvoid shouting, because it will only generate rejection.
Over time, you'll be able to reduce the frequency of material rewards and maintain primarily social reinforcement (kind words, eye contact, play). The key is to be constant and patientRepeat many times, at different times of the day, without overwhelming the cat when it shows signs of tiredness or stress.
By combining a safe environment, respectful communication, and well-used positive reinforcement, your furry friend can be very happy by your side and, little by little, you'll discover that they pay much more attention to you, not because they're afraid, but because He trusts you and it's worth it for him to listen to you..