Okay, so, I’ve been meaning to understand my cat, Mittens, a little better. She’s a sweet girl, but sometimes she does things that just leave me scratching my head. So I thought, why not dive into a cat psychology book? I went ahead and picked up a few books that seemed pretty well-regarded by people who love to read about cats. I got “Think Like a Cat” and “Your Cat Wishes You Would Read” – sounds promising, right?
First things first, I started flipping through “Think Like a Cat”. The book really emphasizes understanding a cat’s natural instincts. I started making sure we are doing stuff together. We have been playing with this feathery toy, and we have these little routines now. I tried to show her I care about how she feels. It was a bit of trial and error, but it felt good to connect with her.
- Routine is key: I began feeding Mittens at the same times every day. Cats really dig routine, it turns out. It makes them feel safe.
- Playtime is bonding time: I made sure to have regular play sessions. It wasn’t just about tiring her out; it was about spending quality time together.
- Reading the signs: This was a big one. I started paying more attention to her body language. When she’d had enough, she’d let me know, and I’d back off. No more pushing her to cuddle when she wasn’t feeling it.
Then, I moved on to another book, this one all about what your cat wishes you understood. I have learned about where cats originally came from and how to select a kitten or cat. I tried to pay more attention to the small things. For instance, I realized that Mittens loves this one particular windowsill. So, I put a comfy blanket there for her. It’s her special spot now, and she seems to love it. I also started to respect her boundaries. Like, I wouldn’t just scoop her up when I felt like it. I’d wait for her to come to me, and it made a difference. She started approaching me more often, which was a nice change.
One thing I’ve learned that’s a bummer for a lot of cat owners is when their cats start using places other than the litter box. I read up on this, and it turns out it can be a sign of stress or a medical issue. Luckily, Mittens is good with her box, but I made a mental note to keep an eye out for any changes.
What I Realized
All in all, reading these books and trying to implement their advice has been pretty eye-opening. It’s not just about feeding and cleaning up after Mittens; it’s about understanding her as an individual with her own needs and quirks. I feel like we’ve gotten closer, and I’m definitely more in tune with what she’s trying to tell me. I have learned that cats have a lot to say if you pay attention. I think we’re both happier because of it. It’s been a cool experience, and I’d recommend any cat owner to give it a shot. You might be surprised at what you discover about your furry friend!