Ok, I'm not a cat whisperer, but Honey and I had a long talk the other night and as a result she seems to be less skittish. I explained to her that we had to move forward in our relationship even if this is a little difficult for us both. I am not going to harm her and realize that she doesn't like some of the ways The Hand approaches her head because she may have had a hitter in her past. I would never hit her, but I realize I must become more adept at moving The Hand in a way that will not threaten her.
I asked her to trust me a little more by not jumping off her bedroom chair bed almost every time I look in her direction from outside the room. I understand that I might be staring at her a little too much for her liking, and will try to use more periferial vision or short, non-threatening glances.
I explained that running back under the bed does not give me a chance. I spoke softly but in a little of a Master tone that revealed a bit of frustration but was not harsh; it wasn't my usual 'I love youuuu, Honnneey' voice.
We had this conversation with me lying on the floor and her out on the other side of the bed with her back to me and her tail swishing. Occasionally there would be a little cry of protest similar in tone to a child at the end of a very mild 'but I want that candy' spat. Honey wants me to be her feeder and I want more.
Anyway, she has been much more stable and settled since our little talk. She has come out for petting with food being the afterthought and she even let me come part way into the bedroom a few times this afternoon.
3 comments:
I'm no cat whisperer either, but my vet claims that cats have the understanding of a 2 year old child. So talking to them might work. Reinforcement with food treats does wonders. I once cured a cat who didn't want to be picked up by sitting on the floor and offering treats when she got up on my knees. Pretty soon, I could stand up with her in my arms! You have to reward as you go--and progress happens.
I knew that Honey would listen to reason. She's a rational-thinking cat. >^..^<
'Cat whisperer,' I just love that! Have you tried 'prrooting' to her? If you notice, the meow is reserved for communicating with humans- cats never meow at each other. Instead they use that closed-mouthed little trill noise, what I call the 'prroot.' When I'm trying to get my cats to relax, I 'prroot' to them. ¤Holly
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