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There's a fabulous book that explains how to raise a happy cat, tells you how to make sure they're healthy and bond well with you, best toys, diets, when to call the vet, etc. It's by Pam Johnson Bennett and is called {Think Like a Cat}.
https://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Cat-Well-Adjusted-Cat-Not-ebook/dp/B005ERIIRQ
This book is an incredible resource for figuring out why your cat is doing different things (and how to change its behavior):
Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat, Not a Sour Puss by Pam Johnson-Bennett
https://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Cat-Well-Adjusted-Cat-Not/dp/0143119796
As someone else suggested, using a Feliway plug-in can help cats feel less stressed overall. You might also consider using Feliway spray on the clean bedding itself, since Feliway is a synthetic version of cat facial pheromones (which they use to mark territory by rubbing their cheeks on furniture, walls, etc.). Cats often refuse to urinate where they rub their faces (duh), so if he senses he's already marked the bedding that way, it may work as a deterrent to keep him from peeing there again.
If you think that this has more to do with your cat being uncomfortable with the "intruders" in his home, you might want to buy an interactive cat toy -- those fishing pole-type ones, for example -- and see if your foster child can engage with him that way. Not only will it help them bond, interactive play can help relieve stress and provide adequate mental stimulation for your cat. The book I recommended above has a great explanation of how best to do that.
This book: [Dogs that Know When Their Owners Are Coming Home] talks about psychic dogs. (https://www.amazon.com/Dogs-That-Their-Owners-Coming/dp/0307885968). Also this death-sensing cat.
There is a great book called Think Like a Cat that will answer all your questions. It helped me enormously when getting my first cat
You need this book, How To Raise A Well Adjusted Cat Not A Sour Puss. Fantastic book about forming a relationship with your cat and dealing with behavior problems. I agree in that if the kitten has not been correctly socialized it will never enjoy being around humans, kittens have to be handled by 3-4 weeks old, this is why its so difficult to turn ferals into pets/house cats. Make sure its a kitten that has had exposure to humans from a very young age and you also have to spend a lot of time with it when you bring it home. If you want a cat this is going to be more social look for the kitten that is not scared and comes to you, a timid kitten is going to be more reserved.
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I think so, but there are also oracles in various Greek myths. Also Homer (not Simpson) was blind, so I thought it was fitting. There's also another blind feline by that name.
Adding to what others said, I purchased the book Think Like a Cat when I adopted my first cat and found it to be an invaluable resource.
I recommend getting a cat tree - it will likely become your cat's favorite scratching post and sleeping spot. And I will always recommend brushing your cat, even if it has short hair. It will cut down on the chance of hairballs, help with shedding, and make their coat look great.
On the subject of food, I'm a big believer in feeding cats wet food at least once a day. Cats can easily get dehydrated or form crystals in their urine, and wet food drastically reduces the chances of this. Plus many cats love wet food! When choosing wet and dry foods, I recommend getting grain-free foods that list meats as their first ingredients.
May I recommend some reading? Check out <em>Think Like A Cat</em> by Pam Johnson-Bennett. She's considered the top expert in cat behavior, and recommends that owners use distractions to prevent and break up cats fighting, as the fighting can be dangerous and harmful both to the physical and mental health of the cats.
I just finished reading Merle’s Door. The author makes a great case for the benefits to dogs when they have off-leash freedom.
You need to read this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Cat-Well-Adjusted-Cat-Not/dp/0143119796/ref=nodl_
You guys are doing something wrong. To triage, put a litter box next to the couch, make sure it’s large and deep. Then do your research and decide what to do.
Please encourage your boyfriend to learn about cat behavior and how to discourage undesirable behavior and reward good behavior. Think Like a Cat by Pam Johnson-Bennett is a great resource.
Keep in mind that cats are not dogs! They have different body language, they play differently, and they like to be pet differently. Expect your cat to act like a cat, not a dog, and you’ll enjoy them so much.
Jackson Galaxy is an amazing resource for all questions cat behavior related- I highly recommend checking out his videos.
Think Like A Cat is a great book for first time cat owners! It goes over all the basics of cat ownership and cat behavior.
Oh yep! I have the book about Alex- its one of the most amazing heartwarming and wrenching books- HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Alex & Me: How a Scientist and a Parrot Discovered a Hidden World of Animal Intelligence--and Formed a Deep Bond in the Process https://www.amazon.com/dp/0061673986/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_C2CXZKNX3HD2KN7J0EVP
>With a scientist's mind and an animal lover's compassion, world-renowned biologist Rupert Sheldrake presents a groundbreaking exploration of animal behavior that will profoundly change the way we think about animals--and ourselves.
>How do cats know when it's time to go to the vet, even before the cat carrier comes out? How do dogs know when their owners are returning home at unexpected times? How can horses find their way back to the stable over completely unfamiliar terrain?
>After five years of extensive research involving thousands of people who have pets and work with animals, Dr. Sheldrake proves conclusively what many pet owners already know: there is a strong connection between humans and animals that defies present-day scientific understanding. Sheldrake compellingly demonstrates that we and our pets are social animals linked together by invisible bonds connecting animals to each other, to their owners, and to their homes in powerful ways. His provocative ideas about these social, or morphic, fields explain the uncanny behavior often observed in pets and help provide an explanation for amazing animal behavior in the wild, such as migration and homing.
>Dogs That Know When Their Owners Are Coming Home not only provides fascinating insight into animal, and human, behavior, but also teaches us to question the boundaries of conventional scientific thought, and shows that the very animals who are closest to us have much to teach us about biology, nature, and consciousness.
Very good!
Even people, including dogs, care about you and that is also the world we live in.
Rupert Sheldrake
https://www.amazon.com/Dogs-That-Their-Owners-Coming/dp/0307885968
He is a scientist that believes there is some unknown form of communication between some people, and animals, that we don't know about yet. I also believe this.
The problem with using puppy pads the way you suggested is that they teach your puppy that peeing is always ok inside the house. It can make potty training really difficult, especially for smaller dogs with their tiny bladders. A better solution (that’s less confusing for potty training) would be to have a dog walker come over a few times during the day with a puppy. Many dogs walking companies have a reduced price “puppy package” for multiple quick pee breaks throughout the work day. As the dog gets older you might be able to make one mid-day walk with the dog walker work. Since you’re planning on getting a cat though you don’t need to worry about it.
I think getting a cat (or two) is a great idea with your current lifestyle. As someone who also grew up with dogs but got their first cat as an adult my advice to you is this: Keep in mind that cats aren’t dogs. Don’t expect them to have the same wants, play style, reactions, socializations, or body language as dogs. It’s a bit of an adjustment at first but cats are wonderful and affectionate in their own special quiet, unique way. I’d recommend watching Jackson Galaxy’s videos, as well as reading the book ‘Think Like A Cat’, for some great resources on on cat behavior and training. As long as you appreciate your cat(s) for the amazing feline that they are you guys will have a great time together!
I have no idea if the OP sister has any of this, I merely offered it for consideration. That said, my daughter has a version of what I have. You try so hard, but you simply do it wrong, over and over again. You miss or cannot pick up on queues that others do. https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/autism-social-skills/ (quick link of the area I am talking about) You are always 'off a beat'. But the one I am dealing with here;
Inability to read non-verbal cues.
Failure to understand the feelings of others.
Difficulty understanding jokes, sarcasm, or teasing <- This causes problems.
My daughter also had delayed speech development and spent several early years learning how to speak clearly.
I had these issues as well, but I was perceived as fairly smart by adults and when I was a kid, this was not a known thing. I didn't know about autism until I was over 30. It's hard to explain to others this aspect because you know something is wrong, but you can't fix it because you don't know what it is. You repeat and try what you see others do, but it's wrong and you get ostracized, bullied, etc. I can seriously fake it now, but I've spent years doing this.
I had a low level of constant frustration for so long, until one day my dad handed me a book and said read this. And it blew my mind and led me on a path through that and other books and talking to a neurologist (sons appointment) to tools to help me. https://www.amazon.com/Animals-Translation-Mysteries-Behavior-Harvest/dp/0156031442
Hope this provides some information. It's a spectrum so not everyone has each item on the list and to what degree they have it can be different.
It's not cruel. Letting cats out shortens their lives, can cause harm (they get in fights, can pick up diseases), it's just not good and the vast majority of cats are perfectly happy to not face that stuff. The whole 'they're just in your small flat' -- they're like 10lbs and a foot tall. It's WAY bigger to them.
https://pets.webmd.com/cats/features/should-you-have-an-indoor-cat-or-an-outdoor-cat
>indoor cats live longer than their outdoor counterparts. Cats who are kept indoors can reach the ripe old age of 17 or more years, whereas outdoor cats live an average of just two to five years.
There are so many cats, especially senior ones, who have no homes, no soft, safe, quiet places to sleep, many who had homes but their people died or dumped them and they're stuck in cages.
You can share your home and get a loving fluffy companion. You're doing the right thing.
Also, read this, it is VERY relevant to you -- https://www.amazon.com/Street-Cat-Named-Bob-Saved/dp/1250048672
Anytime!
There a lot of good advice in this book. Everything is well titled so you can skip around to find what your looking for.
https://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Cat-Well-Adjusted-Cat-Not/dp/0143119796
Another thing I forgot about is litter box size. Most boxes are too small.
I can't recommend the book Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat, Not a Sour Puss by Pam Johnson Bennett enough. It's so good, so thorough, and really gives you practical ideas for not only having a healthy cat but creating a bond that makes you both happy.
For first-time cat owners, I always recommend the book Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat, Not a Sour Puss by Pam Johnson-Bennett. It covers basic care, health issues, play and bonding, how to train your cat, and how to deal with behavioral issues if/when they come up. The author makes it simple and logical and at times quite humorous, so it's a worthwhile read.
Good luck and enjoy your new companion!
They are murderers. The Humane Society is right behind them.
Edit: Highly recommend this book if you haven't read it :) https://www.amazon.com/Redemption-Myth-Overpopulation-Revolution-America/dp/0979074312
Really great memoirs about the whole starting of this study by Dr. Irene Pepperberg
Alex & Me: How a Scientist and a Parrot Discovered a Hidden World of Animal Intelligence--and Formed a Deep Bond in the Process https://www.amazon.com/dp/0061673986/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_rlGIybGJC4J5W
Some cats take a long while to get used to their new person. Who knows what life was like for that kitty before you adopted them? It's going to take a lot of patience to get them to trust you but the reward is worth the effort.
Honestly? Try ignoring the cat and see if it will start to come to you on its own. Don't stare at it or go after it (staring can be seen as threatening to cats), look at it indirectly while busy with something else. Have it's food bowl in the same room as you but far away so it starts to associate you with food time. Make sure you have lots of hiding places for your new cat so it can feel secure all throughout the house.
Have you read Think Like A Cat? It's a great insight into why our fuzzy felines act the way they do and how to best live with them. It might have some tips for making a skittish kitty feel more comfortable with you.
Animals in Translation by Temple Grandin
Really helps you learn to stop personifying your dog!
Yep, and he could also count, identify colors and shapes. Here's the book written about their work together. Here's one of my favorite videos showing him in action.
Not quite, its common to try and treat your cat like a dog and get frustrated when it doesn't respond the same. Cats have different motivations/ drives than dogs so when training you need to appeal to those. I recommend this book Think like a cat. It really helped explain the cat mindset and drive. I am sure other books are available but there's really not a lot on reddit about the topic.
If you haven't already discovered it, <em>Homer's Odyssey</em> is a wonderful story.
Cats don't feel hate. They are some of the most loving creatures out there.
Then again I have the opposite experience with dogs, they always seem to bark and growl at me, I even got bitten once by the dog of a relative I was visiting, for daring to look at him while he was eating. I rationally know, after reading a bit about them, that they are incapable of hate too, they just feel fear, and act accordingly to defend their territory from this weird person of unknown intentions. Particularly the ones who aren't trained well. My mother-in-law's dog for example is a trained hunting dog, and due to all the training, she's very sweet and mild, and I feel no fear around her, she's never barked or snapped at me.
My point with that: learn about the animal. Read on their behavior and figure out how they think and why they do what they do. Personally, I found that "Think Like a Cat" really helped me understand them better, along with watching My Cat From Hell. Cats need to be trained too, even if not as much as dogs.
Why would they reject you? Well, dogs get excited when they see someone new that the "alpha dogs" are ok with, and you can just go in and pet them and they're happy with that. Cats on the other hand don't pay attention to human cues, for them you're still a stranger and they don't know what to make of you. You need to crouch down and extend a hand, and let them rub against you, then gently scratch their head and only touch their body if they let you. Also don't look at them directly, as that's perceived as threatening.
After you've read a bit more about them, how about volunteering at a cat shelter for a bit, with your new knowledge? See if they still "reject" you or if they are as cuddly and loving as I see them. You might even meet the cat that adopts you!
Taking care of any pet is hard.
Similarly to dogs, cats need training and stimulation. If not, you may end up scratched and bitten, just because the poor kitty doesn't know any better, just like a dog may bite if not trained not to. It's a bit easier to handle an older cat that is chill and already trained, but they will still need playing with for 1 hour a day, plus cuddling, feeding, and scooping up the litter box daily. You have to monitor how much they eat and drink, and make sure they poo and pee enough, otherwise take them to the vet.
If you will be away for so long, it may be a good idea to get 2 cats, so they don't feel lonely. This is critical if you have kittens and want to keep your sanity, but recommended even with adults.
Please read up on it before getting a cat. There are a ton of things you should know, so you don't end up with a bitey scratchy kitty that ruins your apartment and pees everywhere. I usually recommend this book, as it really helped me understand cats better. Cats don't do anything without a good reason, and if you understand that, then you can understand how to correct unwanted behavior, or redirect it towards something more appropriate.
Also, keep in mind that a cat is a long-term commitment. Cats nowadays can live 20+ years. Don't be the person that adopts a cat while actually wanting a dog and then decides to abandon it in a few months.
If you really want a dog, there are people who hold 9-5 jobs and still have dogs. Some of them hire someone to walk their dog once a day at lunch, but not all. Rescue a dog from the shelter. You will give them a better life, even if you are away for most of the day.