Much like dogs, and small children for that matter, cats also crave your attention. Many times cats will even misbehave just to get you to notice them. Although this behavior can be pesky at times, cats who feel ignored and are seldom handled by humans are more likely to become introverted and standoffish. Providing your cat with regular attention, love, and care will help her flourish into a friendly, relaxed and confident cat.  

To prevent your cat from feeling like she is being ignored, make sure to provide her with at least 10 minutes of your undivided attention when you get home from work. Your day may have been crazy, but your cat’s day consisted of being alone in an empty and quiet house without stimulation. Seeing you is by far the most exciting part of your cat’s day, so make sure to acknowledge that when spending quality time her. Make sure to regularly talk to you cat, cuddle her, stroke her, and play with her so that she feels loved and cared for, and does not feel ignored. 

Increase your cat’s confidence with hunting games. Using wand toys and other cat toys that mimic prey gives your cat the chance to practice her natural hunting instincts. Allowing her to successfully pounce on “prey” will increase her confidence and thus allow her to interact with people more easily. 

If you would like information from an Anti-Cruelty Behavior Specialist regarding this behavior topic, please call 312-645-8253 or email behavior@anticruelty.org.

Recent Articles

Back to Top
Cats and Play

Play time is critical for a cat’s wellbeing. Play provides physical and mental stimulation, teaches them important skills, prevents behavioral problems, helps adopted cats bond to a new family, and helps shy cats come out of their shells. There’s actually a lot of important stuff going on while your cat is having fun

Introducing a New Cat to Your Other Cats

First impressions between pets are just as important as they are between people. By providing a slow and steady introduction, the result can be rewarding for both your feline companions. Here are a few tips and precautionary steps to help make cat-cat introductions pleasant for everyone involved.

Keep the cats

Introducing Cats and Dogs

Dogs and cats can make wonderful companions for each other. A dog grooming a cat’s head or a cat snuggled against a dog can be some of the most “Aww!”-inducing sights for any pet owner. Care must be taken when introducing a dog to a cat, however; these are two different species with different ways of communicating and

Desensitization and Counterconditioning for Fear (Cats)

Desensitization and Counterconditioning for Fear

Desensitization – a process by which fear, panic or other undesirable emotional response to a given stimulus is reduced or extinguished, especially by repeated exposure to that stimulus.