THEaddict, nocturnal, stubborn. THEThe cat is an animal with a strong character, which has a clear idea of what it loves and what it hates. Impossible to change his mind. Here, then, on which topics it is convenient for us to give in, and (lovingly) indulge it.
The 5 things cats love
“The cat is not a small dog”, warns Massimo Beccati, Medical Director of the Cremona branch Ca ‘Zampa (the first group in Italy of centers, 9 in all, which offer all services related to the welfare of pets, from veterinarians to grooming). “Games, food, caresses: everything must be done in its own way“. In other words, if we want to enter into his graces, we should study him very well: starting from his main passions.
1. Height and cats
The cat loves high floors, wardrobes, branches or shelves. Buying him a designer feline platform, however, could be useless: he could snub it and prefer the usual climbing of the shelves. The reasons for this passion are rooted in the species: the cat is a predator, from above it scans the prey but prevents them from perceiving its smell. If his master comes to terms with it and reassure himself: the cat will be able to get off with his paws. Better not try to help him: he could get agitated and make a jump that is not well calibrated.
2. The boxes (and hiding)
In general, felines have a real passion for hiding places: under the hedges or in the washing machine, on clothes with the smell of the owner, they are happy to snuggle up. For this reason, enriching a cat’s environment can be very simple: a box or carton is enough, in which he can play hide and seek. But make it disappear at nightfall or get ready for a sleepless night.
3. Night and night hunting
Cats are nocturnal animals, the day for them could easily pass in the alternation between idleness and sleep. At night they go wild. If yours is an outdoor kitten, be prepared. When he comes to wake you up in the morning with dead grasshoppers and lizards in his mouth, be ready to congratulate you: «Brava Milù».
4. The usual things
The cat is a habitual, and he is very stubborn: also remember it in front of the food counter for him, do not indulge yourself too much. If he is a lover of morsels, he might turn up his nose at rags and mousses. And can get to fast without problems (getting real pathologies). Ergo, you give in, and give him what he loves the most. Also, unlike the dog, which is omnivorous, the cat is a carnivore in the soul. Commercial foods dedicated to him are usually already balanced. For those who prefer a home diet, just make sure they don’t miss a taurine supplement, which they often lack.
5. That which moves, including water
If he is thirsty, he will also drink from the dog bowl. And also the milk, of which, of him, he is not particularly greedy (beware of the cat who is not used to milk, if you give it to him he could have gastrointestinal problems). The cat however has a real passion for the things that flow, including the water he loves cool and bubbling. That of a spring, a fountain or … a bidet. There are also electric fountains, especially for him.
The 5 things cats hate
Even more decisive for the quality of life of the cat-owner is to keep in mind the things that the feline does not tolerate. It is enough to tune in with him (and not expect the opposite), to spin love and agreement.
1. Caresses (unless he decides it’s time)
Hiding is one of the passions of cats – photo Getty Images
If you dream of a furry dog to pet in every moment of stress, loneliness, relaxation, choose a dog. The cat he loves caresses only if he can decide when, how and where. Ditto for games and any other possible commitment: if he wants, everything is fine, otherwise stay away from him.
2. Water and cats
Water and cat don’t get along. Feline grooming is usually suggested for long-haired and particularly docile breeds, such as the Maine Coon (Sylvester Cat!), Sacred of Burma and Persian. In this case, the cat must be protected from the hairballs that it could swallow. Legendary is the love of the Turkish cat Van (from Lake Van) for water. But with yours, rest assured, avoid: also because it is totally useless, the cat cleans itself very well by itself.
3. The dirt
The cat hates dirt and is able to clean itself: avoid water but also wipes, after he has done his business in the litter box. He is not a dog. It is true that he is particularly vulnerable on the front of the urinary system, mainly due to castration and sterilization. But your wipes are of no help.
4. Feeling imprisoned and the collars
As much the cat loves the threadlike games (from the tails of the real and fake mice to the laces of all kinds), as he hates the threads and collars that imprison him: as a true acrobat, he will try to free himself. But there is a risk that he could get hurtchoking, swallowing the threads or getting caught somewhere with the collar.
5. Too loud noises, lights and smells
Sight, touch, hearing, smell, taste: all the cat’s senses are infinitely more powerful than ours. His taste buds are very sensitive, hence the difficulty of administering medicine via his mouth (he can produce huge quantities of saliva, just to “get rid of the flavor”).
Ditto for his fingertips: can walk like a circus performer on pins (and in fact has a very high pain threshold, be careful to interpret the symptoms of diseases as soon as possible). But she can perfectly sense the presence of a feather under his footsteps.
He cannot see in complete darkness, this one cannot: but it is enough for him a thread of light to identify its prey. Smell and hearing are no less. The consequence? He hates too loud lights, smells and noises. C.Obviously, he hates holidays, especially yours, which disturb his world. If you see him disappear on the first friend who comes to see you, he is just a normal cat.
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