Cats Like, People who don't like cats !

Why oh why are cats attracted to those people who are, at best, indifferent to their feline charms.
We have a particular friend, a lovely chap, who just cannot warm to cats ( I try not to hold this against him !). When ever he pays us a visit he invariably draws the attention of our cat Sophie, like a magnet. Now, Sophie has always been rather an aloof cat, even with us. However, as soon has our friend enters the room, Sophie will make a bee-line for him. Poor man, his very best attempts to ignore her advances are met with flagrant flirting. And she will not rest until she has negotiated a way on to his lap, much to his obvious unease (and my amusement).
What is going on here ?

There is quite a simple explanation for this, and one we could all learn from.
People who like cats will often try to stroke or pick them up, even if the cat doesn't want them to!
On the other hand those not fond of cats will try not to encourage them, and will ignore them.
This is seen as non threatening behaviour by the cat and they approach these people on their terms. In cat language they are sending out friendly signals.
So, if you want to get close to a cat ignore them.

Of course i am not going to let my friend in on this secret, it will spoil the fun !

Jenny.

Smudge update

Just an update on the condition of smudge. Glad to say he is much better now, phew !
He’s almost back to his normal cheeky self. Poor little chap had feline acne. This is quite a common condition and fairly easy to treat. I must take some responsibility for this so, in order to make some form of recompense for my neglect, what follows is a brief insight on ways to prevent this condition.

Feline Acne

Feline acne generally occurs around the mouth. It is believed that bacteria from food and milk may accumulate around this area. Plastic food dishes have been found to be a major factor in causing this condition. To prevent an outbreak it is simply a matter of changing from plastic to either ceramic, stainless steel or glass dishes. Unfortunately I had plastic dishes, needless to say these have now been changed !

It is important to always keep your food dishes clean.

Cats can also get acne though one or more of following:

• Poor diet. We should always ensure that our cats get a healthy and well balanced diet, one suited to a cat. I say this because I know of some (if you read this, you know who you are!) who feed their cats more or less what they eat, and that includes curry. Wrong, wrong, wrong !
  

• During spring and autumn a cat sheds. Part of a cats natural cleansing process this is a common time for an outbreak, try to keep the area around the mouth clean during this period.
  

• As an allergic reaction to something. Try to find out what causes the problem then keep it away from your cat.

There are many products that can help to keep the area around the chin and lips clean such as antibacterial soaps and creams. Do not try to use the same treatments as those used on humans. Cats need specialist products uniquely suited to them. However well intentioned, administering treatments used on humans could lead to complications.

Consult your vet for advise on suitable products.

Remember prevention is better than cure.

It’s a lesson that even a massive cat lover like myself has had to learn the hard way. Fortunately a course of antibiotics has put smudgie back on track. But a big slap on the wrist for me for putting the little chap through it!

Other underlying factors may also contribute to this condition, so it is most important to take your cat to the vet as soon as an outbreak occurs.

p.s. Sorry Smudge !!

Lets Get Personal

Its time I introduced my cats.

Smudge is a tabby, he just turned up one day and decided to stay . Despite asking around the neighbourhood and putting adverts in the local shops, he was never claimed and so he adopted us (note, not adopted by us). He’s great fun, always up to something, but very lovable.
He is a bit poorly at the moment. We think he has been involved in a fight and may have a wound on his face but he will not let us close enough to check him out. We hate to see him this way. He normally wakes us every morning, crawling onto the bed and rubbing against us. We knew something was amiss when this routine was broken and his food was left untouched. This normally placid and sociable cat turned quite aggressive and withdrawn. An appointment with the vet should hopefully put things right.

Sophie is a princess and rather aloof . A long time member of the family, she has endured the affections of both my children and now my grandchild with a great deal of grace and patience. We love her to bits. Affection is given on her terms, but when given it comes with great enthusiasm. She accepted Smudge with very little fuss. Once she assumed the role of matriarch and order was restored, after some little posturing and one or two chastising swipes of her paw, things settled into a warm friendship.

I hope to update you on my cats in future blogs
Jenny