It is said that cat over-dependence can lead to your cat becoming stressed when he encounters small changes. It can also lead to attention-seeking.
Cat over-dependence is caused by spoiling your cat and/or providing too much attention. This is what the experts say.
I can see the argument. I can’t see it happening an awful lot, though. The opposite would seem to be more common. Or do I have that wrong?
If, more people don’t provide enough attention compared to those that provide too much, I wonder if we are encouraging the wrong thing when we refer to ‘cat over-overdepence’. It may lead to cat owners being too tough on their cat.
This is because the cure for cat over-dependence is:
- Ignore your cat when he is demanding attention. Only give attention when he is calm.
- Don’t reward the behavior problem by reacting to it. Attention-seeking cats thrive on successfully getting attention on demand.
- Don’t spoil your cat:- (a) a cat can be given boundaries by making certain rooms off-limits and (b) not allowing him to have food from the table or I suppose any other ‘out of bounds’ area. Providing boundaries will make your cat ‘more balanced’.
- Distract your cat from ‘focusing on you’. If you live in a family, other members can get involved with him, it is suggested.
- Use a puzzle-feeder. It can be used to keep him busy.
Giving him outside access should help as boredom can lead to over-dependence. This is because the owner becomes the major or sole source of interest for him.
There must be a fine difference between a close, loving relationship with lots of interaction and over-dependence, which is considered bad. I am not sure where the line should be drawn.
Personally, I don’t really like the suggestions in the list above. Perhaps I am too soft.
I don’t think your cats are over-dependent because they are independent and confident. Perhaps more timid cats are more likely to be over-dependent.
Interest in play is obviously age-related. Perhaps a puzzle-feeder is a type of hunting and therefore play. If the cat is disinterested in play the feeder won’t work.
LOL. You paint an image of near purgatory. I am only kidding but I am not sure I could do what you do.
Perhaps the over-dependence issues are aimed at timid/shy indoor-only cats whose whole world revolves around just one or two people?
Some cats do suffer separation anxiety when left alone and the general advice is to lessen their total dependence on their human(s). No doubt some people would see such dependence from their cat as a sign of how much they love them, but it’s not really in the best interests of the cat to feel so emotionally insecure when left alone for short periods of time.
You’re able to eat an evening meal? And, alone?
Glorious.
Puzzle feeders do appeal to some cats, but I haven’t quite figured out which ones yet (lol).
Sophie was clever, but not food orientated and she took to the Smartykat Knockout treat dispenser straight away. I think she enjoyed the challenge and would play with it even when it was empty. She was very much a creature of habit and looked forward to her daily play session with it whilst I ate my evening meal. Not that Sophie was ever interested in my food, but puzzle feeders could help distract a cat who persistently begs when their owners are eating or preparing food.
Charlie and Horace who both love their food, have never figured out how to get the treats out despite having seen Sophie do it countless times. I don’t think the problem was with the treats, because I used their favourites in each of the toys. Maybe it comes down to whether they like playing with toys or how patient/determined they are to get something they want?
Used in addition to other toys, I think puzzle feeders can provide an interesting alternative activity for cats. They can also be used to help obese cats who need to reduce their food intake.