This is not an uncommon problem in family homes as you might know or understand already. It may actually be the norm. It can be upsetting. The preferred partner might feel a little smug while the ‘rejected’ partner might feel, well…..rejected. 😊💔After all cats are members of the family. It is like being rejected or disliked by your son or daughter 😱.
It may in fact lead to animosity between the partners with the man becoming resentful of the attraction between cat and female partner. If the human relationship is rocky the family cat’s preference for the female can make things worse. There have been examples of the cat preferring the man over the woman with a similar effect.
The solution is to tackle the issues mentioned in the infographic. It is about ‘connecting’ with the family cat. Getting on their wavelength. A rejected person might do a bit of studying of feline behaviour including body language to better understand their cat and do things which pleases them. How to please a cat? Click this link to see what I think on that topic for indoor cats if it interests you.
Please your cat by playing with them (great for bonding) and providing good food which will take you a long way to forming a nice bond. The list below expands on the topic. You have to be there for your cat as much as possible. Familiarity with each other supports bonding. You become part of their daily routines. You mesh and your cat trusts you more and opens up more.
More: Infographic answers the question “How can I tell if my cat is happy?”
Here is a full breakdown on making your cat happy. As you can see it is about providing the basics well. Providing excellent cat care.
Making a cat happy involves understanding their needs and creating an environment that supports their natural behaviors. Here are some key things a cat owner should do:
1. Provide Proper Nutrition
- High-Quality Diet: Feed your cat a balanced diet with high-quality cat food that meets their specific needs (age, weight, health).
- Fresh Water: Ensure they have access to fresh water at all times.
2. Ensure a Safe and Comfortable Environment
- Cozy Sleeping Areas: Cats love warm, soft places to sleep. Provide a variety of beds or blankets in quiet areas.
- Safe Space: Cats need a secure space where they can retreat if they feel stressed or scared.
- Scratching Posts: Provide multiple scratching posts or pads to satisfy their need to scratch and stretch.
3. Engage in Regular Play
- Interactive Toys: Play with your cat using toys like feathers, laser pointers, or balls to stimulate their hunting instincts.
- Rotate Toys: Regularly change or rotate their toys to keep things interesting.
4. Respect Their Boundaries
- Space: Cats value their independence. Give them space when they need it and avoid forcing interaction.
- Gentle Handling: Always handle your cat gently, and pay attention to their body language to avoid overstimulation.
5. Provide Enrichment
- Climbing Opportunities: Cats love to climb. Provide cat trees, shelves, or other vertical spaces.
- Window Views: Give them access to windows where they can watch birds or just enjoy the sunlight.
- Mental Stimulation: Puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys can keep their minds active.
6. Maintain Regular Grooming
- Brushing: Regularly brush your cat to reduce shedding and prevent matting, especially if they have long fur.
- Nail Trimming: Keep their nails trimmed to prevent them from becoming too sharp or uncomfortable.
7. Health Care
- Regular Vet Visits: Take your cat to the vet for regular check-ups and vaccinations.
- Parasite Control: Keep up with flea, tick, and worm prevention.
8. Social Interaction
- Quality Time: Spend time with your cat daily. Even if it’s just sitting near them, your presence is often comforting.
- Multi-Cat Households: If you have multiple cats, ensure they get along and provide plenty of resources (litter boxes, food, etc.) to prevent competition.
9. Litter Box Care
- Cleanliness: Keep their litter box clean by scooping daily and changing the litter regularly.
- Privacy: Place the litter box in a quiet, low-traffic area.
10. Respect Their Hunting Instincts
- Hunting Play: Simulate hunting scenarios during play to satisfy their predatory instincts.
- Occasional Treats: Give them small treats after playtime as a reward, mimicking a successful hunt.
By focusing on these aspects, you can create a happy, healthy, and stimulating environment for your cat, ensuring they feel loved and cared for.
See the categories link below as there are several pages on cat caregiving mistakes.
