Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Cat behavior question
This is embarrassing but I am looking for a little input. Sorry it's kind of long but I feel like telling the whole story.
A few years ago I was kind of cat-sitting for my neighbors across the hall. I would just go in once a day and feed the cat while they were on vacation. Everything was fine for the first week, but then I was away for the weekend and and when I got back the cat was super territorial and started clawing at me when I would come in to feed her. After two days of this I ended up leaving out a bunch of dry food and not going back because I had no idea how to handle it. I think I posted about it here at the time, actually.
So, anyway. I moved into a house and there are a few of our neighbors who let their cats outside. Most of them mind their own business but there is one that does not. I was outside one day taking pictures of my flowers and it walked over to me. It was meowing but I was nervous so I walked away into the back yard. My H says it probably just was trying to be friendly and I should have pet it, but getting clawed at by that other cat really freaked me out when it comes to cats I don't know. I went back out a half hour later and the cat came back and I was like oh crap, I'm outta here and ran into the house. Embarrassing.
This morning I was walking to the bus and what do you know, my friend the cat is walking down the sidewalk too. As soon as it saw me it put its tail straight up in the air and started walking straight at me and meowing. I got nervous so I got off the sidewalk and walked past it as quickly as I could.
Is this cat trying to be my friend or trying to intimidate me?
Re: Cat behavior question
I have no idea but I think it's crappy that people let their cats roam around outside. That is asking for a beat up, hurt cat.
You should post this on pets!
I am afraid of cats too. My childhood BFF's cat always hissed and scratched at me, and it has instilled a lifelong fear of cats into me. I feel like they're always going to get me.
So no advice, but I understand how you feel!
I'm intimdated by the Pets board! Glad to know I'm not alone in weird fears of cats. If I know the owners I am cool with them.
Um yeah, I've gone into shelters and handled pit bulls with unknown histories, but I practically run past the cat cages.
I'm also a little afraid of the pets board.
Whaat?
I'm a pestie
You 2 are all hurtin' my e-feelings.
From what I've always seen, cats go to people who don't want them around! It has always happened with my pets... they head straight to the one that is allergic or fearful. I have no real ideas though... sorry!
if you ladies want to be exposed to a very non-intimidating cat, I have one just for you. PIP as proof.
Is her head stuffed in a tissue box???
First, people shouldn't let their cats roam.
Second, I would ask the neighbors how their cat is around others. It will be a good way to introduce yourself (if you already haven't) and get some feedback on the cat.
IMO the cat is probably trying to be friendly, and the tail up was likely excitement. But it may have also sensed your fear and been reacting to it on some level.
Our little Irish rose came to us on March 5, 2010
Don't drink the water.
Disclaimer: I am not an MD. Please don't PM me with pregnancy-related questions. Ask your doctor.
Yes... he sure is good looking-- that's all that he has going for him. He tried to climb in it to sit. He likes small spaces.
Hahahahaha!
Aw Punky, no offense meant. I just know nothing about cats and didn't want to barge in sounding like an idiot (I don't lurk there). Also, I didn't want to start a debate on whether cats should be left out on their own or not, because I have a feeling that can be controversial.
Dr. L, thanks for your insight. I wish I knew whose cat it is, but I'm not sure how to figure it out.
This cat definitely sounds friendly. When the tails goes straight into the air like that it usually a sign of happiness. Puffiness and swishing are usually signs of fear or aggression. Also check the ears. For the most part forward = happy, back = angry.
Since you haven't done anything to the cat it is unlikely that it is going out of its way to hurt you. It sounds like it just wants attention. If they want to be left alone it wouldn't come over to you at all. If you feel comfortable just stay in place and let the cat sniff you. Most likely it will just rub up against your leg and just wait around for you to pet it, but you don't have it. And you do pet it don't be surprised if it starts to follow you for more.
I thought MrsC would sprinkle some kitty wisdom here!
With that said, we have a few cats that are outside here, but they all run away from me like the plague.
The inside/outdoor cat debate is a big one on Pets, but you aren't the one leaving your cat outside.
Like Punky said, if the cats don't want you near them they will run away. Or if they can't/you corner them they will hiss and you'll know to stay away. By swishing their tail I mean swaying, if you will, back and forth. When my male cat gets scare his tail gets puffy and it kind of wriggles back and forth. Not wagging like a dog; it is hard to describe.
If they approach you it is usually a good sign. But if you aren't comfortable you can just walk away like you have been. It may trot after you but it doesn't sound like this particular cat will run after you and attack.
One more thing:
If you decide you want to try to pet the cat here are some do's and don'ts. At first avoid petting the head, belly, and paws. Most cats really hate having their back paws in particular touched. The belly is a sensitive area as well. Pet on its back. If the cat seems comfortable with you you can start to pet the head. A lot of cats love to be scratched behind the ear or under the chin, but you are close to the mouth and it is easy for them to bite if they change their mind so that's why I recommend not petting the head until you know the cat better.
Even the nicest cat can have a bad day. A lot of cats are also temperamental. My bosses cat will be fine one second then suddenly decide pet time is over and try to bite you. They play by their own rules. If you do by accident get scratched or bit put some antibiotic ointment on it.
This is so true. My little kitty is a sweet heart! She loves people, but every now and then she gets her panties in a bunch and will put her teeth on me or SO. (Not really biting, just letting us know that she could bite if she wanted to.)
I would just stand still and see what the cat does. If it is that interested, I bet he wants to be friends.
Oh... my kitty is strictly an indoor cat... she did bust through the front screen window at 2:30 in the morning one night, but fortunately tails make a great handle now and then... (I was not running down my street in the middle of the night in my boxers to chase after my silly kitty.)
ditto the bold - that's how my cat is.
If the cat is approaching you in the manner it is, I'm betting it's trying to be friendly. Cats that don't want to be near you, won't come near you, and certainly won't follow you anywhere. They're also not ones who will stalk around you waiting to attack - you're too big to be prey