The whiner
One of the most obvious ways your cat shows it is the boss is through its meow, particularly the urgent-sounding, high-pitched variety. Many owners think of cat purring as a sign of happiness, but according to research by the University of Sussex, this purr-cry can – like the meow – actually be a demand to be fed. The study showed that humans find these calls annoying and very difficult to ignore, and therefore do exactly what their cat asks of them, whether it is food or affection. Cats have learned to dramatically exaggerate their meows as it proves very effective in eliciting a response from their owners.
The bossy cat
Some experts believe that felines organise socially in a “despotic hierarchy”, where one cat is dominant and everyone else – including humans – are followers. Owners of “boss cats” can find themselves at the wrong end of petting-induced aggression. A cat might get antagonistic while being stroked using warning signs and actions such as growling or biting to get the desired effect. In the cat kingdom, this translates as: “I will be petted only when I want to be.”
Other signs of the bossy cat include being hostile when picked up, served food, or disturbed while sleeping. Other displays of kitty control include biting on specific parts of the body like the nose and toes to wake up their owners in the morning. They also have a habit of sitting on your newspaper or laptop to get attention and nipping to make sure their message is received loud and clear.
Active or passive?
Another way of looking at the feline/human relationship is to examine what kind of owner you are. Most domineering cats seem to belong to compliant, affectionate owners who are happy to do exactly as their pet wants. But if you try to wrestle control from your cat by watching out for these signs, it could spell trouble later on – watch out for narrowed eyes, furtive glances, ears swivelling and a twitching tail. You may get nipped.
… And here’s how to regain control …
If your cat shows signs of aggression or starts growling when you are holding it, put it down gently. Avoid showing irritation or handling your cat more firmly as this will only make the situation worse. Physical punishment should be avoided with aggressive felines as this exacerbates the problem. If your cat is aggressive at feeding times, then prepare the meals while the pet is out of the room. Then calmly let her in to eat. By doing this, you’ll be showing who is boss and provides the meals and treats. Try training your cat to obey commands by using food incentives or favourite toys as a reward. If you find that you need professional help, then ask your vet or a recommended animal behaviourist.
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