Table of Contents
Introduction
I love cats. I’ve loved them since I was a little girl and my grandmother would take me to visit the local shelter just so we could play with the kittens there. But it wasn’t until after our first kitty had passed away, that I realized how much work caring for a cat actually is. Now, almost seven years later, my husband and I have two stubborn cats who require constant attention and lots of patience from us as their human parents. It can be tough at times but when you finally figure out how to care for your stubborn pets properly—it will be worth all of your efforts!
I didn’t choose the cat life, the cat life chose me. I often think about the day I brought our first kitty home and how clueless we were that we had a super-stubborn feline on our hands. After five years of trial and error and lots of research, my husband and I have finally learned how to care for our headstrong cat. Here are a few tips to consider if you’re living with a stubborn cat.
Your cat is an independent, stubborn creature. It’s easy to assume that cats will follow your commands and come when you call, but often this isn’t the case with a super-stubborn feline. You may think your cat hates you or is plotting your demise when it ignores you, but usually it’s just because they can be very set in their ways – especially if they have been living on their own for a long time before coming into yours!
Cats are different than dogs in many ways: they don’t need constant attention or socialization in order to be happy (although all animals deserve love). They also don’t respond well to punishment; rather than learning from bad behavior after being scolded harshly by a human who’s frustrated at not getting what they want (which includes treats), cats will only become more stubborn if their owners try these tactics on them instead of understanding why these behaviors happen in the first place – which means there’s nothing wrong with wanting something else but getting told “no!”
Consider consulting with your vet.
Your vet is a good place to start. Your cat’s veterinarian can help you and your feline friend determine whether or not they have behavioral issues, as well as recommend treatments and solutions for them. If your cat has an underlying medical condition that’s causing him or her to act out, it’s important that you address this first before trying to find a solution for their behavior problems!
Vets can also provide insight into the best food options for your cat, which will vary depending on age, weight, health conditions and other factors. You may want to consider consulting with your vet before making any changes in diet so he or she can advise which food options would be best suited for each individual case.
Find the right food and treats.
Cats are very finicky eaters, so it may take a few tries to find the right food for your feline friend. Look for foods that:
- Are high in protein
- Have a lot of natural ingredients
- Have a lot of omega 3s (this can be found in fish oils)
- Include an assortment of vitamins and minerals that work with their body’s needs (like calcium)
Provide mental stimulation.
Cats need mental stimulation, just like dogs and humans do. They love to play and have fun with their owner, but this can get old after a while. Instead of providing your cat with the same old toys over and over again, switch it up!
Check out our list of favorite toys for cats below:
- Petmate Haywood Balls – These little balls are great for cats because they provide both physical and mental stimulation. The ball contains a bell inside that makes noise when you roll it around on the ground or throw it in the air for your cat to catch. The best part? This toy is designed to be safe if your cat bites down on it!
- Catit Senses 2.0 Food Tree – This food tree encourages independent feeding by hiding food underneath large leaves that require multiple steps before reaching their prize (translation: your cat will think he’s getting smarter as he tries to reach each piece). Plus, this product comes with two replacement trays so you don’t even haveto waste money buying new ones over time; simply replace one when needed instead!
Know your pet’s temperament to find their best toys.
Your pet’s temperament plays a large role in how you should train them, as well as what toys they like. For example, cats that are more active need more stimulation and will enjoy toys with bells or feathers. Cats that are more independent may not be interested in these types of toys because they do not require a lot of interaction.
Cats that are social or show aggression towards others may benefit from a toy with less stimulation so that they do not become overstimulated by other animals at the shelter; this will also help them feel safe when trying out new surroundings. Conversely, shy animals could benefit from having more attention paid to them so that they have something to interact with when being introduced at the shelter and will feel comfortable throughout their stay there.
Get extra help if needed.
If your stubborn cat is aggressive or in some other way difficult to handle, it’s best to get extra help from a professional trainer. If your stubborn cat is not aggressive and does not have special needs, then you can probably learn how to care for him on your own. If you need more specific tips, visit the vet or a cat behaviorist at the nearest pet store.
Stubborn pets might be challenging but can be overcome with some work!
Stubbornness is a personality trait, so it’s not going to go away. Your cat might be stubborn, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t love them. It just means you have to work harder to make sure they’re happy and well cared for.
The first step is consulting your vet and finding the right food and treats for your pet’s health. Then it’s important to spend time with them each day in order to build up trust between you two—which will help when it comes time for training!
Conclusion
Take heart, fellow cat owners. All in all, a super-stubborn feline can be fun and rewarding to raise as long as you have the patience and dedication to do so. Just remember that your pet’s stubbornness may come from past abuse or neglect, so it’s important to be patient when training them and show them love every day. A little extra time spent with them will go a long way toward their happiness!